Our Family Trip To Titanic Branson for Christmas

As Chief Purser at the Titanic Museum Attraction, our Captain gave me special approval to bring my family in to get a sneak peek at all of the Christmas decorations inside the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. After all, if I haven't seen them, I can't tell all of you about them. I have to say that the crew really outdid themselves this year. The decorations are absolutely breathtaking.

My boys were really looking forward to seeing the iceberg. It is a REAL living, growing iceberg. They were curious to see if it had gotten any bigger.

Parents, this iceberg provides a perfect learning opportunity. How are icebergs formed? How big can they get? We have a few science lessons available on our website at http://www.titanicattraction.com/titanic-education-science.php . If you do one of these lessons before your tour and then talk about the lesson as you go through the museum, it will bring the lesson to life for your children.

My oldest son loves the giant Titanic model. He is fascinated by it. When you are there, ask a crew member to shine a light in on the windows of the model. I won't tell you what you'll see. I want it to be a surprise. It took the artist 2 years to build this ship. It is just amazing and we are very lucky to have such an exhibit.

If you love dogs, you'll love this next part of our tour. By the way, this next part is only in Branson, Mo. Our Pigeon Forge location doesn't have a dog exhibit. Now, you ask, "Why dogs?" Well, there were 10 dogs that traveled on Titanic in 1912. Molly and Carter are our 2 King Charles Spaniels who represent the 10 dogs. Their kennel, pictured here, cost $1M to construct. They will be turning 5 on Thanksgiving weekend and we will have a giant birthday celebration in their honor. Click here for details. 


If you would like to teach your children about the 10 different breeds of dogs that were on Titanic, visit our Molly and Carter page. It is very interesting to see what kinds of dogs people had as pets, 101 years ago. Again, your children will learn so many valuable things, but because the museum is set up as an interactive attraction, they won't realize that they are learning.

After we spent time with Molly and Carter, we were off to see the Grand Staircase. I couldn't wait. It's my favorite part of the museum. Mostly because it really makes me feel like I am a passenger on the ship, on my way to a fancy party. My children look at it as a competition - who can reach the top first. Did you know that our Titanic Museum Attraction owners built the Grand Staircase from original Harland and Wolfe architectual plans? I can't explain to you in words the beauty of this Grand Staircase. The Edwardian Style Christmas decorations are exquisite and the atmosphere is truly magical.
Titanic didn't sail at Christmas, but if she had, we believe she would have looked like this. We decorate at Christmas to honor the 2,208 passengers and crew of Titanic in hopes that their legacy will go on.

The tour continues up the stairs where you will see a 1st class stateroom, Molly Brown's Gallery which will be leaving Branson at the end of the year, and you will see several interactive rooms full of learning opportunities.

 Your family can enter the Captain's bridge and learn about all of the equipment it takes to run and steer such a huge ship. They can actually put their hands in 28 degree water and see how long they can withstand the frigid temperature. They can feel how steep the ship decks became as Titanic descended into the water. They can sit in an actual size lifeboat and hear actual Titanic passengers tell their stories. And, what kid doesn't want to learn how to send an SOS signal? You can do that too. Also, available online are additional educational lessons to back up what they learn in these interactive rooms.
At the end of your tour, you can meet Polar. He is an interactive digital bear. He talks to the children about Titanic and they can actually talk back to him. This is a high tech interactive feature that my boys really think is entertaining. On your tour, you can find out why Polar came to be. It is a history lesson straight from Titanic and its sure to pull at your heart strings.

At the end of the tour is the gift shop brimming with one of a kind original gifts and collectibles. It's especially beautiful at Christmas. My children especially love the toy section. Our favorite is the coby blocks available in the gift shop. They built the ship last year and it is on display in our house. These are blocks that are compatible with legos.

We spent almost 2 hours touring the Titanic Museum Attraction. We stopped for a few more photos outside the ship. There are some really pretty Christmas props outside perfect for photo opportunities.

As you can see, this is a history lesson full of interactive exhibits decorated beautifully for Christmas. We have amazing events planned including fireworks and snow in Pigeon Forge, Tn. and a Fantasy Princess that will make her rounds at both locations. Oh and we are open year round!  The only days we are closed are Christmas Day and January 6-9, 2014 in Branson and January 13-16, 2014 in Pigeon Forge. We close for those 4 days each year so that we can clean the ship from bow to stern and install new galleries and exhibits. We change every year. So, each year, there are new reasons to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction - a continuous history lesson in honor of the 2,208 passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic.

