Branson 2010

We traveled to Branson for a few days this summer.  It took Dan and I long time to consider going on a trip to Branson because you sometimes think of Branson as just country music and in all honesty "That's where the old people go" as always been our
thought.  I had a friend a couple of years ago tell me that it was a great family vacation spot.  So, we had talked about the possibility of a family vacation before Mayleigh arrives and something said "take a look at Branson".  So, I began the internet searches and found that Branson might not be such a bad place to go.  Turns out, it was loads of fun!!!!  We had a great time at Silver Dollar City, The Dixie Stampede Horse Show, the Butterfly Museum, The Branson Scenic Railway (although not worth what we paid for it), and much more!  Here are a few special pictures from the trip!

This is Nathan at the Butterfly Museum!  They had hats and binoculars you could wear to see the butterflys!

This was a mirror maze at the butterfly museum.  Josh kept running into the mirrors on purpose!

Climbing the coconut tree!

Nathan's first ride on a roller coaster!  Can you see the look on Daddy's face?  That means "I don't think he liked it".  Nathan was a little scared by the bigger rides.  He did try most of them, but after one time, decided he wouldn't ride most of them again.

We took misting fans in order to keep us all cool, and it became a game between the boys...Who could get the other one wetter!!!  We didn't really need the fans because it barely got above 85 the entire time we were there.  We had beautiful weather the entire trip!  We even went out to the pool one morning and everyone was cold!

Yes, that's right, this was my plate of chicken fried steak from Lambert's, Home of the Throwed Rolls.  If you're ever in the Branson area, or Foley, AL area, this is a must!!!!  It is so YUM!!!!

"I'm gonna catch that roll"

"I did, and guess what, it is GOOD!"

We were in Branson for Josh's 5th Birthday (tear, tear), and he wanted to go ride go carts and play putt putt.  This was his first time in a Go Cart.  He had a great time!

We also "Rode the Ducks" on Josh's birthday and Josh and Nathan both got the opportunity to drive the duck.  The duck is an automobile that drives on land, but can also drive in the water. 

Branson has a really neat shopping area on the river (lake) that also has an awesome water fountain that is complete with water and lights show and sometimes choreographed to music.  There are also times when fire is in the show as well.  All Josh wanted to see was fire and water, but because of July 4th plans the fountains were being worked on so we didn't get to see much fire and water.  Just some water fountains!  I think we made it all better by letting Josh eat Ice Cream for dinner on his 5th birthday!  Happy Birthday Josh!

And, the birthday present!  Isn't that the look of shear joy!  All he had asked for was an electric guitar, and what kind of parents would we be if we didn't get it for him.  Oh, and he wanted it to be blue!

This was our second day at Silver Dollar City, and you can see that Nathan chose to stick to the more calm rides this time. 
While there we also visited a college friend, April, who lives in Springfield.  We had awesome burgers and met her son for the first time!  The boys played great together and we got to visit and catch up!  Thanks April for letting come visit and cooking for us!
The one thing about Branson is that there isn't much variety in the cuisine you get there.  Would you like "fried, fried, and more fried"?  It's good ole' down home cooking!  Most of it was pretty good food!