Branson 2012!!!

 Ready to roll in our "Branson or Bust" shirts (Miss K was having an emotional morning and was not such a happy camper at picture time)

We made our annual pilgrimage to Branson the last week of June.  This year was super fun, super busy, and super HOT!  I think it was the hottest weather we have ever had there.  It sure is a good thing the kids love to swim, because it was the only way to cool off after a busy day of running around.

 Cousins!

Jada, Braeden, Rhett, Quinn, Cori, Kenley, Drew, Tessa, Ryan, and Kate

We had 2 new members of the family joining us this year.  Justin and Jessica's baby girl, Kenley, and Jeremy and Julie's baby boy, Quinn.  The new babies did great being around all of the chaos of the older kids and I really enjoyed holding them after my babies crashed at night! 

 Baby Kenley's 1st trip to Branson

 Little explorers at the Butterfly Palace

 zebra girls (Kenley had a matching dress too!)

 All aboard!

Riding the train (and the other rides) at the kiddie park was a HUGE hit with Kate and Ryan this year.  This is the first year they were tall enough to ride the rides and they had a blast!

 family pics in lavender



summer school

 Ryan and Kate's first day of school!

We're still alive!

It's been a while since I posted anything, so here's a quick re-cap of what's been going on with our little family: 
1.  We moved- Matt started his job as Director of the Miami Housing Authority (Oklahoma, not Florida) on June 1st.  We made it here with most of our stuff (sanity included) intact.  We are getting adjusted to life in a smaller town.  It is different than Stillwater for sure, but we've met some very nice people and are actively seeking a church home.  I think Stillwater will always be "home" but I am grateful for this opportunity for us to grow as a family and for Matt to have this new job (which he really likes) as well.
2.  My sweet grandmother, Joyce Braly, went home to be with Jesus right at the beginning of June (and right during our move as well).  She was an amazing lady who loved Jesus with all of her heart and LOVED to honor Him through music.  While I will miss her here on earth, we KNOW that we will see her again, and rest in the peace that she is now praising Jesus healthy and whole in heaven.
3.  Ryan and Kate started going to pre-school at joyful Learning Center, two days a week.  It has been an adjustment for them since they have not been in a school setting before, but they are liking it.  Their teacher is Miss Michelle and they love her.  And I have been truly enjoying having a little "free time" when they are at school (although I spend a lot of it at the gym, running errands, cleaning, so I don't know how much fun that stuff is - but necessary!)
4.  We went to Branson for our annual Mills family vacation/reunion.  We had a GREAT trip!  It was so much fun that I could hardly believe it was time to head home so soon.
That about sums it up for now.  I promise to post some pics soon as proof that we are still alive, but for now, you'll just have to take my word for it!