Peace and Blessings be with You and Yours this Holiday Season, 

Chief Purser

Erin Wicker

  and family. :)

P.S. write me and tell me about your Christmas trip to Titanic. I would love to hear from you!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Titanicmuseumattraction
Email - erin.wicker@titanicattraction.com
Comment below.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Branson during Christmas 2013

I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Wait. I can't believe I only have 39 more shopping days until Christmas. I love Christmas. It's a bit overwhelming, but what better things could we be doing with our lives than blessing each other in honor of our savior? 
Besides shopping and giving, I have a top 10 list of my favorite things I like to do with my family during Christmas in Branson, Mo. 

Another Drum Roll Please.....

10. Experience The 25th Annual Ozark Mountain Christmas as Branson transforms into a Holiday Wonderland.

It's so beautiful. Christmas is the busiest time of year in the Ozark Mountains. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy all of the holiday lights, shows, shopping, and entertainment that Branson, Mo. has to offer. Why? Because every square inch of Branson is decorated.

9. Drive through the Branson Area Festival of Lights that includes 175 holiday displays. 



Now through December 31, 2013, Gather your family and drive over to the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through off of Shepherd of the Hills Expwy, where you will see thousands of holiday lights in a 1-mile drive complete with Christmas music. Make this one of your family's holiday traditions. Spolier alert - Santa is at the end of the lighted tunnel with a special treat for all good little boys and girls, so be on your best behavior.

8.  Shop the Branson Landing and the Tanger Outlets of Branson for the best Holiday gift selection.  


November 28th, 2013 at 10pm - Black Friday look out. Branson, Mo. is home to so much shopping, you will be able to get gifts for everyone on your list! Branson Landing, located next to Downtown Branson on lake Taneycomo, has over 100 specialty stores, and our favorite, the Bass Pro Shops. Tanger Outlet Malls will have an after Thanksgiving Moonlight holiday sale at 10pm on Thanksgiving night. Get there early. The parking lot is packed. I like to go and people watch with my husband. It's very entertaining.

7. Stay at the 5-Star Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa and eat Breakfast with Santa. 

Enjoy 4-star hotel accommodations plus on Saturday, December 21, 2013 will be the 16th Annual Breakfast with Santa event at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa. They have chosen this year to support a local 
 charity with ticket sales - Options Pregnancy Clinic. Click here to visit their website and make reservations. 
My kids love meeting Santa and eating the delicious breakfast. Who wouldn't?

 6. Attend An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. 

We go every year. Visit Silver Dollar City this Christmas, one of the WORLD's TOP 10 Amusement Parks. You will enjoy 5 million holiday lights, a Christmas Parade complete with Santa himself, and a train ride that shares the True Meaning of Christmas, not to mention all of the rides. The new wooden roller coaster, Outlaw Run, is the very first wooden roller coaster to twist upside down! Visit their website here for tickets. 
 

5. See Branson's 65th Annual Adoration Celebration & Parade in Downtown Branson. 

A tradition in Branson, Mo. the 65th Annual Adoration Parade begins with the lighting of a nativity scene on the top of the hill overlooking Taneycomo. It is a time to celebrate Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Click Here for parade information.  We like to bring hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows.



4. See the Miracle of Christmas production at Sight and Sound Theater 

Away in a manager, no place for his head...You know the song by heart. It's the story of the birth of Jesus. It's a very visual way to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. My children love the live animals that they bring on stage! Find out more here.  
 
 
3. Browse the Titanic Gift Shop brimming with Classic Christmas gifts and ornaments. 

Now through December 31, 2013 - The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas Click Here to see it.

lights and decorations. In the gift shop, you will find children's toys, collectible hand-painted Christmas ornaments, beautiful jewelry, and gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  Have you seen the Titanic ship that you build out of blocks that are compatible with legos? It is awesome. My boys built it last year.


 
2. Fly direct to Branson, Mo. via Southwest Airlines now landing at the Branson Airport. 

I obviously don't have to fly, but this is a big deal for Branson. This makes travel a hop and a jump! Fly direct to Branson, Mo through Southwest Airlines. Enjoy low fares and an airport with a hometown feel. It's easy to get in and out and you are minutes away from the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebrations. Click here for rates and dates.  

