The remainder of our troop was less relaxed and more action packed. The highlight for the kids was going to Silver Dollar City. It was the perfect amusement park. Had plenty of fun and awesome rides yet not so big that you felt like you just walked a million miles all over the park. And the weather was perfect - highs in the upper 70s and everything there is in the hills and shaded. So different from Texas - here you go to an amusement park and you can see exactly what the ride is, but not here. You really can't see a lot of the rides until you've stood in line and are almost up because they're all hidden in the trees and hills. Thank goodness for ride reviews!
We started off on the Thunderation roller coaster. It was just perfect for me but once was enough as it made me dizzy. Reagan didn't like it - not quite ready for it yet but the rest of the gang rode it over and over!
I think Reagan was a lot happier in kiddie-land. They also had a much smaller coaster that was her favorite - she even rode with her hands up! And this bouncing frog was apparently a hoot!
One of the favorites of the kids was this shooting raft ride. You would shoot at people standing around the ride who were shooting back at you. We got pretty drenched! Nowhere to hide when someone's aiming at you! That and the river raft ride were loved by everyone!
Since the park closed rather early, that night we went to the Pierce Arrow show.
Think Oakridge Boys plus a comedian. Very funny - enjoyed the classic country sound. The kids thought it was too much singing but they got these really goofy souvenirs from the show. Versatile hats that can turn into anything...
and a light up mohawk and light up teeth! Just what every child needs!
The next morning we went to the world's largest Titanic museum. Very fascinating though it was hard for me to really get a ton out of it since I was constantly interrupted by the kids. One of the things I liked about it is that each person got a different card with someone's name, age and their story, and then at the end you can find out if they survived or not. I think it was a good way for the kids to be able to relate. Plus they had kid audio sets that played different info than the adults.
After the museum we were back for more fun at Silver Dollar City. We went up to watch the others on the log ride to a spot we had stood earlier with no problem. The minute Reagan and Mackenzie walked up a log came down and they got pummeled with water! So much for not getting wet!
So we went back and did a few rides we missed, repeated some favorites, and totally random - while in line for a ride I ran into one of my college roommates, Mandy! She also lives in Houston but I ran into her 700 miles away. Pretty cool!
That night we concluded our trip by going to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede!
If you've ever been to Medieval Times than you can imagine Dixie Stampede. It is exactly the same setup, western style! The kids (and us grown ups) had to eat without any silverware. And they gave us a ton of food (which was sadly wasted quite a bit). Ashley thought the food was awesome (that girl LOVES to eat a good dinner)! And then each side of the arena cheers for either the North or the South (Civil War) in different competitions. Lots of fun for the kiddos!
Before we knew it was time to head back to the Lone Star State and start getting ready to go back to school.
All in all, we loved Branson. I would HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you are God-loving, patriotic, and like country music (though I must point out that while it's quite conservative there, I did not find it to be divisive in any way). It was almost the perfect family vacation. You never run out of stuff to do and it was an all-around fun time.
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