{Broken Bow // Day 2}

Broken Bow, Day 2: Celebrating Carson’s Birthday—Mountain Style! 

Day two of our Broken Bow getaway was extra special because it was Carson’s birthday! There’s something uniquely fun about celebrating a birthday while tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by family, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. From the moment we woke up, the day was all about making Carson feel loved and celebrated—and I think we did a pretty great job!

We started the morning in the sweetest way possible: donuts and handmade cards. Then we gathered around the table to make homemade birthday cards for Carson. 

After breakfast and birthday wishes, we all headed into town for some classic family fun—bowling and the arcade! There’s just something about putting on those goofy shoes and cheering each other on (or laughing at the gutter balls) that brings out everyone’s competitive and playful side. The arcade was a blast, too—kids running from machine to machine, adults trying to win just one more round of skee-ball, and all of us trading tickets in for those priceless little plastic prizes that somehow end up being the highlight of the trip.

Once we’d had our fill of lights, laughter, and a few too many arcade snacks, it was time to head back to the cabin to get ready for the real birthday celebration. In true Hall family fashion, it had to be something a little silly, a little unexpected—and a lot fun. So what did we do? We threw fake snowballs at Carson, of course! I don’t know who had more fun—the kids giggling as they launched snowballs or Carson pretending to dodge them with dramatic flair. It was pure, playful chaos and totally us.

After the snowball ambush and a rousing round of “Happy Birthday,” we settled in for a cozy evening back at the cabin. Carson opened his gifts with a smile that told us he felt just how loved he is. We gathered around the table for some cake (because yes, cake is always necessary), and then we pulled out the board games for one more night of family competition and laughter.

There’s something really beautiful about being able to pause from everyday life and celebrate one another in a setting like this. The mountains, the cabin, and the slower pace of life gave us the space to be present—to laugh a little louder, hug a little tighter, and remember what matters most.

Day 2 in Broken Bow was a celebration of life, laughter, and the little traditions that make birthdays like these unforgettable. Here’s to many more mountain birthdays and memories that last a lifetime!