AND...the #1 reason to visit Branson, Mo. during Christmas 2013....
 

1. Meet The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess,  this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland. 

If you like fantasy and the magic that surrounds the Christmas holidays, this is for you! The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

Well, if you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help. If you have any photos of your family visiting Branson during Christmas, post them to our facebook page - Titanic Museum Attraction.  Share the Christmas spirit with us!

Yours Truly, 

Chief Purser Erin Wicker

 

24 Christmas Trees, Holiday lights, and a Fantasy Princess

Each year, the Titanic Museum Attraction decks the halls for a magical Christmas Celebration.  This year, the Titanic Crew worked for 4 days with 12 people working each night, to complete this year's holiday lights and decorations inside the ship. 

You see, the Titanic didn't sail during Christmas, but if she had, we imagine that she might have looked like this: 

There are 24 trees on display throughout the ship, along with thousands of glittering holiday lights! Here is what else you can expect on your tour of the Titanic Museum Attraction during November and December 2013. 

1. Walk the Grand Staircase - Built from original blue prints – for the first time you are able to walk the Grand Staircase. It cost this museum over one million dollars to build this most famous staircase – Titanic’s hand-crafted, wooden inlayed, Grand Staircase, which led First Class passengers into the heart of shipboard society where the rich and richer mingled before dinner.

2. See 3rd Class Cabin and First Class Suite -  What was it like to travel on Titanic? How many shared a room? Was there a bathroom? What did it cost in today’s standards to travel in third class verses first class? Learn the answers during your voyage at the museum.

3. Touch a Real Live Iceberg! - Step into the Captain’s bridge and steer the ship. Learn of Titanic’s voyage from Ireland. Feel the chill of that starry night when Titanic met her destiny. You can steer the ship, will you miss the iceberg? Touch the iceberg. Feel how cold the water was by sticking your hands in 28 degree water. 

 

4. Discover Titanic in 2013 - What does Titanic look like now, on the bottom of the ocean? Our owner, Mr. John Joslyn takes you on a journey of discovery 2 miles below the oceans waves to the resting place of the RMS Titanic. Take a virtual tour, see photos of the wreckage, hear stores from the research crew.

5. Honor the passengers - 2,208 names of Titanic's passengers and crew line the memorial wall at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. Here, we give voice to them all by telling their stories and honoring their memories each and every day.

6. Meet the Titanic Fantasy Princess - she will make special appearances throughout the Holiday season to embody the holiday season’s magic and mystery shared by children of 1912 and today. You can have your photo taken with her too. This is really special for little girls and boys. 

7. And...if you visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. on Thanksgiving Day, you will see a Grand Titanic Fireworks Display that will knock your socks off. 

We hope you will come share the magic of the season with us. We have 2 locations, Branson, Mo and Pigeon Forge, Tn. For additional Christmas photos, please visit our media page or our pinterest page.

See you soon!

Chief Purser, 

Erin Wicker

Here's to Making Each Day Count!

What a summer! We did it! Phew! Our family lived out our philosopy this summer.....You can rest when you are dead. We managed to fit in a fabulous trip to Tennessee, camping, boating, swimming, summer camp for 4 weeks, a trip to St. Louis for a wedding, visits from several relatives, back to school shopping, volunteering at church, and 2 full time jobs. Oh, did I mention that I am training for a half marathon and get up at 5:45am each morning to run? Are we intense, or what?

Wedding in St. Louis

The first day of school is always so bitter sweet for me. I am excited for our two boys to embark on a new journey and I am anxious for them at the same time. I pray that they will have great teachers who love them for who they are and train them up as if they were their own. I always want them to be able to make new friends and keep the old! (obvious reference to girl scouts. Maybe I will sing this to them at school? Won't they love that? LOL). 

Back to School

The boys were apprehensive about going back to school this year after enjoying such a great summer, but they seem to be transitioning pretty well! They both like their teachers so far and both have friends in their classrooms. What a blessing!

