House of C's: Branson

July 2-6, 2009

Family Vacation - Branson, MO

We met my dad & stepmom, and my sister's family down in Branson for a our long overdue family vacation. We had planned this trip for last summer, but Kelly was pregnant with Ryland, so we waited until this year.

I am the official travel agent for the group, so I had the activities planned out. We rented a very nice 3 bedroom condo, which was just perfect for everything we needed and wanted to do. It was close to Silver Dollar City, there was a swimming pool, and it had a dock to get into the lake.

We arrived Thursday afternoon. We took in the sights, ate some dinner, and had some fun in the pool.

Friday we ventured out to Silver Dollar City. Everyone except for Marie, Ryland, and myself went on the first ride, The American Plunge, aka "the infamous log ride splashing into the water." We had to buy the picture that was taken on that ride, it was too funny. Campbell's hair was standing straight up and Cooper was completely in tears. So believe it or not, both girls went on more rides after that. Marie, Chad, and Pat took in a lot of the big "adrenaline" rides, while Kelly, Dad, myself and the kiddos waited for something more our speed. The park was nice with lots of shade, a few hills, but things were close together. There is definately something there for everyone. Shopping, eating, shows, rides, souvenirs, and of course salt water taffy. We spent the day (from 10am-6pm) at the park, which is a lot longer than I thought we would last. When we arrived back at the condo we were all ready for dinner and more pool time.

Saturday was July 4th and we headed in to see the sights of Branson. Branson is like Vegas with out all the money. There are shows, theaters, museums, go-carts, putt-putt golf, and of course TRAFFIC!!! When you go to Branson you have to ride the "Ducks." They are a vehicle that can go on land and in the water. So you ride around Branson seeing the sights and then splash down in to Table Rock Lake for a little boat ride. Our tour guide was fantastic and very humorous. The kids were even able to drive the "duck" in the water. Afterwards we went to a water slide park and rode the waves for 30 minutes. It was a cool day, but we all still had fun. We were all a little tired from the day before so we headed back to the Condo for lunch and naps. We enjoyed some pool time and a few of us (Chad, Pat, & Marie) spent some time in the lake. The boys bet Marie that she wouldn't jump in the lake, and then right before she jumped in the lake, they jumped in first. It was crazy funny! The kids did some snaps & poppers, but the real fireworks show was the one we saw over the lake. It was big, colorful, and really amazing what those things will do nowadays.

Sunday morning the guys headed off for a golf game and us girls and the kiddos went back into Branson to drive the go-carts. The afternoon we ate lunch and then rented a jet ski. While those who weren't on the jet ski were playing in the pool, the jet ski goers were out on the lake taking in the sights. That lake is huge! There were so many inlets and coves and we didn't even see much of it. Tons of space and lots to do. Afterwards, we surprised Kelly with a cookie/cake for her 30th birthday celebration and had a great steak dinner.

Monday we all headed back home. We stopped in Carthage, MO to see the Precious Moments Chapel, something I've been wanting to do for 9 years. It really was an amazing sight. We all made it home safe and sound and look forward to next year's trip, whereever it may be to.

It was great to enjoy family, play games, drink, chat, snack, relax, and make great memories. The kids enjoyed activities, movies, snacks, games, and of course all the freedom that vacation brings. It really was a great trip.

I need to get some photos from Silver Dollar City from my sister. I'll try to post those later.