Family Fun

Yesterday Roy, I and the kids woke up early and we surprised them all with the fact that we were going to Silver Dollar City for the day! They were all very excited - Benjamin even did a little dance when we told him where we were going. We had a BLAST!! We didn't make it there at all as a family last year since Eli was little and there wasn't a whole lot he could do. Payton went a few times last year with her Aunt Jenny (Roy's sister), so this was the first time this year that we went as a family of five AND it was the first year that we all ride the rides as a family of five! It was so much fun. We were all able to ride the American Plunge, the Lost Mine and the Raging River (or something like that). It was great - my eyes welled up with tears on the River ride since that was the first one that we got on together. I was a little nervous about the American Plunge but everyone did great! Benjamin even rode Thunderation - his VERY FIRST ROLLER COASTER. I stayed back with Eli, but when Ben got off the ride he said he loved it! The only time we had a meltdown was when American Plunge was over - Eli threw a fit because he didn't want to get off! We walked around and had some lunch. Payton loves ALL of the roller coasters so the boys and I waited for them while they rode Wildfire and the Giant Barn Swing. She and I rode Powder Keg - IN THE FRONT ROW. Payton has to ride all of the coasters in the front row. I didn't really think it would make a difference but it does. I was a little nervous in the front. Especially when it shoots you 50 feet at 100 miles an hour in 10 seconds (I might be exaggerating here, but you get the point).

I am so thankful for my husband. My dad never really did things like that we were kids and it is so important to both me and Roy that he's there for all of the fun stuff that the kids want to do. Roy used to go to Silver Dollar City a lot as a youngster so I think he has just as much fun as the kids do. He is an amazing man. He takes such good care of us and I am so thankful for his leadership and his kind heart.

I am also thankful for my Heavenly Father for blessing me with such a sweet family with whom I can create memories. He put a hedge of protection around us all day yesterday from the driving to Branson (many curvy roads), while we there (protection from strangers, bad attitudes and a thankful heart from all of the kids), and the drive home (all the kids were in their own seat so no fighting about people touching other people :). Yesterday was one of those days that I will never forget. I know I owe it all to God for giving me such an awesome family and an incredible life.

God, you are GOOD!