Back to School

Because I am the Chief Purser of the Titanic Museum Attraction, my family has become well versed in Titanic history. Each time we have visited one of the museums as a family, we have learned more and become more emotionally connected to the passengers who sailed Titanic.  One of our favorite stories is that of Douglas Spedden, age 6. He was traveling home to New York, via the Titanic, with his family after a vacation in Algiers and Monte Carlo. There is a very famous picture of him on one of the decks of the ship, playing with a top. Father Browne took the picture.

http://cheddarbay.com/0000Tea/Titanic/passengers/survivors/survivors3.html

Young Mr. Spedden reminds me of my boys...with a passion for adventure, outgoing, and resiliant.
His mother, Daisy reminds me of me. They were survivors of the disaster and were rescued by the Carpathia. I recently read the most wonderful quote from Daisy Spedden following the Titanic disaster, as the Spedden family continued to travel to Europe much as before but with a new perspective on the frailty of life. Daisy wrote that all the values of their lives had changed and “the daily incidents which once seemed of such importance to us dwindled into mere trivialities". (http://www.the-titanic.com/Passengers/Survivor-Stories/Douglas-Spedden.aspx)

Just like many other visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction, I have often wondered what happened to each of the survivors after they arrived home? What was THEIR transition like after making it through such a terrible disaster? Each survivor was given a new lease on life. Did they all have Daisy Spedden's new philosopy to not sweat the small stuff? Or were they eternally tortured by their memories of that fateful night? Did any of the survivors go into politics in America? Did they build empires and legacies? What impact did they have on American History? Did the children survivors go to American Schools and tell of their adventures on Titanic?

Starting this Labor Day Weekend, at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo., a new fantastic exhibit will be revealed. It is called the Survivor Wall. Have YOU ever wondered what happened to each of the survivors? The Titanic Museum Attraction has spent the past 2 years researching each of the survivors of the Titanic and you can now find out what happened to them and what impact they had on our history.

When I reflect back on this summer, I feel satisfied that we packed it all in (even though I am a bit exhausted). As Jack Dawson from the famous Titanic movie by James Cameron said..."I like waking up in the morning not knowing who I'm going to meet or where I'm going to wind up. Life is a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You never know what hand you will get dealt next." 

http://www.titanicuniverse.com/titanic-jack-dawson-leonardo-dicaprio-a-character-study/1474

HERE'S TO MAKING EACH DAY COUNT!

Titanic's 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, a Huge Success!

This past weekend, my husband and I took the boys to Titanic's 3rd Annual Woodcarving event. We went last year too, so the boys were excited to see some new animal carvings. First of all, October weather in Branson, Mo. is perfect. It was warm and sunny on Saturday; ideal for this outdoor event. When we arrived, men and women from ALL OVER the COUNTRY were actively carving very LARGE stumps of wood with chain saws and chisels. There were wood chips flying.

I enjoyed seeing the creativity. It is so neat to see an artist look at a giant stump and be inspired to turn it into a bear with detailed features. The carvers used torches to burn sections of the wood, which I thought was a very neat technique that gave depth and definition to their pieces.

Jaynee, Titanic's 1st Class Maid Personality from the television commercials, billboards, and print was present at the event. It is always a pleasure to see her. As you can see from the video, she picked out her favorite woodcarving, but it was too big and heavy for Jaynee to move on her own. Molly and Carter made an appearance to greet guests, and of coarse were bum rushed by all of the children. They were cute and well behaved as usual.

In my opinion, the most exciting part of this event was the auction held at 2pm each day. On Saturday, the auction started with a bear in a log. So cute. I couldn't believe how cheap these wood carvings were selling for. There were some GREAT deals happening. I wanted to bid on the Sea Turtles that were absolutely gorgeous, but I don't have any place to display them right now. Next year!

As each item sold, the LOGHOGGERS TEAM was kind enough to load the piece into the buyers car/truck. These works of art are super heavy, so that was a nice service. Anyway, we enjoyed it and are planning to purchase a big item next year.

Titanic's 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event

3rd Annual Woodcarving Event to Honor Titanic’s German Passengers and Crew (in association with LogHoggers Chainsaw Sculpting)
Friday, October 8 thru Sunday, October 10
Free Event. 

 

Professional wood carvers from across the nation will send chips flying and spirits soaring when they return to compete in this year’s three-day woodcarving competition. Events will take place in Titanic’s parking area: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

A special 75-minute chainsaw speed-carving contest delivers one of the event’s many nail-biting moments. This special annual family event honors the memory of the German passengers and crew who were aboard Titanic. 

It’s free and held in association with LogHoggers Chainsaw Sculpting.

For Reservations call 800-381-7670.

