oh my gosh

Was today the longest day ever or what? And a whole evening stretches ahead of me. I have a minor to-do list going, but for the most part, we're ready to go. Just need to get tickets (duh, that's a biggie) and throw the toiletries in a bag and we're out the door.

Posted this layout today. Everything is by the very talented Shabby Princess. I was just wanting to scrap this photo when I realized that I'd never done a layout about our bedtime routine. Every night, I tell Ches,

I love you forever.
I like you for always.
As long as I'm living.
My Boo Boo you'll be.

And then she tells me, "My mommy you'll be."

So we put our own little spin on it, but the most part come from the chorus of the book Love You Forever.

Mykiah and I have our own little ritual, too. And Brady still has to be settled into bed, with his stuffed animals, and get a full hug before I can leave his room at night.

As soon as I got off work tonight, we dropped the dog off at the kennel. It's a great kennel; the dogs have indoor, heated spaces as well as access to an outdoor, private run. But it's still a kennel and he didn't want to go. We took his bed and blanket and his favorite food. Trying to ease my own guilt I suppose. We've taken him with us before, but it's not like he enjoys the trip (doesn't seem to mind one way or the other) and it ties us down in both lodging choices and needing to be on his schedule, not ours.

Speaking of schedules, here's ours.

Tomorrow/Wednesday -- Leaving early in the morning to try to avoid rush hour traffic here at home, as well as when we get closer to Branson. Hoping to be checked into our hotel by noon, and we may stop to pick up our show tickets for the week. Silver Dollar City opens at 1 pm, and that's where we'll be as long as we can hold out. Knowing that it may be our last trip for a year or more means we'll really want to get it all in. We've never been at this time of year, and I'm anxious to take pictures of all the lights.

Thursday -- Walk to Golden Corral for a big buffet breakfast. Back to the hotel for swimming, parade watching, and probably some photo editing on the laptop. We'll be seeing the 3 pm Dixie Stampede show, and were told we need to be at the theater by 1:45 pm. That evening, we have reservations for the Hamner-Barber show, which looks to be funny and entertaining. Dan's still undecided about it. I think he really hoped he'd be able to catch the Chiefs game that evening but short of going to a sports bar, I think he's out of luck. I just didn't want to be sitting at the hotel, twiddling our thumbs, so I booked a show.

Friday -- I've been looking forward to Friday for weeks and weeks. Dan and I are considering hitting some stores early Friday morning (probably the Disney store and Target if we go). We want to see The Santa Clause 3 at some point. My parents should be arriving mid-afternoon. And that evening, myself, my mom or Dan and my girls are going to see a show. It's going to be a great time, and I can't wait. Before the show, I'm hoping for Ruby Tuesday's, good food, and a Megarita. 'Nuff said. A bit worried about how horrible Branson traffic is going to be on Friday. We've been there at some super busy times, but everything I've read says to expect massive traffic in a town not prepared for any traffic. Luckily, we aren't staying on the main strip, and we know all the alternate routes. Only problem is that a lot of other people know those alternate routes, too.

Saturday -- Getting up early to visit the Branson Landing. My mom hasn't yet seen it, so our family is going to introduce her. That afternoon, we're seeing our family's favorite family, The Duttons. After the show, I'm hoping for a relaxing meal and maybe hitting the outlet malls with my mom while the men ride herd on the kids.

Sunday -- I'm sure we'll be up early and on our way home. I hate the ride home. Need to pick up the dog between 4-6 pm, so we'll be home by then.

Monday -- Back to work.

I'm sure I won't be back online until Thursday, so in the meantime, have safe travels and a blessed Thanksgiving day!