I wanted to say thanks to all of you, this is really a neat group to be part of. I love the way someone can ask for help and immediately people respond.

I've been out of town for a week and returned to find a lot of posts to read. I flew to CA to help my parents. They have downsized from a large house to a small one and we spent the week going through boxes and sorting things and having a garage sale Friday and Saturday. I found a lot of things I can use, and came home with a large suitcase and a box in addition to the luggage we took with us. 
On a sad note, our sweet daughter in law's dad has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. We had planned to take a family cruise for Christmas, but have cancelled that due to this situation.  We are going to Branson instead. We've never been, so if you have suggestions on things to do, I am interested in hearing them.

I am happy to learn Dr. Puppets wife is doing better, she has been in my prayers.  Also, someone mentioned their mom was going through chemo, will pray for her (and for you as you care for her) as well.
Billy - sounds like you have good things planned for 2012, best of luck.

Happy Thanksgiving (a bit early) to all of you in the U.S.

Your parents were lucky to have you to help them in downsizing to a smaller home. I hope they adjust well with the change. Cancer is not a easy thing to go thur so prayers for you and your family. It sounds like you have a close family and that in itself is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. I am Blessed and look forward to what the future holds.

I went through the "moving of the parents" about a year ago. Actually I was lucky my sister did the big part of helping them downsize and then I came in on the last week and just helped with the actual move.

In regards to Branson, it should be fun for you. I've never been myself but know several folks who live and work there. One whole wardrobe crew that works one of the Rockette tours is from there. The one thing I've heard of is the "Noah's Ark" show. It has both live animals and animatronic puppets in it. Sounds like it would be a good family show. Then again every show in Branson is family friendly that I know of.  If they still have "Dixi Stampede", I would recommend it. I have not been to the one there but have to another one and it is really a fun show and you get dinner with it!  I had seen it in past years in Myrtle Beach. This year it was replaced with "Pirate Voyage" which we saw. Kind of funny to see Dolly Parton dressed up as a Pirate. She owns both shows and makes recorded appearances.

Sorry to hear of your daughter-in-law's father. I have a friend who's husband has been given two months and they are trying to deal with the day to day living of the prognosis. I am glad you will be able to go to Branson! I would agree that seeing Noah's Ark would be great. Also the Todd Oliver showboat show is fun. We also enjoyed Yakov Smirnoff, and the Jim Barber show. But like others have said there is lots to choose from and all of it would be family friendly!

Also, someone mentioned their mom was going through chemo, will pray for her (and for you as you care for her) as well.

Thank you very much for your prayers and kind words. I will do the same for your daughter-in-law's father. I think we've all had about enough of cancer already. My mother and father both have incurable cancers and my sister-in-law was given that same "2 month" prognosis almost 3 months ago. It seems so many of my friends here and elsewhere have similar battles they're waging. I'm just glad we have each other to lean on in these trying times.

And to that end on a somewhat brighter note I couldn't agree more with your comment about how great this site is! This is such a warm, talented, open and insightful community of creative people! I'm thankful I get to be a part it.

Thanks for the feedback on Branson.  Shawn, my husband and I went to Dixie Stampede in TN, and both of our children put that as the first thing on their to do list. LOL  We also plan to eat at Lamberts.
We will be there from Christmas Eve through Dec 31, many shows are closed.  I have found a number that are open, so we are making choices from that list.

Best of wishes for your family! Take care!