1st Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cookoff

http://titanicbranson.com/titanic_news.php#chiliFirst Annual Titanic Firehouse Chili Cookoff
Saturday, October 2nd from 10am-4pm
 

Branson, MO, 2010 - Titanic Branson Museum Attraction’s first regional Firemen’s Chili Championship Cookoff is scheduled to fire-up on Saturday, October 2nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the museum attraction’s outdoor arena, announces Titanic Branson owner, John Joslyn.

“Firemen chefs will light their fires in honor of the brave firemen and stokers who stood their ground when the great Titanic went down. They’ll be competing against fire fighting challengers for thousands of dollars of prize money and the chance to bring home the Great Firehouse Chili Cookoff Championship title,” says Joslyn. “First place winner will receive $3,000; Second Place winner, $2,000; and Third Place Winner, $1,000,” Joslyn adds.

Chili cookers will be up early slicing, dicing, chopping and stirring gallons of chili in a spirited, five-hour cook-a-thon that begins at 10 a.m. Hot and spicy, mild and mellow, secret ingredients and guarded recipes all come together at the Great Firehouse Chili Cookoff. The public is invited to come early, watch the prep, sample the many different firehouse chili concoctions and pass judgment as they see fit.

A select panel of judges will declare the cookoff winners at 4 p.m. “At this time, a special “People’s Choice Award” donation will be made to the Missouri Humane Society,” Joslyn declares.

For Reservations Call 800-381-7670.

Kindergarten

It was quiet in the house last Thursday when my 5 year old son went off to Kindergarten for the first time. For the past several weeks, Hunter and I have been talking about what it will be like at school. We enjoyed a "Meet and Greet" time where we got to meet his teacher and see his classroom for the first time. I have NEVER seen my son act so shy and quiet in his life. He literally hid behind me and did not speak, which is highly unusual for him. However, first impressions regarding his teacher were perfect. She is laid back, patient, and very sweet! Hunter enjoyed meeting her.

School Supplies- were a breeze this year. The Branson Primary teachers asked us to provide $20 per student and the teachers did the school supply shopping. This not only saved us money, but I think it worked out better for the teachers too because all kids in the class will have the same stuff. Also, as I mentioned in a previous blog, the Back to School Bash, hosted by the First Baptist Church in Branson, gave FREE school supplies to ALL attendees.

The Backpack-Here is the deal with the back pack. Hunter has an older brother who is in 3rd grade. The "cool" backpack style this year is one of those "sling" strap style bags. Well, Hunter got a traditional backpack that fit him, so his brother told him that he can only use one strap when carrying his backpack. Believe me when I say, Hunter has followed this rule every time he has picked up the bag!

The FIRST drop off- Our entire family took Hunter in to his classroom on the first day. We found his name at a table and got him situated in his "new home away from home". He said, "Mom, will you come eat lunch with me today?" I said yes and proceeded to ask his teacher what time I should be there to eat lunch. She said that parents can't eat lunch with their kids the entire first month of school. I understand the rule because they are trying to acclimate these Kindergarten students with the procedures. However, I was a little bit anxious about that...We left the school and proceeded on to take our 3rd grader to his building and then we came back to the Primary building and spied on Hunter to see what he was doing in his new classroom. I didn't cry.

Lunch-We have been getting Hunter prepared for eating lunch on his own. See, Hunter likes to sing and laugh and talk during meal time. He is a "snacker", if you will? What we have been warning him about is that he will need to EAT HIS LUNCH because he will be hungry and he will not be able to eat snacks every hour and half. Usually dinner goes like this - We tell Hunter to eat and then end up having to feed him because he won't do it himself. We have said that he will have to feed himself at school because the cafeteria workers will not be cutting up his food and spoon feeding him. So far, he tells us that he loves the chocolate milk and the ice cream. He hasn't had time to eat any of the other stuff on his tray. :)

Meeting new Friends-Hunter has been exposed to pre-school, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible school, so therefore meeting new friends shouldn't be too difficult. He is pretty social. I did get a bit anxious about this because of how quiet he was when we went to meet his teacher. YIKES! When I went to pick him up after the first day (I got in line to wait for him an hour before he actually got out!!!), the first thing that he said was, "I met a new friend today. His name is Joshua. " I asked, "how did you meet him?." Hunter said, "I went up to him and said, will you be my friend? And, he said sure." This makes MOMMA so proud.

