Table Rock

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yes, I know that I'm a little late getting the blog updated with our vacation to Table Rock, at the beginning of August. Since we got back from vacation we've been going non-stop with school starting. But nevertheless, we have it now =)

We went to Table Rock with Mark's parents, and brother TJ, and sister Lisa. We had a marvelous time! On our way down there we met everyone in Springfield, MO at a famous "roll-tossing" restaurant called Lambert's. The food is very good (BIG portions), and you have to keep your eyes open because they have a cart that comes by and a guy tosses you rolls!

We stayed near the lake, and had a beautiful view from a neat patio home. On Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday we went out on Table Rock lake. Mark's parents rented a pontoon boat, jet skis, and a speed boat on separate days...so we were able to really enjoy the lake! The kids had a blast and we were able to go tubing, water skiing and knee boarding. It was my first time water skiing-so that was an adventure!! TJ, Mark, and Mark's mom, Linda, looked like pros out on the water skiis. Lisa showed off on the knee board!! Caleb liked going tubing-as long as it wasn't too fast =) The jet skis were a lot of fun! We managed to learn some neat tricks (not too dangerous), and by the end of the day had explored a good portion of the lake. Caleb and Katelynn even enjoyed the jet skis (well, that is until Mark took a sharp turn and flipped he, Katelynn and I into the water), but we all had a great time!

Mark and his dad, Tony, played golf a couple times during the week. The golf course was within the community that we stayed. They did try out a different course one of the days that they played. Mark really enjoyed the time, since he hasn't been able to golf as much this summer. They went during the morning, so it wasn't as hot outside. The terrain and views are much different there compared to Kansas. It was a nice change of pace!

On Wednesday, Linda, Lisa, Caleb, Katelynn and I went to a show in the Branson area. We saw the Shanghai Circus. It was a very neat show with many talented acrobats and dancers. The kids were mesmerized by the performance, and we couldn't believe all of the things they could do! The group that puts on the show is from China, and they spend most months out of the year in Branson.

Thurday was Silver Dollar City day! Fun, fun, fun =) We had a really great time there! The kids saw a Veggietales show with Tony and Linda, and did some fun activities in the children's area. Caleb even went on quite a few rides, including a kiddie-rollar coaster and spinning tea cups! TJ, Lisa, Mark and I were able to ride quite a few rollar coasters (no one got sick!) including a few that got us drenched! Luckily it was rather warm outside, so it wasn't too cold! We even went on a giant swing that took us up very high into the air (I almost got sick on that one!).

On Saturday, before we headed back home, we all went to a favorite restaurant of mine called Billy Gail's. It's a little hole-in-the-wall type of place, but has very good food! Mark and I discovered it last year when we went down there for our weekend get-away. The breakfast is awesome, and they make pancakes bigger than your plate!

Overall we had a great week! Everyone was able to relax and slow down a bit. We really enjoyed spending time with Mark's family and the kids had a ball!!! Such a nice trip before the craziness of school/fall began! I'll get to that later in another post =) =)