Back from Branson

Our kids had a few days off of school last week, and we headed to Branson, Missouri,
so Paul could attend a conference, and we could spend some time there as a family.
We had a great time and (as usual) took way too many pictures!

There certainly is something for everyone in Branson.
We each had different a different favorite part of the trip!

 

Hanging out in the hotel lobby with Smoky the Bear, who actually talked to us
(thanks to the hotel staff behind the desk! ; )

 

Ryan & Luke just waking up. Big smiles!

 

It’s become a family tradition to “Ride the Ducks” when we have the opportunity.
You can see us in the front window of this one!

Notice Kara’s “quacker”… the kids each got one, and they made for a noisy ride home! ; )

 

Beautiful view of Table Rock Lake from the Duck

 

This Duck tour was unique in that we were not only able to ride through the scenic Ozarks and splashdown into the lake,
but we also were able to see a private collection of US military vehicles.
Very interesting!
 
                 Weasel                                        Artillery Transport M5 Tractor


DUKW amphibious vehicle & trailer

 
                  Deuce & a Half                      Larc-V Amphibious Cargo Vehicle

 

 
Each of the kids got a turn driving the Duck out on the lake.
(Ryan was not interested in having his picture taken while driving, however.)

 

 

The highlight of the trip for me was going to see the Duttons!
I remember seeing them a few times when I was young,
but now they live in Branson and rarely do shows in our area.


The Duttons are a large family with amazing musical talent.
Here you see some of them playing their instruments behind their backs!

 

Cousin Julio was an incredibly funny part of the show.
He played horns of different sizes with different parts of his body.
We weren’t allowed to record the show, but if you are interested, you can view a youtube clip of Julio playing his horns here - http://youtu.be/lc4RjGlwDh4?t=8s

 

Here are Dean & Sheila Dutton with five of their seven children, and many of their grandkids who are part of the show.
My favorite Dutton song of all is “Boil 'Em Cabbage Down.”
You can watch a clip of it here - http://youtu.be/fmBbkZaOAuQ.
Watch closely what they do during the last minute of the song – it is amazing!

~

That’s all for Branson photos for now…
more coming soon! : )