We left Saturday morning 9/20 ON TIME at 5am heading for Branson, MO.
We stopped mid-morning at Pine Bluff, AR & visited their FREE nature center. We had fun exploring the center and then enjoyed a picnic lunch at a nearby park.
Then on to Branson… where we spent a week relaxing, exploring & enjoying our time together…
Sunday: We traveled to Diamond, MO to picnic and explore at the George Washington Carver National Museum
Monday: We played putt-putt golf in Branson (or puff-puff as AJ calls it) and then went on to Eureka Springs, AR to see The Great Passion Play.
Tuesday: The kids participated in the resorts “Stuff & Fluff” activity. They each made animals & picked outfits for them. JC-monkey in a soccer uniform, AJ-unicorn in a princess outfit, AC-elephant in a cheerleader uniform. We also took a walk on the resort’s nature trail…
Wednesday: We traveled to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. We learned about trout & local lakes and ecosystems. (It’s the homeschool 
mom in me, I guess, that turns vacation into school-time! Who said learning can’t be fun?!?!) We stopped on the way at this scenic overlook (to the left)… I love the mountains!
Wednesday afternoon, all day Thursday & most of the day Friday were spent enjoying the sights and rides at Silver Dollar City. AJ has her hand over her face b/c the sun was in her eyes… Oh well, I am no professional…
Wednesday was AJ’s 5th birthday so after Silver Dollar City, we went to the Cold Stone Creamery & indulged in the most luxurious ice cream my taste buds have ever had the pleasure of meeting… Pure Joy… Until I got home & realized the scale had moved about 4 pounds in the WRONG direction!! 😉
We rested Friday evening, loaded the van & headed home after breakfast on Saturday morning. And before we knew it, vacation was over & life was back to normal. Too bad we can’t LIVE on vacation…
I couldn’t get the pictures the way I wanted them after SEVERAL attempts at editing, so I gave up. Sorry if this post is hard to read, but I hope you enjoy the pictures even if they are a bit “off”.
Looks like you had a wonderful vacation! Don’t you know you AREN’T supposed to check the scale on vacation!! 😉
I’m glad you guys had such a great time. We were up that way earlier this year and loved the scenery. Your pictures are great.
You need to stop by my blog and read “The Best Vacation Ever” when you get a chance.