The Bright Eyed Brunette

We had a great weekend getaway to the Ozark Mountains in Missouri.  Branson, Missouri to be exact. With our two youngest kids working full-time now, we decided that a full-on vacation just wouldn't be in the cards.  Makena just started her job so she has no PTO or vacation as of now, and Trey is pretty busy at work right now trying to get a combine ready for a local farmer (rice harvest is right around the corner!).  This just worked best for this year. The mountains are beautiful, but I think I'm more of a flat-land girlie! It was also Makena's birthday weekend (so she got off on her birthday, which just happened to be on a Saturday!) Our birthday girl turned 22! On her birthday we spent the day at Silver Dollar City. If you know Makena, you know that she loves her a good rollercoaster! We rode them all!  And walked for miles and miles.  Family Fun at its finest! Had to get our picture with the World's Largest Soup Can :) She was wearing her birthday pin that t...

 Happy Independence Day, friends! We had a pretty great day even though it wasn't a typical 4th of July for us.  Carl worked first thing in the morning then mowed the yard. I packed our lunch and we went to the river (in 2 boats and 1 jet ski) for 3 people (insert eye roll) around 11.  Makena, aka Malibu Barbie on her jet ski Trey, aka Rowdy Rooster, with his boat Me and my love Makena just chillin' The sandbar was really crowded but we came early enough to find a good spot. Headed back to the landing so someone can go check rice water. Such a kill joy :( We actually had to go back home anyway so we could get ready for the party at our house. Makena, Wrenley, and Pop enjoying their yummy desserts! She loves dessert and her Aunt "Ky" Carlie and Caleb, ready to light fireworks! Me and Wrenley were counting down for them to light sparklers I know it wasn't dark, but she was getting tired and we were about to get eaten up by mosquitos. Carlie and Trey with their spark...