Monday, November 29, 2010

The snow can stop now

We have received quite a bit of snow pretty early this year (it's not even December yet).  And, it has been really cold!
Here are a few pictures here at our house. 

Thanksgiving 2010

We have so much to be thankful for.  I'm glad we stop and think about it a little more during Thanksgiving.  We had a nice holiday with some of our family.  We went over to Carrie and Matt's home for dinner.  It was nice to have Sarah there too.  Carrie had her first experience fixing the turkey --  she didn't know if she was going to be able to at first.  Taking the giblets and the neck out of the turkey about did her in.  Matt had to step in to finish that part.  Carrie said she didn't know if she would be able to eat it after seeing the bird before it was cooked.  But, it all worked out and it was great. 
Carrie made some cute little turkeys to have at each place. 
 The dinner was yummy with all the things that people brought. 
Here are some views of people that were there. 



We played a few games and had a fun time. 

Friday, November 26, 2010

Branson Part 4

Our time in Branson was drawing to a close.  Friday morning, we went to the Brett Family Christmas Show. 
This is a picture of their family in 2009.  Their youngest son is on a mission right now, so didn't perform.  They did have a video of him and the other son sang a song with the video.

Andrea Brett, the mother, shared a beautiful tribute to a veteran that she wrote.  Here is a link to that:
http://www.lds.net/videos/id_829/

Paul talking to Andrea Brett

Carmela getting an autograph from Andrea Brett

Lynn Kenley talking to Andrea Brett

Paul visiting with Tom Brett, the father of the family.
Our bus driver, Dennis.  He did a great job getting us around to everyplace.  
We loaded up again and were off to the Panera Bread Company for lunch.


Our Hotel is in the background.  We are also right next to the Moon River Theater.  
In the parking lot of Panera looking towards the Moon River Theater.
After lunch, we had a rest break at the Hotel and then we headed out to go to the Branson Belle Showboat for dinner and Riverboat-style entertainment.
The grounds where the boat is docked were beautiful.  


Bob Vernieuw and Jack Young

Hubers with the Branson Belle in the background.
As we boarded the boat, there was a place where people were feeding some fish.
There were pretty big, but also looked pretty gross to me. 
View of the gift shops where the boat is docked looking back after we boarded. 
Up in the wheelhouse of the boat. 
Looking down at the motors for the paddles. 
Then inside for dinner.


After dinner, we had time to walk around on the ship and enjoy the views as we cruised Table Top Lake.





Back in for the show.
There was a great ventriloquist that worked with real dogs.  Dancers and singers were also in the program.  We were impressed with their quick costume changes. 
After the show we loaded the bus and went on a drive to see the Branson Christmas Lights. 
Then it was on to a fabulous show with the Twelve Irish Tenors.  They were awesome!

Their set with the lighting they had was so beautiful!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK1hZIKUmN8&feature=related
Afterwards, we bought their CD and got autographs too.


That ended the day.  Saturday brought an early morning with luggage outside doors by 7:00 to be loaded in the bus.  After breakfast we were off to Springfield  to visit the Bass Pro Outdoor World.  An amazing store!

waterfalls and animals inside the store!
More views inside the store:

Part of the store gave the effect of being under the water (notice the waders of fishermen above.)

There were real animals, alligator, fish and turtles below.




We even saw a beautiful tree and Santa there in the store!
Our tour guide, Roger Arnold waited for us and then were were off to the airport in Kansas City and on our way home from a great trip!
Gene Cook and Roger Arnold

It is always sad to have a trip come to the end.  We had a wonderful time and would recommend this trip to anyone!!  We loved Branson!!