Top of the Rock

After we finished zip-lining, we went back to the condo to have lunch.  The rest of the day we were going to spend at Top of the Rock, but before that, Emeri wanted to pick up a sweater she had seen when they'd gone shopping.  The rest of us opted to get ice-cream!

When we got to Top of the Rock, we were in a L O N G line to get electric carts to go on the nature trail and Lost Canyon Cave.  But I met a new friend!  A Japanese family was in line and I introduced myself in Japanese.  I found out they live only about 40 minutes from us!  We excitedly exchanged name/phone numbers.  I can't wait to be able to introduce her to some of my other Japanese friends back in Kansas!

Photo opp - except Elijah

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land,

 and streams on the dry ground;

I will pour My Spirit upon your offspring,

and My blessing on your descendants."

Isaiah 44:3

There was a little back-up at the cave.  There is a bar inside where you can get drinks.  We went around them and continued on.

After finishing the nature trail, we took a shuttle to the ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.  

There was a wedding going on at this cathedral.  Wouldn't this be a beautiful spot for that?!

Inside the museum

I was fascinated with the bead work. 

 I can just imagine in my mind the women working on these.

There were items from the Wild West show in the "olden" days on exhibit.  

Allen's dad's real first name is Elmer, but because he pretended to be Buffalo Bill as a kid, the nickname Bill stuck.  Hardly anyone knew him as Elmer.

We went back outside to watch the sunset.

This next photo was one Elijah took.

Traditional bagpipes and civil war canon are shot at sundown.

BOOM!

Ziplining

 When we were planning the trip to Branson, Josh asked if we'd like to zipline.  "On my bucket list" I replied!!  So he reserved tickets for  all of us.

It really was a fun morning as we ziplined from tree to tree to tree.  It took most of the morning.

These were our super great guides.  They kept it fun and kept anyone from getting nervous about it.

Then we went on a mountain coaster.

I found a video of it on-line.  This lady probably had her breaks on a bit.  You can slow it down, or you can zip down FAST!!  Unless, like Allen, a lady in front of him braked the whole way down so his coaster, that had a detector on it, also slowed down.  They told him he could get a free ride, but he didn't.  He should have!

Another thing on my bucket list is to take a hot air balloon ride!  What about you?

A trip to Branson

 Last Thursday morning there was a beautiful sunrise.  God reveals Himself daily!

In the morning, Allen mowed the lawn while I headed off for church to be in Bible study.  I wouldn't be able to stay the whole time, as we needed to get on the road.  But I LOVE being with my sisters-in-Christ and hate missing it!  

We left for Branson just before noon.  

We arrived at our rental in Branson around 5.   It was a nice place.

our bedroom

Our son and daughter-in-law's room

The kids shared the bunk room

A nice view on the back deck.  (I am using some of Josh's photos along with mine)

Josh's family was already in Branson.  After dropping off their little Reggie at the sitters, they had a 2 hour drive and then were spending the day shopping (the girls) and at Silver Dollar City (Josh and Eli.  Eli's friends from school were there so they hooked up.)  They had to drive Staci's Dad's vehicle because someone stole their vehicle's catalytic converter this past week!

Staci and I had decided to each plan one evening meal and one breakfast.  It was my turn this evening and we fixed super tacos.  

The kids arrived after dinner was fixed and we enjoyed the evening visiting.

The next morning I fixed french toast, German sausage and scrambled eggs.  After breakfast and devotions, we left for Silver Dollar City.

The first thing we did was stop to eat these HUGE cinnamon rolls.  We bought 2 and shared them.  Our 2nd breakfast of the day.  I might say there was a lot of eating here at this theme park.  It cost a "silver dollar" too!!

We waited a LONG time for this ride.  We were almost at the beginning when there was a glitch and they closed the ride down.  Bummer.  But we were given a fast pass so that when it would be running again, we could get on right away and not wait in line.

Staci got soaked!!!  Luckily Emeri had brought an extra leggings along so she could change out of her sopped up geans.  Later on, while visiting with a college friend, she accidently left her geans behind.  Hours later, she went back and found them!!  Guess no one wanted wet geans, even though these were brand new geans she had just purchased!  Lucky thing!

There is a nice place where one can relax for awhile.  Mid day we were a little tired.

Train ride!

What a fun day we had!!  More fun plans for Saturday and Sunday too!