Branson Vacation

We are back from our Branson vacation. We had a very good time, indeed. We drove up on Saturday. It took most of the day, because we had two kids and I had to stop to nurse a couple of times. But it was a relaxing drive and the kids did great. They both took a nap and Landon watched a DVD. We were there in time for dinner Saturday and we just relaxed at our resort the first evening.

On Sunday, we went swimming in the morning. We went swimming every morning, because Landon loves it. Then we ate lunch at Steak 'n Shake. Man, that was good. There are no Steak 'n Shakes anywhere near here.

Landon swimming.

After lunch we rode The Ducks. The Ducks is an amphibious military vehicle that can drive on land and on water. It is a really neat tour of the surrounding area with an emphasis on military veteran's. Landon loved the military vehicle portion of the tour. Then you go on Table Rock Lake. Landon even got to drive when we were on the water. That was one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Landon quacking on The Duck.

Landon driving The Duck.

Collin sleeping on The Duck.

On Monday, more swimming in the morning. After lunch we went to the fish hatchery. That sounds boring to you all, but it is fun to see the fish and feed them. Plus, it's free (except for the $.50 fish food).

We then went to The Track for a couple of hours. That was another highlight of the trip. Landon got to ride in the big go-carts with Grandpa and he even got to drive his own mini go-cart. Then we played ski ball and mini-golf.

Landon and Grandpa in the go-cart.

Landon in his own go-cart.

Landon playing mini-golf.

Landon playing ski ball.

That evening, we went down to a very nice shopping area called Branson Landing. It's great if you like to shop. They have a Bass Pro Shop, and over 100 other stores. Every hour, they have a fire and water show set to music. The fountains dance to the music and fire shouts out. I guess it's similar to the Ballagio Casino show in Las Vegas, but not quite as big.

By then, we were really tired, so back to the resort for baths and bed. Almost every evening Landon would take a bath in the big whirlpool tub in our room:





On Tuesday we swam again in the morning. We rented a boat for a couple of hours in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day, low 70's and not much wind. Unfortunately, Collin had to wear a life jacket and screamed the minute I put it on him. After about 20 minutes on the water, listening to him scream (he never screams), my dad takes me back to the marina so I could get off the boat. Believe me, I was very happy to get off with Collin. So my parents took Landon out on the boat to fish and Collin and I took a nature walk. This was another favorite part of the trip for me; just me and Collin walking on a beautiful day.

Landon fishing on the boat.

Landon driving the boat. No, that's not legal.

On Wednesday it was time to return home, but not before we went swimming in the morning. The ride home wasn't quite as pleasant, for the kids were a lot more tired and cranky. But we made it and a good time was had by all.