Christmas in the Ozarks: November 12, 2010

Highlights from today: (click here for pictures)

 

The alarm went off at 7:30 and after laying in bed for a little bit, I finally got up and started stirring.  We commented about how dark it still was and how exhausted the kids were even at 7:30.  Soon, I made my way to the sink where our phones were plugged up and noticed that Robby’s clock didn’t say 7 something it said 6 something.  So our clock had gone off an hour early-which probably helped the kids get up easier since they heard us moving around for a little bit. 

Graham and Campbell were the first ones to leave the room this morning.  With everyone right near us, we were able to open the door and send them away knowing that someone would see them before they wandered off.  Reagan was next to get ready but since a girl has so many more things to do it took her a little while longer.  Anderson kept the covers over his head until he heard that Pops had donuts. 

Everyone had donuts and more donuts (even Campbell) as they waited on Robby and I to get ready.  They were ready to go to the park but since it didn’t open until 1 we had time for shopping.  Our first stop was the Tanger Outlet.  We walked around it pretty quickly-stopping briefly in a few children’s shops and the Stride Rite store so everyone could get shoes for Christmas.  Anderson needed church shoes, Reagan needed brown church shoes, Campbell just needed more everyday shoes and Graham needed more tennis shoes. 

The mall has quarter rides every few stores so the kids were well entertained.  Of course we did have our fair share of tears when they didn’t get to sit where they wanted.  It sprinkled off and on but since it was covered it didn’t really matter.  Reagan picked out a Belle doll which Jason picked up at the Disney store and we did a little shopping for shirts for May there as well.  Soon it was lunch time and we headed back to the car.

By this time, Graham was starting to feel pretty rough.  If you remember on Wednesday his eye was starting to get yucky and since then he has started to have a yucky nose too.  But now he was just being pitiful.  We ate at Panera and Graham just wanted to sit in some body’s lap.  It had rained enough for us to be thinking about plan B instead of Silver Dollar City but the sun started to come out and we headed there after lunch.

The ride to the park, Graham just held his ear and cried that his ear hurt.  Seriously, it was the most pitiful thing I have ever seen.  The poor kids was in pain-I have never had my kids feel that bad before.  He can be pretty whiney at times but this was real.  Anyway, he felt bad for most of Silver Dollar City.  He just had a melt down when Mom tried to get him to stand up so he could get another ride bracelet.  Eventually, he did fall asleep for a few minutes. 

Reagan and Anderson really enjoyed themselves at the park today.  Not only did they have Grannymom and Grandpa with them, Jason was there too and they were delighted.  We went to the rides again and Reagan was even able to do the roller coaster by herself-who would have thought she would have liked that.  She just raised her arms and loved it. 

We also rode a few more rides and then the pirate boat.  As we were getting out, Robby was watching Anderson (who was with me) get out and I was watching Robby get out and then splat Robby fell to the ground.  He didn’t mind the gap and fell completely on his hip with a thud.  He jumped up and was fine but will be very, very sore in the morning.  He scraped his arm a tad too-which almost caused Reagan to hyperventilate when she saw his scrape.  Fortunately, we didn’t have to add broken bones to our ailments!

Graham did wake up and felt some better.  He was still pretty fussy but we were able to convince him to get on the frogs a few times.  Robby even put him on the swings but he just quietly cried the whole time-poor baby felt bad!  After the swings, we walked and played on the nets.  Graham did start to enjoy the balls and the nets.  We played for a few minutes and then headed toward Grandfather’s Mansion.  It was entertaining as always to people watch there but it was very hot so we hurried along.

Robby stopped to buy some tickets while we headed on toward the gate.  Jason went off to do some shopping.  When Robby came back, we were about to board the tram and I suddenly remembered that Jason wasn’t with us.  He almost got left!  We called him and he was on his way out, so we were able to catch the tram.  We got a little wet on the tram but made it to the car before the down pour started.

Graham was happy to be back at our “hotel house” and see Pops.  Grannymom and Grandpa headed off to their show and after reloading up, we headed to the Landing.  We questioned if we should stay once we arrived due to the sprinkles but pressed on.  The plan was the eat at Joes but when they said an hour wait and the rain came a bit harder, we opted for Dave’s instead.  We were able to be seated immediately and scarfed down our food.

Next we walked through the Bass Pro shop.  Campbell so enjoyed watching the fish, Graham liked shooting the gun, Anderson liked the slot cars and train and Reagan liked the remote control cars.  Someone even gave the kids Christmas tree shaped silly bands.  After a little browsing, Andys was calling our name.

Grannymom and Grandpa were finished with the show, so we picked up everyone’s orders and met back at the room.  The adults finished theirs quickly and Campbell ate everything that she I gave her.  Anderson did pretty well with his cup but Reagan barely touched her.  Graham didn’t eat any of his but was so excited to have his own chocolate ice cream.  I guess he was so excited that he forgot to eat!

Next up, bedtime for everyone!

Yesterday: Grannymom and Grandpa rode with us to the park yesterday (yes, it was tight squeeze but we fit)  When Grannymom sat down between Reagan and Anderson, Anderson picked up the towel beside him and showed Grannymom.  Since Reagan had the stomach virus right before we left, I thought we better be prepared.  Anderson said “Grannymom, if you think you are going to spit, you get this towel and use it”-sometimes I think they aren’t listening but they just might be!

No comments: