Family vacation 2k13 part 2

Continuing with family vacation....after our nature trail hike, we were ready to jump in the pool! No rain this time, so off we went! After a while though, we started to hear thunder....and the life guard in  me knew it was time to go. So, we packed up and headed back to our apartment. Boredom quickly set in. Ben was out golfing and lucky for him the weather stayed clear for him to get 18 holes in. But, in the meantime, my dad and I took Noah and Levi to Bass Pro Shop to waste some time. 

The boys loved it!

So many boats and 4-wheelers to climb on and pretend to drive! Plus, it's right by the lake and there were lots of ducks and ducklings swimming around for us to look at, too. It was the perfect activity to keep the boys occupied before supper. 

That evening we headed for "The Shepherd of the Hills". When my Epp grandparents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, they brought their entire family to Branson for a vacation. I was 3 1/2 at the time, the youngest cousin, and had very vague memories of seeing this show. It was interesting to visit this place again. 

 With dark skies all around, we anxiously waited for our tram ride down to the theater.

 Off we went!

 And, just when we got settled into our seats the director came out and told us a big thunderstorm was headed our way and they were sending us all back home. Shucks! Rain throwing us more curve balls!

 Thankfully, we had a boat ride to look forward to the next morning! We were up bright and early for breakfast over at my parents' condo.

 And then on to the pontoon boat! It was a cloudy day, but warm enough for us to want to get in the water. Levi was TERRIFIED of getting on the boat, and then very slowly warmed up to the idea of getting in the water.

 He stayed really close to Ben for a long time.

 He thought about it and thought about it.

 Noah was excited to get on the boat, but was a little hesitant about jumping into the water. He thought about it for a minute...

 and then jumped in. Rylee was like a fish! Happy to jump in and swim all around and then climb out and jump back in!

 We took a break for lunch on the boat.

 Ben spent a lot of time looking at his phone. His long-time favorite golfer Phil Mickleson was winning the British Open. Just following along via Ben's narrative was actually quite exciting!

 There were people para-sailing overhead and the kids had fun waving to them.

Levi eventually did get in the water, but not for very long. Eventually it started to sprinkle and with the rain came cooler temps, thus our boat time ended. 

After we got cleaned up we headed out of town toward Lamberts Restaurant. At 4:30pm on Sunday afternoon we waited for 90 minutes. It was crazy busy and apparently always is. It rained while we waited for a table, but thankfully they have a huge covered area outside the door. After the rain stopped Levi tried his best to sail his paper boat.  

Finally we got a table. And thankfully they brought out fried okra and huge mugs of water and started throwing rolls at us (that's what they're famous for - throwing rolls at you). Then our food came! Mine came out on a huge skillet! I only ate half of it and was stuffed! It's quite the restaurant. Good food, quick service and having hot, fresh baked rolls thrown at you doesn't hurt either.

 Like our own version of the movie "Groundhog Day" we went back to The Shepherd of the Hills. We stood in line, got our picture taken, and got on the tram just like the night before. Down to the theater...

 and with clear skies above, we found our seats.

 At intermission I explained a bunch of the plot to the boys. I think that helped them understand what was going on. Although I'm not sure Levi ever really followed the story.

 It was a late night for the kids and by the time it was over we were all ready to head to bed.