In case you missed it:: Wesley got a haircut

So this happened back on June 11th, so I'm officially a month behind on blogging. But I still wanted to post about it for our memories. 

Wesley started begging for a haircut at the beginning of June but as someone that is way too emotionally attached to her hair, I kept putting her off. I love her long hair. And I know the feeling when you want a change but then when it's all gone your sad and I didn't want to deal with that for her. But she persisted. And finally I said yes.

I mean if we were going to do it this was the best possible time, before it got really hot, before we went to the beach and in time for it to grow back for school pictures in the fall if it was awful (J/K, kinda).

So here she is getting ready for the big cut at Mrs. Jen's!

First cut! She looks like she regrets it already, but I swear she was never sad for a moment. We were just so serious about her being still I think she got nervous.

All done! That is one excited little girl, who LOVED her haircut immediately.

Have to admit, when she woke up the next morning and it perfectly feel into place with now tangle battles, Mommy started to love it too!

Brancis, MO:: Final Round-Up

Our last night in Branson we went to a show. But first we had to grab some dinner. Being on the laid back, country tour that we were on means we landed at Cracker Barrel. One of my guilty favorites. While we waited Wes and I checked out the Old Country Store.

She did this by herself, even 4 year olds catch trends. 

I think she has talent y'all, there is a future in accordions

After dinner we went to see Hamner Barber's Variety and Magic Show. It was cheesy and awesome. I laughed the whole way through, but no pictures allowed so you'll have to take my word on that.

One quick story that happened because of the show. At the the end they did a beautiful tribute to Veterans since it was Memorial Weekend. The tribute included footage from an interview with WWII survivors, along with pictures of them going off to war as teenagers. It was very moving and several adults teared up, but I didn't think Wesley understood any of it, until I looked down to find her silently crying while flags bellowed and a life size statue of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima magically appeared out of thin air on the stage.

I picked her up and asked her if she was all right and she said she was but she needed to have a serious talk with me as soon as we got out of there. So we made it to the car and I asked again, nope she wanted to tell me when we got "home" it was very serious and everyone had to be "sitting down and paying attention."Direct quote. So we got back to the hotel and I asked again. She had to make sure Mom and I were sitting still and looking directly at her and then she said "Remember that show were they talked about soliders." ME: "Uh, the one we left 5 minures ago?"Wee: "Yes, well this is very serious...{tears up}...it's just that...{more tears}....they were so...so...OLD! {melts into tears}." Mom and I literally had to hold our faces at this point. Wee: "I was trying hard to care about them, but they were so old, and I wanted them to be like they were before in their pictures." I cannot make this stuff up y'all. Hilarious. We explained that everyone grows older and we need to care for everyone no matter their age. Wow Mom.

The next day we just wanted to take a quick drive down "the strip" to get the full experience of Branson, then head on back to Memphis. I'm sure glad we did or we would have missed this giant statue of President Reagan's head! I know all my friend's love to tease me for being a card carrying Democrat, but in all seriousness, I'm actually just patriotic and want good, strong, honest, smart leaders leading our country, so I was happy to pose with one of our nation's presidents, so there. 

Our drive landed us at the outlet mall, how fortuitous! Wesley didn't last long in the stores, but they did conveniently place these cooky rides around every corner.

Please notice the foam visor with stick on embellishments and crossover glitter purse.

After "stores and stores and stores"-Wesley, we finally started the long trek home. The drive was long but gorgeous. The Ozarks are just another reminder of God's glory and power. I really enjoyed the scenic route, even though it went by quite slow--- up and down so many mountains. 

"The Hills are Alive....With the Sound of Music!"

Me and My girl! The picture is awful because it was on the side of the highway and raining, but I needed this shot!

So that finally wraps up the Branson trip, one month after the fact. It was a great one, and I loved doing it with all three generations of Larson girls this time! Very special. Can't wait till next year!