Nap time-there seems to be a debate on whether or not Hunter should bring a towel to lay on at nap time. The teacher said that we couldn't use a mat because they were too big and there wasn't enough room in the classroom to store 20 mats. So...she suggested that we send a towel for Hunter to lay on. Well, on the first day, I forgot the towel. The teacher said that she would just have him lay on the carpet. Now, Hunter can't decide if the carpet or the towel will be more comfortable. He has practiced on both at home trying to decide and still this morning tells me that he will continue to lay on the carpet. I'm not sure how long the teacher will allow this?

Bathroom Breaks-Now this is funny. Hunter did not "go" the entire first day. He said that the potties are TOO low to the ground and he was afraid that he would make mess. Needless to say, when I picked him up we had to go back in so he could "go".

End of the day-I was fine ALL day, but after Hunter got home from school, I hugged him and just starting balling my eyes out. That is typical for me. I am a ROCK in a pinch and during a trial. After all is said and completely done, I fall apart. I just can't believe that my baby is in school. Time has gone by so quickly. I am so proud of him and I love him and his brother dearly.

JEERK - The Swedish Sensation in Branson, Mo!

Last Friday, we took the kids to see a new show in Branson called JEERK. Funny name, I know. They are a group of extremely talented guys from Sweden who rock the stage with their tap dancing and rhythm. They perform at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on the strip.

If I had to sum up the experience in one word, it would be "unbelievable". If you get a chance to read their brochure, each of these young men has been highly successful. They are dancers, musicians, actors and singers. The show is not only a tribute to the famous tap dancers like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, and Gregory Hines, but also something new and fresh in America. They use hardware items that you might find in your local hardware store to make incredible rhythms all while tapping in their high tops. They look and dress like rock stars and their music is very much Rock and Roll.

Non-stop action and entertainment. These guys never stopped tapping! And they were creative and innovative with their stage props. Did I mention that they were funny? We gave them a standing ovation twice because the audience wanted more! During the show, I peeked at my 8 year old to see if he was enjoying it. I could see his wheels turning. This show made a huge impression on him. He saw "cool", "hip" guys with punk rock hair playing instruments, dancing, and performing. This show inspired him.

After the show, all five performers came out so that we could meet them. I would like to mention that a lady, who was in her 70's, came up already dressed in her JEERK t-shirt, and hugged each and every one of them. She loved it! My kids couldn't wait to get autographs. They too wanted t-shirts, necklaces, posters, bumper stickers, etc. Truly, a show for all ages.

To me, this show represents the NEW Branson. The Branson that will attract young families like ours to vacation and live and yet will still impress our senior crowd that we love and cherish. If you haven't seen this "Rhythm Artist Group" yet, you must make plans. They are only performing through the end of October, so make it part of your Fall Fun in the Ozarks!

FLUFFY SHEEP!

Back to School Bash

This past Sunday, my boys and I attended the 4th annual Back to School Bash at the Branson Rec Plex. What a blessing it was to see hundreds of local children receive free school supplies and backpacks. I would like to thank the First Baptist Church in Branson for putting on such an amazing event.

When we arrived, my boys hit the ground running. They could see from a distance a stunt bike flying through the air. Sure enough, a stunt team from Springfield was at the event ministering to the kids and showing off their talents! There were 2 BMX bikers who raced up and down a half pipe doing flips and landing on one tire. There was a fantastic skate boarder who actually did a hand stand on the edge of his board. Last but certainly not least was a young man on a dirt bike. He actually jumped the motorcycle over 9 people. I have to admit that I was nervous about that stunt, but the boys loved it and couldn't stop smiling.

Next stop was the climbing wall. Each kid was hooked to a safety line and could climb the wall up about 20 feet in the air. And after we got extremely hot waiting in line, there were water slides and bouncy houses to cool us off. Did I mention that admission into the Aqua Plex was free? Kids also enjoyed face painting and crafts, but my boys skipped these areas to focus on the more physical activities. Fun, fun, fun.

This event was complete with a firetruck, D.A.R.E. and an ambulance. Not only was this an outreach to children that needed extra financial support in the community, but the event also supported fire safety, drug abuse resistance, and fellowship. It truly is a blessing to be a part of this community.

P.S. My photos were taken from my phone so I apologize for the quality. Thanks for reading!