For the last 2 years we have gone to Branson for our family vacation. It is just far enough away that the kids don't get too anxious in the car. So we didn't mess with what works and packed up the car and headed back to Branson again this year. My parents and my sister picked up Ty from daycare and left a few hours before we did. After I got off work, I came home to clean up the house(you can never leave for a trip with a dirty house) and pack up the car. Once Josh got home I went to get Max from daycare on we were on our way to a weekend in the wilderness.
Max was a wonderful little rider. He started off with a nap and finished the trip sleeping too. We arrived at Big Cedar around 10pm. Needless to say, it took awhile to get everyone sleeping. Except Max who remained sleeping untill 5am.
So, of course I never took any pictures of our condo or the resort for that matter. If there isn't one of my kids in a picture then I got if off Big Cedar's website.
 |
| Our Room |
 |
| Main Living Area |
 |
| Kitchen/Dinning Room |
Grandma made breakfast the next moring and then we started getting everyone ready for the pool. I was so excited because there is a great kiddie pool that has water fountains that squirt into the water. I knew Ty would love this.
 |
| The Little Dudes |
 |
| Rocking the shades |
 |
| Look up, Ty! |
 |
| So excited to go swimming! |
 |
| Ty was already on second pair of trunks since he peed through his first pair |
Once we got to the pool, Ty wasn't not interested in the kiddie pool and by not interested I mean...a death grip on me. So we all went into the big pool together.
 |
| I think someone really enjoyed this! |
 |
| Grandma and Daddy showing Ty the waterfall |
 |
| Love this! |
Everyone enjoyed the water! This pool was the closest to where we stayed but we also enjoyed going to the pool by the lodge. There was a lazy river and a water slide and another kiddie pool.
 |
| Kiddie pool |
I don't have any pictures of the lazy river or water slide but they were great! We spent hours of our vacation on the lazy river. Ty didn't enjoy the water slide so much and that was fine. He just had to watch me go down it over and over. :)
On Sunday, we went swimming again and then went back to rest and get cleaned up for the BBQ. The resort hosted a great party. There was yummy BBQ, good entainment, awesome weather, and tons of open space for the kids to run around. The night ended with the best fireworks I have ever watched.
 |
| Grandma & Max |
 |
| "Manha & Buzz" Ty referred to himself as Buzz most of our trip. |
 |
| Papa & Max |
 |
| One of the beautiful buildings at Big Cedar |
 |
| Max caught a nap |
 |
| Well rested and ready for more fun. |
 |
| Ty was pretty much non stop the whole evening |
 |
| Trying to stop him for a picture |
 |
| Mommy & Ty |
 |
| Our attempt at a family picture was a big fail. These two are the best I could find. |
 |
| Sweet Cheeks |
 |
| My Boys |
 |
| Juice Break |
 |
| View of the picnic area |
 |
Kids can make anything fun.
|
Once it started to get dark we made our way to a different grassy spot and got ready to watch some fireworks. Ty was still less than thrilled with the noise from the fireworks, so Aunt Amanda distracted him with her camera. Ty helped take some pictures of the great display. As for Max...well let me just tell you that fireworks + Max + some fresh sun for mom = a painful night.
 |
| Boats coming over for the show |
 |
Max preparing to claw me to death.
Grandma caught a lightning bug! |
 |
| Ty and Amanda's pictures |
The rest of our time was spent swimming, eating, and shopping. Not much sleep was had by anyone on this vacation. Max had two teeth pop through while we were there and he wasn't happy about it. My boys do very well with a schedule and that doesn't work when you're not at home.
 |
| Ty wanted to feed Max |
 |
| Max wearing more food than he ate. |
 |
| What a helpful big bro |
 |
| Ty loved this big fish! |
We loved going to Big Cedar and are looking forward to going back next year. By then Max won't be teething and hopefully everyone will have a more rested vacation. It was so nice not having to load the boys in and out of the cars the entire time. There is a great shuttle service at BC and we used it often. I would totally recommend this resort to anyone. Kids or no kids it would be a great time!
