annual branson trip

marrying peter has brought several benefits. besides the obvious things (i.e. constant hang out time, hearing his jokes year around (funny or not), someone to grab things off the top shelf for me, etc), i was immediately adopted into the annual hayes branson trip! this year marked my second attendance and it did not disappoint.

they both did great on the plane ride. i loved seeing them share a seat.

our first day there, we hit the pool. tom and brooklyn got some sun. brooklyn graciously shared her snack with naomi, and naomi scouted out every inch of the pool deck.

 phil & orah enjoying the waterfall. seriously such a great pool!

the next day was lake day!


 naomi was not a fan of the life jacket, but she ended up being lulled to sleep by the boat and grandma didn't seem to mind one bit.

we hit up the pool a few more times. apparently, papa is a pretty awesome slide companion.

flexin those muscles

 i just couldn't resist the classic "food all over your face" shot. this was the morning of her first bday!

 she loved hanging out with her cousins (who are very focused on a cartoon).

 she even tried to sneak some of their food.

that evening we headed to Don & Alene's and we walked

 into a house fully decorated for naomi's birthday!

cute cake

 even cuter mini cake

i am not sure exactly what just happened, but brooklyn is shocked by it. 

bubbles!

 her and her cousin josiah are only a few months apart. i think they look like twins. 

i love that they are holding hands.

 birthday cake time! 

(so on a side note, while everyone was gathered around all ready to sing to naomi, she tried to take her hat off and it snapped back in her face and she started crying....it was so sad yet so cute at the same time)

all of the cousins on one couch. poor brooklyn. 

my mom got to come to the bday party! 

sweet joel. he takes such good care of his girl cousins.

 hanging out with Grandma and Papa Hayes!

the whole crew! {minus my husband & brandon}
it was such a great trip! looking forward to many more.