Family Time

Good Morning Girls!  Thanks for stopping by and since it is such a hot morning here, I'll offer you a bottle of water rather than coffee.  It's just the best summertime drink and I'm working on it becoming my best "all time" drink. And, just in case you didn't notice, I'm #1 on the list this morning. Awe! so good to be #1 once in a while. ~smile~

At the entrance to Silver Dollar City

Last Wednesday Hubby, my Dad and Step Mom and myself met my baby brother and his family in Branson. We stayed in a 4 bedroom, 4 bath condo on TableRock Lake. It was a beautiful place.

My brother and me

My brother has a 19 year old daughter and a 14 year old son. They were such troopers and it seemed as though they did not mind a bit being with all us "old folks."  They are some great kids.  It's always been fun to have a brother 13 years younger than myself!

My sweet niece and nephew

We enjoyed seeing some shows, checking out the outlet shopping, going to Silver Dollar City, game playing in the evening and just being together.

Grandpa with his Grandson

The Ladies

My brother after a 16 1/2 mile early morning run

My brother is preparing for a partial climb up Mt. Everest next March and began preparing for this about 3 months ago.  He's always been very committed to exercise and being fit, but he is on an unbelievable schedule for this endeavor.  And, he is hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon in October 2011 and I have little doubt that he will qualify.  Last Saturday morning while the rest of the family was snoozing away he was gone on a 16 1/2 mile run and didn't look all that weary upon his return to the condo.  Amazing!

Hubby looking at the map of Silver Dollar City

Getting ready to ride the Segways

One of the hi-lites of the trip was riding the Segways.  I almost backed out but decided that I really didn't want to miss out on this fun and I wanted my niece and nephew to think they had a very "hip" Aunt. ~chuckle~  Putting on the crazy helmets was the worse part, but riding them was such fun.  I've decided I wouldn't mind having one to run about the neighborhood on. ~smile~

About to take off

Daddy relaxing

I'm so grateful for the opportunity that our family had to be together for this special time.  I feel so blessed to call them "mine."  Since we're separated by many miles, we look forward to the times we are together and try to make a lot of memories in the process.  Last week was one of those times. 

For more great "blog hopping" head on over to Rachel Anne's.  It's a lot of fun and addicting! ~giggle~