Monday, May 13, 2013

Silver Dollar City, Mother's Day, & Home!

Saturday, May 11, 2013 -- Silver Dollar City (SDC) day!  We slept in until 8 AM, had some cereal and juice in the room, checked out, and arrived at SDC around 9:45.  After parking and walking a good ways, we were in the park.  My parents got season passes and this weekend was a "bring-a-friend-free" weekend.  So Matthew and I were the free friends. :)  They were also having bluegrass weekend, so there was plenty of nice notes floating through the air, both live shows and via speakers.  My grandma, who lives about 20 minutes from SDC, met us and was with us for the day.

We rode four roller coasters -- Fire in the Hole, Wildfire, Powderkeg, and Outlaw Run.  The latter is their new coaster, the only wooden one to go upside down in the world.  Wait times were awful, as is normal for new rides, but we actually were able to get right on at the front (due to a long story...ask me about it later!).  It was pretty exciting but definitely not worth more than a 45-minute wait, I would say.  Other than roller coasters, we did the giant swing (major g-forces), the Flooded Mine (laser-gun "boat" ride; my gun didn't work), the train (it stopped for a funny skit), a swinging bridge, and a "haunted mansion" (weird mirrors, crazily sloping floors).  Besides rides, we checked out the Wilderness Chapel, the petting zoo (goats, chickens, geese, CUTE baby pigs, and a rabbit), the blacksmith and wood shops, the leather shop (smelled so good...I got an adorable little saddle purse), a shawl shop, a baked goods shop (found some cool cookie cutters; Grandma got everyone yummy sugar cookies), an ice cream shop (the pineapple shake is homemade and wonderful), and the glass shop (we even saw glass-blowing and solid glass sculpting...beautiful).  Right before leaving, we got pork rinds..."protein and air," according to the team of two running the little booth.  Yum!

After our busy, tiring, people-filled, incredibly fun day, we returned to Grandma's home.  After supper, apple pie for dessert, and showers, we hit the covers at 11:15.  We slept well!

Sunday, May 12, 2013 -- After waking up at 7:45, we all had breakfast, including fudge muffins I baked on Wednesday night as a surprise.  My mom didn't know it!!  We went to Redeemer Lutheran Church (where my uncle and his family attend); the 9:30 service.  Then we went to Leong's Tea House in Springfield (MO).  It has great Asian food.  Most everyone got the famous cashew chicken, and combined with rice, wok tok (fried pork), and crab rangoons, it was a feast.  Visiting and eating followed.

By 4:00, we had arrived back home.  This was a wonderful, much-needed getaway.  From the trail ride (perfect temps and weather!), to the Dixie Stampede, to Silver Dollar City (we hadn't been there for more than seven years), to beautiful sunsets, it was great.  What I enjoyed most of all?  Being with my wonderful family; the four of us just enjoying fun things together.  It was a special weekend and I'd especially like to thank my parents for making it possible, my entire family for taking time to do this, and my Grandma for coming to SDC and letting us stay at her home.

I will bid you farewell for now, but I'll be back before you know it.  I can never stay away from wonderful adventures too long.  Adios, amigos!


The Wilderness Chapel at Silver Dollar City


Baby pigs at the Silver Dollar City petting zoo


Sunday was Mother's Day!  Matthew, my mom, and me at my Grandma's farm.

~Anna~  

Friday, May 10, 2013

Branson Adventure!

Hey everyone, I'm back!  This weekend, I'm going to Branson/Silver Dollar City for a late-birthday present. Yesterday, we left STL around 6 PM (I drove); had supper in Lebanon at a Mexican restaurant; then drove in very heavy rain until we arrived at the Radisson in Branson (around 10:30).  Late bedtime at 11:15.

This morning, my parents had to go to a talk about timeshares here in Branson (it was a deal -- you had to listen to a two-hour spiel to get a major discount on our room at the hotel).  Matthew and I had breakfast in the room, then we went to swim in the cool indoor/outdoor pool.  When you wanted to head out into the sunshine, just slide under the divider and you're outside!  We had a good time.

After my parents got back, we headed to Missouri State University's Ralph Foster Museum.  Three levels of musical instruments, military artifacts, animals, plants, and more made for a nice time.  We didn't have that much time, but we did enjoy the breeze-through (especially the real Beverly Hillbillies car).  After that (and a quick lunch), we headed to Dogwood Canyon State Park.  We enjoyed a one-hour trail ride with a nice young wrangler, seeing beautiful hills all around.  The sun shone, a cool breeze blew, and the temperature was perfect as we wound through forests, up and down steep rocky hills, and across pastures.  It was just my family and the guide, but he rode beside us, allowing me to lead.  I rode a gentle brown Quarter Horse gelding, Hershey.

After our ride, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, a first for all of us.  Over creamy vegetable soup, a rotisserie chicken, a pork loin, corn on the cob, an herb-basted potato, a biscuit, and an apple turnover (take-home bags provided!), we enjoyed watching the "North" (that's what we were) compete against the "South" in various fun competitions.  From pig and ostrich racing to a Saddlebred performing beautiful dressage, it was an exciting event for an hour-and-a-half.  No photography of any form is allowed...just put the beautiful show in your mind.  For the grand finale, many participants (dressed in sparkly red-and-white costumes) galloped in intricate, gorgeous patterns while Dolly Parton sang patriotic songs (on a video).  Everyone stood and was reminded of the true American spirit.  It was especially fun to meet the equine stars in their stalls before the show began.  Quarter horses, Paints, a Saddlebred, and Belgians peeked out at everyone taking pictures.

After the show, we drove to (and across) the Table Rock Dam.  Pretty sunset!!

Today was such a nice time.  Tomorrow we'll be heading toward Silver Dollar City...check in to see how it goes!  Meanwhile, enjoy the pics!


Beverly Hillbillies car at the Ralph Foster Museum (at MSU)


Pretty views during our trail ride in Dogwood Canyon State Park 


The Saddlebred, one of the Dixie Stampede equine stars


A gorgeous sunset on Table Rock Dam

~Anna~