Porter is 6 and starting kindergarten. He still loves all sports, hanging with Grandpa and sleeping with Mommy and Daddy. He is getting so big and handsome I can’t stand it. 
Fiesta Bachelorette party for my sister in law. 
We are so blessed to have the pre-school teacher we have for our kids. Here are a few snapshots my mom took of Porters Christmas Play.
It is Christmas time and it's becoming a very popular time to travel to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. Growing up we frequently traveled to Branson and have been Silver Dollar City season pass holders for many years. As I know my way around the parks like the back of my hand I forget that many who travel there once a year or once every couple of years do not know the ins and outs like our family does. So I have a few tips for traveling with families with kids.
1. If you are not a SDC season pass holder, get the most out of the price of your ticket and go the day before after 3:00 pm (spring and summer) or 7:00 pm (winter) and get in the next day FREE! Especially in the winter, the crowds can be pretty large at night. If you go after 7:00 pm the crowds start to die down and you can see all of the Christmas lights, then you can return the next day early and enjoy the rides and other entertainment that is offered.
2. If you plan to spend all day and possibly the night prior at the parks invest in a SDC mug. The price of one is an investment in the other drinks you will purchase over the time spent in the park. Might I also suggest that you get a frozen strawberry lemonade, located at the exit of the Mine Shootout across from the potato Tater Twists? (The minute maid frozen lemonades are not as good.)
3. Family Friendly rides/attractions are as follows: (Everyone can ride and/or toddlers can ride with an adult.)
1. If you are not a SDC season pass holder, get the most out of the price of your ticket and go the day before after 3:00 pm (spring and summer) or 7:00 pm (winter) and get in the next day FREE! Especially in the winter, the crowds can be pretty large at night. If you go after 7:00 pm the crowds start to die down and you can see all of the Christmas lights, then you can return the next day early and enjoy the rides and other entertainment that is offered.
2. If you plan to spend all day and possibly the night prior at the parks invest in a SDC mug. The price of one is an investment in the other drinks you will purchase over the time spent in the park. Might I also suggest that you get a frozen strawberry lemonade, located at the exit of the Mine Shootout across from the potato Tater Twists? (The minute maid frozen lemonades are not as good.)
3. Family Friendly rides/attractions are as follows: (Everyone can ride and/or toddlers can ride with an adult.)
- Fireman's Landing:
- Fire Wagon Frenzy
- Up the Ladder
- Fire House Play place (This is a ball pit, very loud. I would avoid if your children do not like loud sounds.)
- Lucky's Dizzy Dogs
- Other Areas of the Park
- Silver Dollar City Train (Also loud and would suggest sitting in the back if your children do not like loud sounds.)
- Grandfathers Mansion
- Half Dollar Holler
- Happy Frogs
- Marvel Cave (Would only do this if everyone in your group is up for the long walk. No strollers allowed)
- River Blast (One of our favorites in the summer but be prepared to get soaked!)
- Wings of Wonder
4. Download the Silver Dollar City app for IOS or Android see link below:
This app is similar to a map you would pick up upon arrival to the park, except it gives you updated wait times on rides. (I would also suggest getting a map for reference when you arrive at the park.)
5. Bring a wagon, stroller, etc... There is a lot of walking and a lot to see. Little legs will need the assistance throughout the day. It also is nice to have for storing bags, mugs, purchases, etc...
6. Bring snacks for kids but the food is pretty AMAZING!! This is one of my husband and my's favorite places to eat. You cannot really go wrong with any of the food there. We have never been a fan of their buffets but any of the quick service meals have always been delicious and worth more than what was paid for.
- Percy's Southwest Grill is probably the most out of character but it is similar to Chipotle and very tasty. Any of the entrees could be shared.
- Chester's Kettle Chips are good for the nacho style.
- Fry Bread company has great sandwiches and desserts.
- Poke Salad Mary's has a great vinegarette salad.
- Tom Sawyer's Hand Made Pretzels has a delicious pretzel dog.
7. Parking: get there early if you plan to spend all day there. If you park in one of the first two lots then walk to the entrance. It will take less time and hassle than waiting for the tram and getting everyone it. If you come mid-day in the summer check the first two lots, many people leave in the heat of the day and spots are probably open.
Looking for a Travel Agent to plan your next vacation email me at Bobbie@marvelousmousetravels.com I specialize in Disney Travel but can book pretty much any vacation you would like.
This year our church brought back a holiday tradition called trunk or treat. We(I) love getting creative and making costume, so this year was no different. The kids are in love with the live Beauty and the Beast so of course Parker wanted to be Belle. Porter agreed to be Gaston and the rest of us did whatever the kids wanted. 
Here are some other Halloween photos:
Drew was the Beast.
I was Mrs. Potts...kind of, I focused on everyone else's costumes I was little disappointed that mine was not as elaborate.
Grandma was Cogworth, the clock.
Grandpa was Lumiere, the candelabra.
Aunt Whit was the French maid.
Here are some other Halloween photos:
Every year I think...Can you believe it has been blank many years? This year feels a little different. Five is such a large number. And next year we will begin kindergarten life. I am so thankful for these last five years. Our lives have changed and I could not be any happier.
Porter is into all things BOY: Baseball/teeball is probably his favorite. We are still consumed with watching the Royals play on TV and reenacting exactly what Salvador Perez does. Do not try to walk in the living room during this time, or you will hear "Mom! Get off my field!" Soccer is probably his second love. Recently we played our first game for the season and he scored two goals, last year he did this but for the other team. ;) When mommy or daddy go for a run outside he has to join. He can definitely hold his own the other night he ran a mile in 13 minutes. I thought that was pretty good for a five year old.
We still have a love for Legos. We love buying them and looking at them. Porter will usually put them together for the most part, but Drew or I end up finishing them. After they are put together he can sit and play with these for hours.
I love to watch Porter interact with other kids. At preschool he is now the oldest and it's awesome to hear how he is the "helper" this year. He is very helpful around the house, if there is chore that needs to be done, Porter will do it. He thinks cleaning and doing chores are fun...I wonder how long this will last.
