We took a fun trip to Branson, Missouri at the end of July. Dad went with us. We got to celebrate his 74th birthday while we were there. We stayed at a nice Wyndham condo that had several pools that the kids liked swimming in every day.
Day One - Thursday, July 27th
Our drive there was restful and fun. There was some napping, some singing, a few games played, and laughter.
At one point I looked back to the back seat and saw Dad, playing a mean piano solo, and Sarah cracking up. Fun times! Eric was the "Hero Driver" again on this trip...driving the whole time/trip. When we arrived we got all checked into our condo, unloaded, ate some pizza, and went swimming.
Day Two - Friday, July 28th
We got to Silver Dollar City for the opening ceremony. Veterans are all called forward, given a ribbon to wear so that they will be recognized throughout the day and throughout the park for their service, and then they all line up to march to the flagpole, hang the flag, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Silas and Dad both got their birthday buttons and a special birthday song sung to them by this funny cowboy.
Outlaw Run had a short line so we rode it a few times in a row.
The Saloon Show was excellent as usual.
The kids rode Wildfire a couple times.
We left the park for awhile in the afternoon and went to eat a big meal at the Grand Country Buffet. Then went to the condo to rest and swim before heading back to Silver Dollar City for the evening concert in Echo Hollow and the fireworks show.
Day Three - Saturday, July 29th
HAPPY 74th BIRTHDAY, DAD!
Dad opened his gifts from us before we left the condo for our first adventure of the day. Each one of the kids had made him a gift this year. Silas used Perler Beads to create a fish and fishing pole. Sarah painted a beautiful picture and Phoebe wood burned him a few things.
Dad wanted us all to visit the College of the Ozarks today. We saw the tractor museum, the garden and green houses, the stained glass shop, and the mill.
There were some swans that the kids enjoyed feeding.
We ate lunch at the Keeter Center on the College of the Ozarks campus. It was delicious. They brought out a small birthday dessert and sang to Dad. Then we all had ice cream from the creamery there in the Keeter center.
That evening we went to the Sights and Sounds Theater to see their production of Queen Esther. It was great! The music, the acting, and the sets...all amazing!
Later that night, back at the condo, the birthday celebrating continued with cupcakes and ice cream.
Day Four - Sunday, July 30th
Back to Silver Dollar city today! We attended the Wilderness church service first thing in the morning. Then we rode a LOT of rides today and participated in the summer water balloon toss contest in Silver Dollar City's main square.
Sarah and I were partners for the water balloon toss, Phoebe and Dad teamed up and Eric and Silas were a team.
There was no line for the Time Traveler roller coaster. So, of course we rode it several times in a row.
This is the last year for the old Fire In The Hole indoor roller coaster. It will be torn down after December. A new Fire In The Hole indoor roller coaster is being built in the Fireman's Landing area.
We got to watch the fireworks in the park again tonight. This time we watched them from the square.
Day Five - Monday July 31st
Today we headed to Big Ceder, Top of the Rock and the Lost Canyon Trail. We also had tickets to tour the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. We had two golf carts to drive the Trail. We saw some beautiful waterfalls, drove through a cave, and saw some cool things in the museum.
Day Six - Tuesday, August 1st
On our way home we stopped to visit our friends the Stovers. We had a nice visit with them and even got to take some rides in Keith's old 1922 Chevy two seater.
Below, old friends, Keith, Sandy, and my Dad.
