Branson Pics...Finally!

So, we had a wonderful time in Branson, MO last week for our family vacation. You know how you wonder if you just "glorify" things in your youth and if it would really be just as much fun as your remember? Well Branson delivered. I probably had MORE fun at Silver Dollar City than I've ever had. Probably due to the sheer number of memories I've made at that place.

Here's a picture diary of our trip.

On the way down we stopped at Mr. Yens for some Springfield Chinese and then on to Pineapple Whip. I didn't get a picture by the hula girl because I was in a hurry as it was raining. But I did get a picture of me holding the beloved pineapple whip/grape twist cone. I love those things!

We stayed at a huge community of timeshares, actual homes and nightly rentals called StoneBridge with my parents and my sister. It was a maze inside, but very nicely kept. Our lodge was right on a humongous pond.

My uncle and his family came up from Arkansas to hang out with us and see Natalie. It's been a while! My grandparents were also in town staying at a hotel in the "show district".
Uncle Mike and Natalie
We had breakfast here - it was GOOD.
The weather was weird the week we were there. It was COLD for August (68-72). Too cold the first few days to do anything in the water. Here's a run-down of what we saw...
I still love Grandfather's Mansion at Silver Dollar City
We had to bail Natalie out of a little trouble
We got a chance to meet up with Angie, Reese and Miriam at the Landing at a good restaurant called Cantina Laredo. My visit with Angie and Miriam was too short, but I was SO glad to be able to catch up over dinner.
Cantina Laredo was so good we took the rest of the group back for another meal. Guacamole prepared table-side, flank steak wrapped around roasted poblano peppers, frozen margaritas... can anyone say "YUM"?
Reese - such a doll!
Don't we look saintly with those flames over our heads??? The light show at the Landing was pretty cool!
Poppo and Me
We HAD to take a picture of this down at the Landing. This was NOT the only sign we saw like this. Come ON folks.
On our last full day in town the sun peaked out for the afternoon and we took advantage and rented a boat. I am DEFINITELY not as young as I used to be - I was SO sore the next day from tubing.


All in all it was a wonderful time. I even squeezed in a visit with my friends Matt & Beth (at a pizza place Natalie sent people packing from because she was SOOO super tired) and Rachel (all in KC). I wish I had more time to spend and hate the fact I have friends I only get to see for a few hours once a year... but I am so grateful that we still maintain those connections. I HEART Missouri.