Branson in Winter

We headed off to Branson for a few days after Christmas. We spent 2 cold days at Silver Dollar City for some great shows. As luck would have it, the second day was just warm enough that we could ride some roller coasters. A few of us even rode one of the coasters in the dark when the temperature was about 35F. It instantly makes your eyes water.

In the picture: Back Row(s): Grandpa D, GrandmaD, Jason, Angie, Craig, Melanie, Allison, Nick, Makaela, and Dawn - Front Row: Elijah, Isaiah, Evan, and Ayden

(above picture hijacked from www.demeester.us)

(above picture hijacked from www.demeester.us)

Downtown Branson is completely different than the last time we were there. It is a very modern shopping area and isn't so "tourist trappy" (yes, that's a word). They have this water feature that has fountains and fire that are in synch with music that plays various times day and night.

Tiko!

Dawn meets Tiko for the first time. Lemondrop didn't want to miss out on anything either!

Tiko snuggles up with Great Grandpa!

Christmas at Buol's

Makaela, Cassie, Gavin, and Allison get their picture taken with Great Grandpa!

Christmas at DeMeester's

Allison gets her much wanted digital camera!

Makaela gets another special American Girl doll!

Last year, Bob gave Nick (as well as Craig and Jason) a desk calendar with a paper airplane for every day of the year. This year, Nick gave them back. All folded and ready to go. 365 planes in one box. (The calendar was at Nick's work, and since the rest of the year he is on vacation, he made the remaining 2007 planes and put them in the box.)

Christmas at Home

Allison and Makaela give Dawn another Precious Moments for her collection!

What is THAT?!?! (Nice face Allison. HA!)

Yup, its a Wii for Christmas!

And Guitar Hero III for Allison!

And Super Mario Galaxy for Makaela!

Allison - Choir Concert

Allison sings a solo during the show choir performance!

Church Christmas Program

Makaela poses for a picture at our church's Christmas program!

Fun in the Snow

Makaela shows off her snow dress!

Grrrrrr!

Sledding!

Christmas Tree

Allison and Makaela take turns sawing at the tree!

Jennifer, Allison, Dawn, and Makaela haul back the tree...

Allison puts an ornament on the tree!

Makaela puts on one of her ornaments!

Dawn is having a good time decorating the tree!

Allison and Makaela pose for pictures in front of the decorated Christmas Tree!

Allison Sings at the Dubuque Festival of Trees

Allison sings Christmas tunes for the people at the Festival of Trees in Dubuque!

Makaela, Katy, Ayden, Melanie, Evan, and Elijah find a place to sit and listen to Allison!

Making Cookies

Elijah and Makaela cut out cookie shapes!

Allison carefully places a cut cookie onto the cookie sheet!

One of Makaela's decorated cookies!

Allison hams it up with her hula-girl cookie!

Santa at 4th Street in Dubuque

Allison and Katy!

Evan, Melanie, and Makaela!

Craig and Ayden sharing some hot chocolate!

Isaiah and Grandma D wait in the cold for Santa!

Makaela, Elijah, and Allison cook up some smores after being chilled to the bone waiting for Santa!

Allison in Oklahoma

Allison and Jennifer on stage for Oklahoma!

A few of the cast members from Oklahoma!

Opus 2007

Allison was selected for the 2007 Opus Honor Choir again this year. This is quite an honor to be selected for this state wide choir. Her group was composed of 200 of the best singers in the state.

Festival of Trees Q.C.

Cassie, Makaela, and Allison in front of the giant stuffed animal tree at the Festival of Trees in the Quad Cities.

Fall Leaves

The girls had fun playing in the monster leave piles around the yard. Even Grandma D got into the action!

Halloween

Casey and Makaela as Lilly and Hannah Montana!

Allison as a prom queen!

Pumpkin Carving

Yum! Pumpkin guts!

Makaela carves her pumpkin!

Allison takes a "stab" at carving her pumpkin!

Fully carved and lit!

The finished product! Good job girls!