Brancis, MO:: Bears in Nature

A big part of our road trip was spent enjoying the great outdoors. One of the greatest gifts my mom ever gave me was an appreciation of God's creation. There is just so much beauty in nature. So of course when we spotted this little waterfall at the Arkansas-Missouri border we had to stop and take it in.

On day two of our trip we hit up Branson Landing. It's a great outdoor shopping center right on a lake. It's anchored with Bass Pro Shop where my little model had to pose witha grizzly bear, because we love all Grizz.

Then we went to build a bear and she picked out her on bear to love and cuddle. 

Adding a kiss to her heart

Now getting the heart nice and warm

Putting the heart in

Giving her a " bath"

All done! Posing with Gamma

 Next we took a trip on "The Ducks" these are those touristy things that start out as a truck on land then they drive into the water and it becomes a boat tour. Super fun.

Wes getting ready to eat her duck on the Duck.

Waking up after a quick nap,  surprisingly a tour of downtown Branson did not hold her attention.

Woke up just in time to get to drive the boat! 

Getting a little over confident, captain had to step in

Now a licensed Duck Boat Captain!

As you can see the second day was a blast. Relaxing, tousity, natury, just ducky!

Brancis, MO:: Antique Roadshow

Our first out of school excursion was a quick trip to Branson, MO. Which Wesley pronounces "Brancis." We had a great time. We had very few plans just get on the road, catch a show and do some shopping and that about sums it up.

On the way up there we took our time. Stopping every time something looked interesting, like antique shops, diners and picturesque parks. Here are few finds from our stops.

A silver lade to replace the glass one I broke

Sweet mid century pilsners

Mid Century Condiment Server

Vintage Footstool with Storage!

I spent a grand total of $43 on all of it! Super score. So obviously I know have the bug. After I wrap up the trip posts, I do one on my new Mid Century Modern bedroom redo!

Summer Slow Down

I actually have lots to blog about, but I have been enjoying the summer lazy days too much! Since we've been out of school on May 24th we've had a Preschool graduation, 4 mile race, trip to Branson, multiple trips to the Kroc pool, picnics, lots of antiquing (new hobby) and new bedroom furniture!

So I'll start with a photo dump that will forecast the stories to come, because I have a dentist appointment in an hour. And then MAYBE I'll actually write something tonight....

The Summer of Swimming

This summer we decided to join a pool with our friends. I love swimming and now that Wes is older I just knew she would too. So we hit the pool.

 

One problem, she would NOT leave the 2 inch deep water....it was going to be a long summer. So we decided we better try swim lessons. A few things though 1. She hated going in water deeper than a puddle 2. This chick has trust issues, you kinda have to trust someone who's throwing you in the water (and yes that does make life so much easier if you were wondering) and 3. Most people don't give swim lessons to 3 yr olds, 4 is the age they are physically more ready.

But we had to try something. Luckily our great friend Laura has an awesome sister-in-law who teaches swim lessons. The reason this is better than finding any ol' swim teacher is she has a 3 year old too! This means Wes could watch him trust his mom and watch him enjoy swimming. Plus she knew exactly what to say and do with a three year old in general! This was invaluable. Look at Wes after FOUR days with Mrs. Erin. (remember she was terrified of "deep" water days before)

Are you amazed?!?!?! We were! The pool immediately became more fun. Wesley could not be stopped, she was swimming the entire pool and wanted me to stay on the side. Now I admit she's not "swimming" because she has to wear a puddle jumper still, but hey, close enough when you're three!

The one thing she did not want to do is go under. Even with all her confidence she could not be convinced that putting her face under water, where you can't breathe, was a good idea. I can't say I totally blame her instincts, but still we needed to jump this hurdle. Well folks here we are, a month down the road from swim lessons, 60 days in the pool, 2 accidental going unders and finally in the bath she decides, and I quote "This is super awesome fun Mom"

SUMMER OF SWIMMING IS A SUCCESS!

Wordless Wednesday::BBQ fest and the Mighty Mississippi