Branson Vacation - Day 3

Day 3 began as a rainy morning.  Because the go kart tracks don't operate in the rain, I took the time to go shopping at the outlets.  I picked up some great deals from my favorite stores for the boys - Osh Kosh and Carters.  Osh Kosh had swim trunks for $10!  So of course I spent way too much money there to be followed by spending even more at the Disney Store Outlet.  They had some pjs that I had been spying online for awhile - Spiderman and Captain America.  Then I saw the most adorable Spiderman hoodies that have hoods that are the Spiderman mask.  Wish I would have taken a picture of Jake's face when I pulled it out of the bag.  He wanted to wear it all day, but seeing as it was 85 degrees out, it was a battle I won very easily.   Once the rain cleared, we headed over to the Track.  We did my absolute un-favorite thing - go karts.  I'm not sure why, but I really hate driving go-karts.  It may have something to do with being at that same track when I was 10 years old and my little sister ramming me with her go-kart as I was stepping out of mine.  But anyway, I took one for the team and drove the baby around the track while he very sweetly yelled, "Wee-haw".  I guess I'd do it again to make him that happy.  Then Jake got to do the kiddie karts.  He's only driven Power Wheels by himself, and I was expecting much of the same behavior - not much.  He really surprised me though.  We may have a racer on our hands (much to my resistance).  Just look at that racer face.  Poor Mason really wanted to drive too, but he was too short (barely) and too young.  We headed into the arcade to use up the rest of our points. 

Afterwards we did an old time photo shoot.  Unfortunately I don't have the copyright release and can't post them up here, but they were cute.  I had a groupon for a free session and an 8x10, but of course I was upsold on the individual photos of the boys.  Hey, it's a one time must do - at least that's what I said to get the hubby to sign off on it.

Our final activity in Branson was the Hamner Barber Variety Show.  It was full of laughs and magic and horrific dancing and costumes.  There were many magic tricks of illusion and birds flying over our heads.  I don't have the best of luck with birds flying over my head, if you know what I mean.  The laughs were from the ventriloquist.  The boys enjoyed him the most.  Now the dancing was so ridiculous, I didn't know if it was part of the comedy act or not at first.  At one point, the dancers had on a light up mohawk headband.  The final act of the show was of course a tribute to veterans, and once again, the cheese was flowing. This show didn't really keep the boys interested the whole time, but I think if they were just a tad older, they would have really enjoyed it.  

I adore Table Rock Lake.  Mom's family has a family reunion there every Labor Day, and I've gone there my whole life.  We stay on the other side of the lake, so it's been over 20 years since I've been to Branson.  This vacation was very fun, and the boys are already asking to go back to Silver Dollar City. I purchased season tickets to SDC because we're only a few hours away and they have an amazing Harvest Festival and Old Time Christmas (so I've heard).  Can't wait for our next long weekend!

Branson Vacation - Day 2

We started off the day with another thrilling trip to Silver Dollar City.  We began with all of the kiddie rides and attractions that we missed the first day, like this treetop maze (yes, that's me crawling through that hole).  Then we did the carousel and a funhouse called Grandfather's Mansion which really messed with my equilibrium.

 Jake made his best impression of a baldknobber.  He crosses his eyes a lot, which always makes me shudder.

 Then I crammed into the back seat of the Hoppy Frogs (one good side to being short) to snap this picture.  The boys were squealing with delight when the frogs started hopping.  Really cute ride.

 Like the Hoppy Frogs, we did most of the same rides as the previous day, looked around a bit, and headed back to the hotel for a quick nap.

 Then we went to the most expensive dinner show I've experienced - Dixie Stampede.  The brochure makes it sound like drinks and popcorn at the pre-show are included with your ticket - not the case.  The pre-show was a juggling act that was incredible.  This guy was juggling ping pong sized balls with his mouth!  How do you even train for that???  Once we got shuffled into our seats, the real show began.  The horses were so beautiful, and the riding was great too!  The show storyline was a bit silly, and some of the outfits were outrageous (they actually were wearing jackets that lit up in patriotic colors as Dolly Parton sang on a big screen some Color Me America song).  But when the lumberjack competition began - watch out.  It was absolutely enthralling.  I cannot believe how quickly those guys could climb a pole and chop through a huge log of wood while standing on it.  The food was VERY good, and boy oh boy was there a lot!  The boys were entertained throughout the whole show too - a double plus.  All in all, I also recommend Dixie Stampede as a one time, must see experience.

 That wraps up day 2, folks.

Branson Vacation - Day 1

We just got back from our long weekend getaway to Branson, MO.  We hit all of the usual suspects - Silver Dollar City, Ride the Ducks, Dixie Stampede, Go Karts, and the Hamner Barber Variety Show.
After bickering about how slow the hubby was driving, we finally made it down there and began the whirlwind of kiddie rides.  My boys are 3 and 5, so the large roller coasters are pretty much out of the question at this point.  But Silver Dollar City does have quite a bit for the kiddos.  It was kind of chilly out, so we didn't hit any of the water rides.  Jake's favorite by far was the Grand Exposition Coaster.

He was a little too scared to raise his hands, but at least he rode it (which I can't say for the baby).  Mason was in a bit of a mood, and took awhile to warm up to the rides.  But once he did, we rode the elephant ride which the boys dubbed "Dumbo".

The hubby was too scared of the teacups.... of course.  We loved it though!  What you can't see is Mason's smiling face dug in to Jake's side.

And finally one of my favorites from childhood - Fire in the Hole!  Have I mentioned that Jake is quite the performer?  This is his best scared face.  Not bad, eh?  Mason was a little nervous, but both boys were all smiles after the ride was over.

 After a quick nap at the hotel, we did the Ride the Ducks.  The boys loved the quackers; I personally wanted to throw each and every one under the duck.  These are hidden high in my closet only to be brought out in the most severe circumstance.  The tour itself was pretty good.  I had read mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it.  The Captain even let Jake drive the duck.  He was all over the place and about crashed us into a small island, but the trusty Cap'n finally noticed and corrected our course.  The songs are patriotic, as is just about everything in Branson (more on that later).  Being a veteran, I still found it incredibly cheesy.  All in all, I highly recommend Ride the Ducks, especially if you have little ones.

We chowed down on some very good BBQ at Danna's BBQ, and that wrapped up day 1 of our vacation.

Welcome To My Story

Hi there. I'm Kerry, the dancing accountant.  I am a CPA by day, and a cardio dance teacher by night.  Well, not every night.  Most nights are spent with my odd yet adorable boys, Jake and Mason.  We live outside of Kansas City, and these two boys keep my hubby and me very busy.  This blog is just about random happenings in my life.  I'll focus on crafts, recipes, home decor, travel ideas, and the funny moments of being a mom.  I'm hoping to bring you a little entertainment, some ideas for your home life, and above all another person with whom to relate.  I can't promise that there will be a post everyday.  In fact I can promise there won't be a post everyday.  Thanks for stopping by!