Moonlight Madness

We took a mini vacation to Branson this past weekend. We started off our trip by stopping off at Gumma and Poppy's to "board" Max in their dog pens, and have lunch with them. Then we headed to Springfield to the Ozark Empire Fair. It's been years since I've been to the Fair--something my family did every summer when I was growing up. It was fun to get to take my family and to go during the day, which is something we never did when I was young....we always went at night. We had gorgeous weather--sunny and very low 80s--much better than the norm of 95+! The boys enjoyed it--we looked at sheep, cows, horses and rabbits. Then we played a couple of games--popping balloons for really CHEAP (but pricey) prizes. The boys fell for the trap of "win the big prize"--thinking they'd get the large Spongebob that was dangling above their heads, when, in reality, they got the cheap and tiny stuffed dolphin.....all for $6! (And putting up with a tatoo covered man missing way too many teeth!) :o) They also rode bumper cars and a mini boat ride--we figured out the kiddie area didn't take as many tickets to ride. After the Fair, we headed to Branson and ate downtown and walked around the Landing. We planned our trip intending to go to Silver Dollar City and White Water. The weather was unseasonable--yet again! (low 80s) It was too unseasonable for White Water--Nathan and I both feel it needs to be at least 90 before we walk around soaking wet all day! So, we opted to ride go-carts--which was fun too. We all took a much-needed nap and then headed out to SDC for their "moonlight madness". This is the 2nd year SDC has extended their hours to allow visitors to enjoy the park after dark. The majority of the park was closed--shops and such, but it was fun to ride the rollercoasters in the dark! Trevor and Nathan rode the Giant Swing (click here to see a picture). WOW--it goes high! We have not been to SDC with it THAT crowded in a long time! Of course, as soon as we got home, the weather heated right back UP and UP and UP! We'll catch White Water again soon!

1st time on a bumper car for Cody

Trevor driving his bumper cardThe boys playing the balloon gameThe boat ride in the kiddie areaCody playing the frog races while we waited on Nathan and Trevor to ride the swing. You spin the wheel and it pumps water into a trough which then, based on the amount of water and the speed of the water, will move a rubber frog down the trough. You can race with other players--we were the only two there. Here's a picture of Cody's frog--its in the white troughNathan and Trevor ready to ride the swing.Cody and Nathan riding the Teacups....Cody's request.

There aren't as many pictures, b/c I was participating and that didn't allow for good camera action. It's kind of hard to get pictures of roller coasters and go carts when you're on them! :o)