Thanksgiving in Branson!

We decided to try something new this year and went to Branson over Thanksgiving.  We joined a couple other families (Gillespie's, Petersons, Dibbles and Andersons) and ate a Thanksgiving feast at Golden Corral at 10 am after waiting outside in the cold for an hour.  Then we played some cards and hung out with friends before heading to Silver Dollar City for some good old fashioned amusement park fun.  The only drawback was the cold weather.  We loved the rides and got to explore a very cool cave and eat yummy cinnamon bread.  It was just cold and wet.  We did another full day at the park on our own and waited all day for this ride called the "Time Traveler" to open.  It was "weather dependent."  Everyone was cold and wet all day but kept on going.  We had no lines to wait in but a lot rides were closed.  Lucky for us- there were shows to keep us entertained. We saw "A Christmas Carol" and "Its a Wonderful Life."  So with that and the beautiful light displays we definitely got a taste of the Christmas season.  Luckily just around 5pm when everyone was done being cold, the Time Traveler ride opened.  It was worth the wait.  We rode it twice and then left the park to warm up and have dinner at IHOP.
I should also mention another trip highlight- the first night we got there we went to a well known restaurant called Lamberts which is famous for throwing rolls at you.  That was a hit- literally -hahaha

The mug at the side of this picture was a big part of our day.  We continually filled it with hot chocolate after hot chocolate after hot chocolate.  It was all we could do to keep warm.

In the cave

outside the cabin we stayed in

Yummy those rolls were so good!

  

Emmitts first wrestling tournament

Can I just say wrestling is the toughest sport! The toughest to compete in both physically and mentally and the toughest for this mom to watch!!! Yesterday was Emmitts first tournament and it was crazy. Highs and lows. After losing 3 super grueling matches by points. Going the full time each time, but never getting pinned- To finally pin his last guy and win the last match. It was a wild ride. 
And then there was Braydens tournament. He took second. Five pins and then a loss in the finals.
2 tournaments. 20 hours of wrestling. I love it and I hate it. It’s taught Brayden mental toughness, hard work, and incredible self discipline. That’s what I love but the fact that win or lose you get physically beat down every single time is the part I hate. It’s fun that his brother wants to join him in the wrestling world. These two medal earners celebrated together afterwards with a chick Fil a date.

Emmitt at "weigh ins" the night before the tournament.  He didn't eat from after school until then so he could squeak in under 65 lbs.  Afterwards Makenna and I and Emmitt went out for a feast at Jasons Deli.

Emmitt and his coach - Coach Jukes

Prosper Varsity Boys and Girls at their tournament

The boys with their medals on their way to Chick Fill A

Brayden wrestling

Wrestling Bros

These year Emmitt is going to compete in some wrestling tournaments for the first time and so he was quite excited to get his singlet.  These brothers are so cute!  Brayden is a great roll model for Emmitt and I love the great relationship they have.

Cute Doggies

These two have really become best buds.

I always like before and after pics whenever I take Gracie to be groomed.  Sadly she's always cuter "before" 

Another great soccer season

Lady Force dominated this season.  We had a wonderful new coach and lots of new players and a pretty successful season.

The Final Gametime

Brayden has really enjoyed being part of the pregame show at the new stadium this year.  We are sad that its coming to an end.  Tonight was the final night and Kevin and I were able to come watch the taping "backstage" from the community room.

Horseback Riding Lessons

One of Emmitts birthday presents that he wanted most of all was horseback riding lessons.  We found a great guy named Chuck which taught Emmitt all about horses and had him galloping on the very first day.  Emmitt love his lessons.

Halloween

We had a very happy Halloween this year.  First there was pumpkin carving.  The boys did one and the girls did one.  They turned out fabulous!  Then we went to the ward Trunk or Treat that had to be taken inside because of bad weather.  It was still fun though and all the kids dressed up.  Emmitt and Brayden were Harry Potters.  Makenna brought back the classic "smarty pants" costume and Brielle was Winnie the Pooh with her friends who were Tigger and Piglet.  So cute and fun!  On Halloween we did our favorite activities of dinner at the Camps and then trick or treating and then Hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls at the Petersons.  Tiring but fun!

Makenna with friends Kaitlyn and Scott

Brayden Emmitt and Alice

Taeya Emmitt and Marsay

Addie, Brielle and Kylie