Branson, MO

So on our way to Texas for J's training we decided to stop overnight on Saturday in Branson Missouri for a mini vacation. We got up and loaded early so we could be down to the Dixie Stampede by 1:30, so that we could walk the barn to see the horses and also to watch the pre-show entertainment.

Unfortunately I was unable to get any pictures during this stop of our adventures, but found plenty on the Internet if you would like more information on this attraction 

During the show they serve you a meal...to eat sans utensils. Yes, including a whole chicken to tear apart with your bare hands. I would say the flaky apple turnover is the best part personally. During the show they transition into several different vignettes of old time lifestyles. Meanwhile the whole show it is a battle between the North and the South, but at the end we are reminded that we are united under one flag once more.

 After watching the afternoon show we decided to hit up an arcade/track that was super close to our hotel. J and the older two boys raced while N napped and also got a quick game of laser tag in before he woke up...I worked on my Skee Ball skills...not too bad if I say so myself ;)

Source

I also took a turn in the go-karts in a double. M really had his heart set on the multi-teared track like the last picture, but wasn't tall enough to go on his own. After the first lap I never let up on the gas....ya, super fun!

We called it an early night after swimming in the pool with the boys, so we could load up and get into Silver Dollar City when they opened on Sunday.

J and I talked and we would put it up there with Disney or Busch Gardens for how nice and clean it is. It really wasn't that crowded all day and the food was above average for amusement parks.

 Entrance to the park also gives you a free tour of the Marvel Cave located on the property. It was nice to cool off in the 60 degree underground cavern.

The structure in this picture is the steps we walked down through the sink hole.

There weren't many stalagmite or stalactites that we could view, they used this cave for bat guano and many of the areas we walked through have been touch causing the growth to stop.. The cave has been open to public tours since 1894.

It is a full one hour tour, with over 500 steps along with the actual walking you have to do.

The boys really enjoyed it, I think I see more cave exploring in our future. Overall we enjoyed our quick trip to Branson and look forward to more possible trips down, perhaps with some extended family members.