Korenak Family Branson Vacation 2014

This year we were so blessed to get to go on vacation with our dear friends the Wamsers. As much as I love being in Oklahoma with my family I do desperately miss the people who had become my family in St. Louis. Michelle and I have the kids the same age which makes it that much more fun.
Branson happened to be sort of half way so we rented a log cabin for the weekend and let the fun begin.

Day one we started with the Duck Boat tour of Branson. I wasn't quite sure why we drove around Branson for an hour and then only spent 10 minutes on the lake, which is what all the kids really wanted to do. All the kids thoroughly enjoyed their duck whistles while waiting for the ride to begin. They also looked fantastic in their Cardinals hats!!! Captain Woody kept us entertained once we were on the boats, well not the boys, they feel asleep, but they woke back up in time for the grand entry into water. Zane was a little to sleepy to take his turn at driving the boat, but Jamey took a spin as a junior Caption and did a great job.

 The Wamser and Korenak kids, oh so cute!!

 Captain Jamey at the helm!!

After we road the boats we ate lunch complete with $10 margaritas.  No we did not know they cost ten dollars when we ordered them, oops. I guess that's par for the coarse when you're on vaca. Both afternoons, after nap time, we headed to the pool by our cabin for lots of swimming fun. Turns out Zane doesn't really know how to swim at all without his life jacket, good to know, but slightly terrifying. We definitely have to get back into swim lessons ASAP. The boys took turns jumping into the water, yelling canon ball. Rowan even figured out oh to step off the side down to Zach or I. They were all very adorable and on the second day we had the pool all to ourselves which was just perfect.

In the evenings we rode the kiddy rides at a couple different places. The boys loved all the little rides and the grown up even took a few rides ourselves. Zach might have almost thrown up on the tea cup ride and I felt like the little train might fly right off the rails at any point when I took a ride on the train. Funny thing, the next night, after Zach road the train with the boys, the little train actually did go off the rails. No one at the ride place seemed to be surprised by this, as though this was a common occurrence. So we headed down the road to a different place that had go carts and a miniature ferris wheel. Zane and Jamey road the go carts, which they loved, and the ferris wheel all by themselves.
Of course we had ice cream every night too, of course, it's vacation!!!

Here is the second location, much more fun, should have gone there first.

 Zane and Daddy "going fast!"

 

My favorite thing I think was the fish hatchery, which was completely free and so fun. There were snakes, turtles, fish, random exhibit on Danger the Freedom Eagle, spiders, and all sorts of fun things to look at inside. Then when we went outside we got to feed the baby fish at the hatchery. It was lots of fun, possibly because it didn't cost a hundred dollars to get in. It was educational and the kids loved seeing all the animals and watching the fish.

 My boys rocking their shades.

 Zane and Rowan checking out the rattle snake that seemed terrifyingly angry!

 Feeding the fish

 Ryan and Ruthie

 

On Sunday afternoon we went to Branson's Wild World. This was highly over priced, as expected, but there were lots of snakes, reptiles, and scary things. Zane couldn't really focus on looking at all the fun animals because he couldn't wait to hold a snake. When the time came he was a little scared, but ending up very brave, letting the guy put the snake around his neck. There was an arcade and black light mini golf which we ran through. Everyone seemed to have a good time and both boys left with a new snake friend.

All the kids checking out the wolves, that were randomly housed in this place.

 Zane the brave!

 Here are the boys, on our way out of town, cuddling their new snakes. Zane named his tornado, which seemed fitting.

Vacationing with four children four years and under can be very stressful and there was lots of things we could have done, but opted for the laid back approach, with lots of time for napping. We had dance parties, movie time, and lots of fun playing on the porch as well. I loved every minute of it and was so glad we got to spend this time with our dear friends. Jamey and Zane fought like brothers, but were also the best of friends!!! Ruthie and Rowan stood a couple feet apart and looked at each other, not quite sure what to do with each other, but in good news Rowan didn't bite here so I consider it a win! I can't wait for our next family vacation together, this should definitely become a tradition.