Jarred's Overnight Visit

Out of no where we received a call from our good friend Jarred who happened to be in town visiting his in-laws. We convinced him to stay the night and then headed for the best restaurant in the Ozarks the next day for lunch.

There is nothing more fun than catching some throwed rolls with an old friend.

Jarred and I were able to catch up on each others lives and fill up on some good southern food.

After Lambert's we headed over to the Fish Museum but this wasn't Jarred's first visit. But he enjoyed it all the same.

We had so much fun during Jarred's quick overnight trip. Good times with a good friend, definitely something to write home about.

The Guinther's Bass Pro & Fish Museum Tour

Kristy's sister, Sherry, and my bro-inlaw, Dale, stopped in for a weekend which made us very happy! So to start any visit to Springfield off right one must pay homage to the great BASS PRO SHOP. Our visit was enjoyed by the kids and adults alike.

What is there not to love about this place? We had a great time checking out the fishes and ducks and alligator snapping turtle, plus of course all the outdoor gear one could ever want.

My good brother in-law Dale off handily remarked when we first told everyone that we were moving here that there would never be reason for him to come to Missouri..... I think he found one on this trip. He had as much fun as I do each week when I visit this store. He wanted to stay longer but time was certainly pressing.

On our way out the kids got to sit on the four-wheelers and imagine for a short time and then it was off to the fish museum.

Out of all the attractions in Springfield that we enjoy, this is our family favorite. We sure do love sharing it with all those who wonder our way. Emily and Braden quickly fell in love with the place as well.

If a person loves the outdoors at all this museum is certain to captivate them. I really enjoy sitting back and watching our family and friends as they venture through this place for the first time. The Guinthers were no exception, they really enjoyed this place and found the peace that it provides. From the graceful animals to the refreshing waterfall and all the things in between, it is quite a place.

At one point I even caught Dale holding off Emily so he could watch a hand cranked movie about conservation. A good indicator of the fun he was having.

There is something very symbolic about riding the escalator down, down, down into the aquarium area. Almost like you're entering the water yourself.

It was very clear that we were all having a great time! Kristy especially, she was so happy during the time that she was able to spend with her sister. I think it was a well needed visit for Kristy and Sherry.

Molly and Emily used all their might to reel in their "Big One" and Dale assisted Braden with his massive catch of the day. Both efforts proved very successful.

Our favorite part of the museum is of course the salt-water aquarium. We simply sat, watched, and enjoyed this very peaceful view into this small piece of the ocean.

It was very nice watching the Guinther family enjoy this place as much as the Batchelder family enjoys it. Good times indeed!

We topped the night off right with a little cup of Andy's Frozen Custard.

It was a little chilly outside so we all crammed into one car to enjoy our frozen treat together.

A great start to an awesome weekend!

Sharing the Fish Museum with our Friends

We had the fun pleasure of being able to take our little neighbor friends Kara & Adam to the fish museum. Our girls love that place but what they love more is being able to take other people there. I guess for them it's like sharing one of their prized possessions, they want everyone to enjoy it.

Kara & Adam enjoyed this place as much as our girls do each week. They all had such a wonderful time watching the fish and exploring the museum.

Of course they were as amazed by the sharks as we are every time we come.

They really thought this old Ozark story teller was a pretty neat guy.

Good times, as usual, at the fish museum!

Ray's Visit to the Fish Museum

As our tradition holds, we love bringing our visitors to the National Fish and Wildlife Museum. This time around was Ray's turn and so the girls provided him with the grand tour of our favorite place in Springfield.

The Bobcats are one of the girl's favorite animals in the museum, I think they would take these over sized felines home if they could. What a litter box that would be.....



Even though he would never publicly admit to it, I think Ray really enjoyed the kiddie interaction pool. He got just as wet as the girls did.

Of all the things to see and do, watching the sharks is certainly the most magnificent. The girls and even Ray were captured for some time by these very misunderstood animals.

One thing you must do when in the Ozarks is catch a fishin' story from one of the locals. That's not too hard here at the museum.

Another happy visitor to the fish museum.