Christmas-Big Cedar Lodge, Branson, Mo.

Hello everyone. I know, I know I am guilty of neglecting the blog. But wow, what a busy month it has been. We spent an incredibly relaxing week at Big Cedar for Christmas. It has been the tradition to spend New Year's here (We have been going for 5 years). They have a fabulous firework display over Tablerock lake every year. It is so much fun to sit out by the lake, drink cocoa, watch the fireworks, and welcome the New Year with the family. Well this year we mixed it up and went for Christmas. Actually we had to mix it up because Nicole decided to go to Oklahoma for New Year's and messed up everyones plans LOL! What is with kids growing up and messing with tradition?

We stayed in a 2-bedroom cabin which is really nice because the girls share a bedroom and have their own bathroom.

Here's are several pictures
The Living room, the fireplace is directly across from the couch.

The Kitchen The Dining Room

We had a fabulous Christmas tree, a wonderful wood burning fire place, a great porch to sit on. this is one of Caitlin's favorite activities because she gets to spend days swimming at the pool. It is some of the best family time we have had. We sit around in the evenings and play cards and board games. during the day we swim, go golfing, there is a horse stable. During the Christmas season there were so many lights and decorations and even carriage rides. It was wonderful.

Here is Leo with his beenie hat on. Now that he is bald the cold affects him a little more, (or it could be his age but don't tell him I said that!). The cabin has such a warm and inviting feeling to it. When we arrive it is like the weight of the world is lifted from our shoulders and we have nothing to do but read, pray, and enjoy the blessings God has given us. I guess for the Brat Pack Big Cedar is a time of renewal.

Perhaps one of the biggest delights is the visit from "The Cookie Lady" who visits each night. Every evening sometime around seven you will receive a knock on the door from a lady dressed in an old pioneer dress and bonnet, carrying a basket full of warm cookies. But don't worry if you are not home she will come in and turn down your bed and leave the cookies right there on your night stand so you have them when you climb into bed for the night. It is always a surprise to see if you will have sugar cookies, chocolate chip, ohhhh and my favorite molasses.

Here are my beautiful girls. this Christmas was very important because it could be the last Christmas with just the six of us. With Nicole off to college and Ashley headed there next year, I can only dream now of the days when it was the six of us.

But I am ready for the next stage. I know that our family will only be blessed by the addition of new family members. Colin reminded me of this during our trip he said, "Mom we aren't loosing sisters we are gaining brothers!" So as my dear girls venture out into the world, fall in love and begin traditions of their own this Christmas and our times at Big Cedar will always be precious memories to me.