In Aurora

Today we checked out of our WorldMark resort after a wonderful week there. I'm always a little sad to leave.
I was up at 7:30 am and we all worked like mad to meet the noon check-out deadline. At 12:02 we rolled the last of the luggage out the door. Somehow, no matter how organized I am, it's a close call every time.
The kids got the car loaded up again. Some of our luggage was lighter (ice chest and food boxes) and some was heavier (backpack of souvenirs). Getting it all in required some rethinking.

From Branson, we drove straight to Darryl and Tamera's house in Aurora. We left Branson at 12:15, got stuck in heavy traffic on the main drag, and then enjoyed a rolling ride through Missouri countryside until we arrived at their house at 1:30.

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When we pulled up, Darryl was still unpacking from their hotel stay at Stockton Lake, the location of Tanya's reception on Saturday. Next he went to work on his lawn in the backyard. Inspired by his Uncle Darryl, Dylan got into the yardwork spirit and cut up a dead bush for the widow who lives in the house behind theirs (above).

DJ's wife and baby, Jessica and Natalie, stayed a few hours to visit before heading home. Sarah enjoys those babies every chance she gets!

Dylan decided Natalie was pretty darn cute, too! Sarah also enjoyed Darryl and Tamera's two black poodles, Susie and Wuntu. (Tamera gave my parents a black poodle many years ago, named TwoTwo. TwoTwo is still my dad's baby. Wuntu's name is an expansion on that theme!)

After his hard work, Dylan treated himself to a dip in Darryl's backyard pool.

Darryl fired up the grill and barbecued us some melt-in-your-mouth steaks while Tamera made a big, healthy salad of leafy lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and broccoli. Nice legs, Darryl! Those work-outs are paying off!

Jacob and Darryl form a line to serve up dinner.

And here we all are around the dinner table. Left to right: Tamera, Jessica, Dylan, Darryl, Sarah, and Jacob.

Tamera took this shot so I could be in the picture, too.

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We look forward to having this whole week to visit with Darryl, Tamera, and assorted family members. It's going to be fun catching up on each others' lives!