Branson!

A few weeks ago, we got to go to Branson, Mo to visit Papa and Nana!

Here are some pictures...

Fun at the Lake! Dominique came down for the weekend and we all went out to the lake (which incidentally is in their front yard!) 

The kids loved jumping off the back of the pontoon boat...

As the sun started to set, my Dad grilled hamburgers on the boat and we all relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. Then, more jumping!

The next day, the boys went down to the dive shop to finish their open water diving certification. They did the classroom part online before we came. The instructor, Monty, fitted them with their equipment and brought them down to the pool. He gave them some instruction and then they went under! Breathing underwater for the first time!!

They were born to do this! No problem! My Dad has always called them guppies.....

The next day, it was off to the lake to dive.  My Dad and Michael are also certified divers so they joined them. Here they are getting all of their gear on. 

Ready to dive! Their equipment is VERY heavy (and makes them very hot!) until they get into the water.

Some more instruction and then they were down. Dylan, Michael and Dad had trouble clearing their ears at first but after a few tries they were able to get down to 30-45 feet. The water becomes much clearer the futher down you go so they could see fish and reefs under the water. Very cool!  They cannot wait to go again!

Trinity was really wanting to scuba dive but is not old enough quite yet. So she learned to snorkel and did very well with it! Michael even let her use his extra regulator and she did breath underwater for a little while. I am sure when the time comes, she will be right under there with her brothers!

Later that  night, we went to the Butterfly Palace! It was very beautiful and interesting to learn all about butterflies. You are not supposed to touch the butterflies (especially their wings) but if they land on you than you can let them!

There was also beautiful flowers in the sanctuary!

That evening, we celebrated Nana's birthday with a cake that Trinity and I made. It had a tree on it with butterflies and flowers which was perfect!

The next day, we went to Silver Dollar City!

Papa was very brave to take Trinity on this one!

As always, we enjoyed our time there! Thanks Dad and Pam for everything!

When we got home, Landry had decorated Christian's room to suprise him!