Branson!

Last Wednesday we loaded up in the camper and headed for Branson. I hadn't been since I was a kid (we went there on Grandma and Leo's honeymoon :)) and Arnie and the girls had never been. Since we left on our 9th Anniversary, we did make time to stop for a nice dinner......

 ....gas station hot dogs! At least the girls sat at a table to eat theirs :)

It was a long drive, but we did it with one stop (for the hot dogs and some gas) and pulled into the campground just before 10pm.

Thursday we spent the day at Silver Dollar City. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. The girls weren't too sure about Marvel cave at first, but by the time we finished the tour both were glad they did it (Gracie wanted to go again, but after carrying her through the 700 steps and half mile of walking, I declined!). Usually they have someone in the cave to take your picture, but they weren't there so this is all we got....

....we saw a few bats, Gracie called them cute and our tour guide told Maggie they were just chicken nuggets with wings.

We panned for some "jewels".

& rode the train.

Gracie measured herself at every ride, every time. For whatever reason she was convinced the sign said she was
tall enough to "ride with a noodle." So every time she went on a ride she'd ask Arnie and I who was going to "be her
noodle." We cracked up every time!

Friday we rented a boat and spent the afternoon on Table Rock Lake. It probably would have been warm enough to swim, but we just enjoyed the boat ride. We all loved being on the lake, but Reagan especially enjoyed the wind.

One of the girls was a careful and cautious driver....

.....the other one was "hell on wheels!"

Gracie wanted to drive over and see some birds.....we got stuck. Guess who had to get in to push????

Family Selfie!

Right after this picture Gracie reached over and floored the throttle! (Little Trouble Maker) Maggie went flying to the back
of the boat, thankfully the bench caught her and she didn't go right on over board. That was the end of Gracie's driving career!

Friday night we went to Dixie Stampede and watched the horse show. They don't let you take pictures inside and I forgot to take any outside. The girls loved watching the trick riders. I think it was Maggie's favorite part of the trip. It was definitely better then I expected, we all enjoyed it.

Saturday we went back to Silver Dollar City for awhile and then played at the campground.

Maggie kept asking the woman in the school house to "teach them something". Gracie just
wanted to play with chalk!

The campground had a jumping pillow, it was awesome!

Sunday morning we got up early and started our journey home. It seemed like it took FOREVER. We made one quick stop on the way home, and pulled into the driveway about 6:30pm. We were all ready to get out and stretch our legs.....except for Maggie, she was ready to jump in the car and go check on Jude :) I'm sure Jude was anxious to see her too.

It was a great trip! I'm glad we took advantage of the long weekend off school to enjoy the weather and a little family time.