I have so much going on in my head tonight, but I'm going to focus on our weekend. I LOVED the blogger app, but I'm so grateful to be back on my laptop.
I totally take Branson for granted. Why? Because it's just a couple of hours away, and we go there several times a year. We've been for 3 weekends already this year and will likely go at least once more (maybe twice, depending on the post-Disney mood in December or three more times if we go Labor Day and again in October and Christmastime). I digress!
Our trips up there are all fairly similar. We stay in the cheapest place with the best reviews we can book online a couple of days before we go. Seriously, all I really need is a clean bathroom and bed, but the microwaves and refrigerators in most rooms are nice and common. Here is a rundown of this weekend (and it looks a whole lot like most of the others):
We opted for 2 nights this time just to make it more special before Aiden goes to 1st grade (UGH - that is a whole other post). Unfortunately, we didn't get up there early enough Friday night to do anything fun with the late start and horrible rain storm. The most we could muster was Walmart for snacks. LOL! Saturday morning, we slept in after the late night. We had a late breakfast at the Belgian Waffle and Pancake House (great food, slow service). We even hit the big, red barn souvenir place next to it. Then, we had a leaky diaper that required a purchase from said establishment as Momma (that's me) forgot to throw Rylee's extra clothes in the diaper bag. We went down to Branson Landing just to walk around and window shop and daydream about owning a boat. Then, we went on a little road trip to let Rylee sleep. We were trying to find a newer shopping area we were in a few years ago but weren't successful. Next, we went to Pirate's Cove for some mini golf. They were quite busy, and we were stuck behind a large party. Rylee started to get quite hot and pink, so she and Daddy went inside while Aiden and I finished the last 8 holes. He has become quite the good little golfer (until he gets hot, tired, and impatient). When we turned in our clubs, he got a pirate loot bag which made him feel a lot better. We all took a little pit stop and decided to go to dinner. Joseph and I had decided earlier that we were going to Fontina's (one of our faves), and this golf place was close to it. Since it was 6:45, we got there with the crowd and had to wait 45 minutes. It went by fairly quick with some I Spy fun and a couple of walkabouts outside. After dinner, Aiden was itching for some track time, and Rylee seemed game. It was off to the The Track for a little go-karting. Unfortunately, the Heavy Metal high rise was super busy, so he had to settle for The Classic Track. Mom chickened out but promised to go the next time when it wasn't so busy. Aiden had an absolute ball, and Rylee thoroughly enjoyed watching. Last, it was back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Today, we got up a little earlier for breakfast buffet and Grand Country before heading off to Silver Dollar City. We like to go on Sunday when it's less crowded since we can afford to leave town a little later than others. We did all of Aiden's favorites: the Flooded Mine, the American Plunge, and the Lost River of the Ozarks. He was in the mood to ride, so we also rode the kiddie coaster and elephant march at the Grand Exposition. He even insisted on riding the carousel at Half-Dollar Holler IF Rylee could ride, and she did. Her first carousel ride was quite the success, so we had to do it twice. Then big brother took a turn all by himself.
It was a great family weekend. Branson does family well. There's the amusement park with shows and rides for every age, not to mention homespun shopping and food. They close at 6:00 most night, but there is a lot to do a night. There are the wide variety of shows that we don't take advantage of enough. Plus, you have the various adventures with go-karts, bumper boats, zip lines, and TONS of mini golf. There is even a Ripley's museum (believe it!) and a wax museum. I don't think of it as a vacation destination because it's so close, but I can definitely see how families can spend a full week up there and have a great time.
Enough with the long post. I'm going to bed! I need some rest after my amazing family weekend.
~Heather
Day 29 of 365
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