We took a quick trip to Branson, Missouri, just before Christmas for a quick Stabler getaway.  We stayed at the Big Cedar Lodge just outside of Branson in a small log cabin.  Big Cedar does a big Christmas celebration with loads of Christmas lights, an ice skating rink, lots of Santa's elves running....it was a great experience and we loved our stay there.  

Outside of the lodge, we spent most of our time at the Silver Dollar City amusement park.  During the day we rode rollercoasters, rides, and saw several Broadway-style shows.  Once the sun goes down, the more than 6 million Christmas lights lit up the park while we enjoyed their Christmas village.

It was a long drive but a GREAT experience!  Check out our pics!

The time had come for Sadie to learn to ride a bike.  We took advantage of a beautiful day and headed out to Veteran's Park (where Colt also learned to ride).  Sadie caught on really quick, which I knew she would.  Less than 30 minutes after we got to the park she was pulling away on two wheels.  I gotta admit I almost teared up a little.  Here's a clip of her pulling away for the first time.

Another great vacation in the books!  Check out our video slideshow from our Belize trip!

We winded down a fun-packed week with a  relaxing day on Ambergris Caye.  After a stroll through the town of San Pedro, we had a delicious brunch at Estel's By the Sea.  We'd spend the rest of the day visiting shops around town and not really doing anything of note - a perfect end to our trip!  On Thursday morning, we ferried back over to Belize City to catch our flight back home.  What an unBELIZABLE vacation it was!

We set out on a manatee watching tour, an all-day venture which would take us to Swallow Caye, a hot-spot for viewing the manatee up close, a snorkeling stop at Goff's Caye for a BBQ lunch and some snorkeling, and a stop at Caye Caulker.  The kids even did a little tarpon feeding - just ask Sadie about it!  All in all it was a fun day on the water - we enjoyed the stop at Goff's Caye but Caye Caulker is the only one of these spots we would do again.  We finished the day off with dinner at The Dive Bar, a well recommended spot but not one we could recommend.  Food was good but the service was not.  Still it was a great day in Belize (as they all tend to be!).  Just check out the pics!