Courage, Coasters & Candy

Our family went on our first official Spring Break trip to Branson last week.  The kids could barely contain their excitement.  The thrill of vacation coupled with no school, was a recipe for a successful adventure.

When we arrived at our home away from home for the next several days, the kids quickly explored all the lodge had to offer. 

Next they dug through their suitcases for the coveted swimsuits and flip flops.  The day had finally arrived again for them to dive in and practice their swimming skills.  It didn't take long for Bennett to swim like a fish in his puddle jumper, while the big two shed their swim arms and kept afloat.  They even tackled the water slide while Bennett played ninja with the flowing waterfalls.

While we had a break in the rain, the big two tried their hand at mini putt putt.  Corynn sunk her first hole in one. One of many if she follows in her moms footsteps.  Watch out boys!!

 

After they swam until their hearts were content, it was time to board the tram to Silver Dollar City.  The smell of fresh cinnamon rolls greeted us as we stepped back in time to watch Blacksmiths make belt buckles and cooks prepare meals in huge cast iron skillets.  As entertaining and mouthwatering as this all seemed, it was time to get our bearings and find the rides.

 

First up was a mild indoor roller coaster ride called Fire in the Hole.  Connor and I rode past the town full of Baldknobbers and ended our journey splashing downhill into water.  When we walked back into the light of day, Corynn said she spotted a coaster she wanted to go on too, called Power Keg.  Powder keg, by definition, is a barrel of gunpowder; so care needs to be exercised or one may explode.  The roller coaster, in this case, did just that.  You explode out of the powder mill being launched from 0-53 mph in just 2.8 seconds.  Powder Keg did not ease up on our riders reaching speeds up to 64 mph and a downhill drop of 110 feet.  This thrill seeking information is important because the rider who embarked on this extreme coaster, 4 times, was Corynn.  Even courage Connor made his way on this steel beast before the day was done.

 

Our little firecracker, though too short to ride the coasters, still managed to find fun fast rides and a firehouse filled with hoses to shoot.  Between the whirling Dizzy Dogs, the turning teacups and the soaring Galleon ship, we haven't quite stopped spinning as of yet.

 
A trip isn't complete without sugary treats.  All three slurped down ice cream cones as big as their heads.

During their sugar rush, the crazy three relaxed and played in our room.  Bennett even decided to color himself to match his Hulk shirt.  Thank goodness for the pool play later that evening to wash away any leftover chocolate and Hulk.

 

The time finally came to say goodbye to Branson and Silver Dollar City until the summer.  Memories to last a lifetime.  Can't wait to come back.