Day 2 of our Missouri Getaway

Day 2 of our trip was probably my absolute favorite day!

Silver Dollar City! 

It's a great place in the Summer but I would trade that to go every year at Christmas time.

If you have never gone, it is a MUST!

We started out with about 2 hours of day light left. 

We grabbed a bite to eat so we were ready to enjoy our evening. 

We were so glad that Gram was up for going with us this time.

 Not much holds her back.

The shops were just GORGEOUS and if my husband was not right next to me I would have given in to the deals that were calling my name. (Next time I will have to send him on a potty run with the kids) *wink

I was in awe of the lights while the sun was still out but when the sun went down, it made this picture seem dull.

It is just unbelievable about the detail put in to every single light. Every light faces the same way and everything is so perfect.

First up was getting the kids on a few rides. Luke was thrilled and ready to go.

Liv was excited too and could not wait to get me on the tea cups. *Insert gagging here*

Liv had a blast and I was shocked at how well I did without feeling ill.

As soon as we hopped off the tea cups, a parade started right where everyone was waiting.

WE ALL LOVED IT!!! So magical and it wasn't even Disney World.

Liv LOVED the Princess in the blue dress with sparkling lights coming out of her dress.

As soon as the parade was over we started back up on the rides.

We stopped in a store and found a spot for cookie making.

While waiting in line for some rides, Rog took a few more pictures of the decorated buildings.

This tree was just GORGEOUS! It not only lit up perfectly, it had rain drop lights falling down off of the branches. I could have stared at that for hours.

The highlight of the night was getting to the Christmas tree and watch it light up to the music.

After the light show, some ice cream, hot chocolate and shakes we were ready to go back home.

On our walk out, we saw a proposal right by the tree. TOO CUTE!!!!

Hated to leave but we decided that was enough walking and cold for one evening. They also were closing so I guess we had no choice. 

These pictures don't even come close to expressing the beauty in all the lights. 

It is DEFINITELY a must see!

Thanks Deanna, Alan and Gram for making sure we made it to Silver Dollar City before they closed for the season.

Missouri Getaway

A few days after Christmas, we packed up and took a quick trip to Missouri to spend time with family.

We had such a great time and just love it there!

The first day we were there we headed over to Incredible Pizza. 

It's a bit like Chuck E Cheese's and Haunted Trails only better. 

YES. I said better. 

We spent the whole time there trying to figure out how we could bring one to Joliet but realized it would take more money and energy than what we have at the moment.

After we ate and headed to the game room, Rog and Luke went one way, I took Liv and Annelyse went with her vacation mommy, Aunt Deanna.

After riding the kiddie rides, we took the kids on the go carts.

It was close until the first turn and then Rog and Luke were in first place the whole time and Liv and I humbly took last place. It's OK. We still had fun.

For being in first place, Luke won a ribbon that he proudly showed off to anyone that would listen.

After spending a few hours there, we did a bit of boot shopping (thanks to Kohls cash) and headed back home to get ready for a date night. 

Alan and Deanna were so kind to take our kids for the night so that Rog and I could have a night out and enjoy their town.

When we returned home, we came back realizing we could have stayed out a bit longer due to the excellent babysitters.

If you can get my little ones to fall asleep in your arms then you are a pro in my book.

It was so sweet to walk in and see this. I didn't want to move her.

Day 1 was filled with games, fun, shopping, eating, movies and being rocked to sleep by the best vacation mommy. *wink

Christmas Day

So I don't have to really say that this year, Christmas being on a Sunday, meant a bit of planning to make the morning as slow paced as possible. 

I am excited and shocked to say that we woke up, dressed the kids, ate a big breakfast, opened presents and got to church on time. Early even and all before 10 AM. We can barely do that on a regular Sunday minus everything but getting dressed and getting out the door by 9AM.

Oh well, God is GRACIOUS for sure and apparently wanted us to enjoy his day as stress free as possible.

We were only going to let the kids open up their stockings before church but we had so much time that I begged Rog until he gave in told the kids they could open up all of their gifts then.

I love these pictures. 

Clearly, Annelyse is the only one that is dressed for presents. What kids dress up for presents, hair done and all? 

LOVE IT.

It was so fun watching Annelyse this year open her gifts. Last year she was only two months old and didn't move so I was excited about this year.

This pic is not of her yawning.

 She was so excited to get this book and I love her expression. 

Pure excitement!

It was crazy to watch the kids open gifts this year. They are getting so big and watching them at this age takes me back to when I was a kid.

This was my favorite moment.

For some reason, Liv has been asking for a pony for quite some time. Not really sure why but I gave in and found one for her.

This girl is something else, She opened the pony and in between the above picture and below she hugged her pony and said, "This is the pony I have always wanted."

Rog and I were not aloud to buy for each other this year (because we are going to a concert in April) but the kids just begged to get daddy a present or two.

Of course I said yes. 

I absolutely LOVED having Christmas on a Sunday! The whole meaning of Christmas just meant so much more to me by being able to go to church and worship our Christ on his birthday and be with our whole church family.

After church I had my parents and Rog's parents over for a Lasagna Dinner and the kids opened more presents from Grandma 'Nette and Papa.

It was such a WONDERFUL day!!!