Introducing "Silver Dollar City"

For the Guinther's last day with us we headed south to Branson. We purchased season passes for the three theme parks in Branson with our tax return and as a bonus we received many free passes to be used during certain times of the year.Sherry & Dale's visit was just perfect for one of those times. This was the first weekend that Silver Dollar City opened so this visit was our first visit to the park as well.

The first attraction that caught our eye was Marvel Cave. It is a well known cave system located beneath the park and the tour is included in the admission price. So I talked everyone into waiting the 30 minutes so we could explore the great Ozark underground.

The tour was about one-hour long and included walking down a very long stair and ramp system. The sights inside however were well worth the wait and the stairs.

As soon as you finally arrive at the base of the main opening you are shuffled in line for their official pictures. The photo turned out pretty good so we decided to purchase it.

The cave had some very tight turns and declines and proved to be very beautiful all along the way.

The best part was the waterfall. This was a first for us, we have been through many cave systems but never one with an underground waterfall. Unfortunately we were not able to stay long to enjoy the scene but it was a very awesome sight.

I think Neleha and Garret had it the best during our tour as they were carried throughout the tour.

The kids had a great time exploring this amazing underworld and I think even us parents enjoyed it too.

We eventually reached the end of the tour which concluded with a train ride out of the cave. The train was the craziest train I had ever seen. It was a crooked train due to the fact of the steepness of the ascent out of the cave. It provided a nice smooth and relaxing ride.

Once we were out of the cave we began to explore this so called "City". It was quit an impressive place. They had a very unexpectedly large number of vendor areas where various carfts or food was sold all of which was made right here in the park. In fact most of it was being made right in front of your eyes.

We finally found the kids rides area and that is were we stayed. The kids had such a blast being able to spend time with each other and being able to enjoy all these rides.

Dale and I were able to hang out and talk guy talk while the kids road and while Kristy & Sherry also rode.

Everyone certainly had a great time!

Dale and I eventually did find a ride suitable for all of us, the kiddie coaster.

So we jumped aboard and had a ride to remember.

Before long we had made our way through all the kiddie rides and it was finally nearing dinner-time and while in the Ozarks there really is only one place for dinner....it was time for Lambert's.

Free Doughnuts and the Cowboy Store

Bright and early we headed out for Branson but we first stopped into a couple of Springfield's hot spots. In fact "Hot" is what made the first place so good. Krispy Kreme doughnuts is one of our favorite places for Saturday mornings, especially when the red light is on indicating that fresh doughnuts are rolling down the line. That red light also means that everyone entering will receive one free hot & fresh doughnut. Sherry and Dale quickly fell in love with this place as well.

There is something very fascinating about watching anything being made, doughnuts are no exception. From the dough mixer to to the glazer the doughnut making process is simply amazing.

Being St. Patrick's Day weekend they had a very special doughnut that was in the shape of a clover. It tasted good as all their doughnuts do.

Our last stop before heading for Branson was PFI, it is the largest western wear store in the state of Missouri. I knew this place would really go over well with Sherry and Dale.

We all really enjoyed looking at the boots and hats and all western things in between. Braden and Neleha kept us pretty busy as they wanted to try on and play with everything.

At one point a funny thing happened when Barden was able to sneak away from us and was caught by one of the PFI employees. That walked him right back to Kristy and said there you go, theres Mommy. He does look way more like Kristy then Sherry so the mistake was understandable.

After having our Cowboy Store experience we were ready for Branson's very own Silver Dollar City.

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!

Goin' Toothless

Miss Molly has been losing teeth left and right but on this particular night she topped all, she lost 2 of them. That's right, in the same night! She just loved the fact that she had lost more teeth than all her friends at school but I must admit, her smile was was taking a very big hit for this accomplishment. But she sure did look so cute with her big toothless smile.