Niah's Birthday Getaway

We wanted to do something extra special for Niah's 15th birthday.  This was an important birthday to her and to us as well.  Last fall we had accepted an offer to tour a resort in Branson for a promotional, and had planned to use it for an anniversary getaway, but it just didn't work out with our schedules the way we had wanted it to.  One day, we realized that this special getaway offer would actually be the perfect treat for Niah!  We wanted it to be a surprise...so we were hoping that she would be as thrilled as we thought she would be.

We checked in on February 21st.  We were surprised to discover that our  "room" was as big as a house--it was actually even larger than where we currently live!  The place was stunning, and the kids were thrilled.  We had joking teased Niah prior to the trip that we were just going to to Branson and "camp out" tent-style.  Given the freezing weather, this was a much cozier idea!

Niah enjoyed a room to herself because the other kids slept on the pull-out couch in the living room.  Everyone had their own "place".  It was nice.

The kids loved the large walk-in shower.  I loved the bathtub and the fact that there was enough hot water for us all!  So whether we were rinsing off from a recent swim or just having fun, we took advantage of the bathrooms!

Because the resort was so large, courtesy buses ran to and from places like the pool/hot tubs, the mini golf course, etc.  We all enjoyed the rides, but Isaiah enjoyed it the most!

We spent a lot of time outdoors. We walked the beautiful trails, played mini-golf, volleyball, and even played on the playground! No matter where we went, the scenery was breathtaking. I would have loved to do an actual photo shoot of each of the kids, but we weren't prepared for that.  Still...we couldn't resist grabbing a shot or two!

Awww.....the hot tubs.  My personal favorite!  It was SOOOO cold outside, but the hot tubs were HOT, so as long as you stayed in the water, you were just fine.  After a while, your body temperature was hot enough that you could briefly step out of the water and even sit on the edge. Niah and I spent most of our time outdoors in the big spa...

...and the kids spent their time in the indoor pool.  They had fun with the water slide.  Daddy enjoyed watching the kids swim--which was great because it gave me an opportunity to just sit in the hot tub!

Right before we would leave for the night, the kids would all jump in the hot tub to get warmed up for the return trip back to our resort room.

One night Daddy cooked a special birthday dinner for Niah, and we also celebrated with dessert and a candle!  Niah received ONE MORE special treat--a Thunder hat that she had been wanting!

Our last day was bitter sweet.  We  had enjoyed several days of FUN...but now it was time to think about returning home.  We said one last good-bye to the view from our room...

...and one more good-bye to our vacation "home"...

...and headed out to do a few more activities at the resort before heading back on the road. The first stop was the horse stables.

We originally thought that we would all be able to ride, but they had moved the trail horses off location. All that was left was the trail ride horses for the kids.  Kiahna and Isaiah were the only ones who qualified as "kids".

Comanche was a gentle horse. Kiahna rode first and had a blast. Isaiah waited patiently for his turn. He enjoyed every minute of it!  I'm just guessing, but I have a feeling that Isaiah's stick horse will be renamed to Comanche as soon as we get home!

We left today...and today (February 23rd) is actually my mother's 60th birthday.  My parents will be arriving at the resort later on today.  We had hoped to get to see them, but they are not going to be in until the evening, and we have to get back for Niah's volleyball game tomorrow.

We were able to drop off a surprise at the exact cabin that they will be staying in.  The kids are so excited! They love giving surprises as much as getting them!

We had such a blast! We decided to return for our Christmas vacation, so we have great things to look forward to!