The Peterson Family: Thanksgiving in Branson!!

This year for Thanksgiving we headed to Branson, Missouri for our second year in a row. We really enjoyed ourselves last year and decided we would try it again this year. We left the day before Thanksgiving and met Ricks brother and wife there. We also had some other friends from McKinney there as well. The first night we were there we took the kids to watch "The Acrobats of China" show. Oh my gosh they were amazing. I can't believe how strong they were and the crazy things they could do with their bodies!!

The next day was Thanksgiving. We took our time getting ready and hung around the hotel for a bit, then headed to our Thanksgiving Feast! We went to another hotel that had a buffet. It was delicious!!!!

Great food, as much as we wanted, and no cleaning up!!! FABULOUS!!! What an awesome day of the year. I look at these pictures and am so grateful for the many blessings I have received throughout my life. I am truly grateful for all that I have.

I am especially grateful for my hubby. I was so lucky to find him and be able to spend the rest of my life with him.

This year it actually started snowing a bit as we walked out of lunch. That didn't last long, but was followed by a little rain. SO - our options of a day on the town didn't happen. Instead we headed back to the hotel and the boys watched a little football.

The rest of us kept up with the yearly tradition of making GUMDROP TURKEYS!!! It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without the gumdrop turkeys.

Paige and her turkey...

Mom decided she would get in on the fun too!!

Jordan and her turkey...

We had so many turkeys, the kids ended up getting creative and making all kinds of animals!

The rain finally stopped so we decided to walk around the town a bit. We were absolutely freezing, but had a great time window shopping. As we spent this time together, giggling, playing, joking, cuddling all together - I again realized what life is about. Being with those we love! Times like these are so very precious. I know I will remember them always.

On our way home we stopped at one of our favorite places ....Krispy Kreme. What could be better than a warm donut and hot chocolate.

Once we got home, the girls and I sad our goodbyes and headed out the door for some Thanksgiving Shopping!!!! We grabbed one of Jordan's friends that was their to go with us. He was such a good sport!!! We got to the outlet mall around 11:00 and it was already packed! We had such a good time. Not only did we find some great buys, but we had a great time taking silly pictures and videos!!! We actually headed back to Krispy Kreme before we headed back to the hotel. When we got back to the hotel it was 3:30, I dropped the kids off and headed back by myself to Walmart. This was my first Thanksgiving Walmart experience....I will just say it was interesting. I was sure happy to climb into bed when I got home at 6:00 AM!!! We were super tired, but it was SO worth it!!

By the weekend, the weather was great!! Rick was able to go golfing with his brother and the rest of us were able to enjoy Branson. The kids could hardly wait to ride the go karts, so we headed there first!!!

Everyone except Cody was able to ride their own car....the battle was on!!! Cody and I were in first most of the time, but I think Chase passed us right at the end. We definitely worked up an appetite, so off to lunch we went. Our favorite part was the GIGANTIC banana split we tried to share.

Even with 6 of us, we still couldn't finish it all. Close, but nope, we couldn't do it. And this is how far we got!!!

We walked around the cute village of shops and ended up at our favorite picture spot. The gigantic rocking chair!!

Every year the kids ask if we can buy it!! Where in the world would one put such a large chair??

We had a wonderful weekend in Branson. We hit as many shows as we could. The boys were sure to ask dad for a souvenir at just about all of them :) I actually do love their "vase" hats.