Silver Dollar City and More

Since Ron and I were going to be out of town to go to Silver Dollar City with the kids, Mary came from St. Louis to stay with Mom, arriving Wednesday afternoon. Amanda and family arrived Wednesday evening, dropping Apollo off at Mom's for his stay there while we were gone.

The five of us left for Branson bright and early Thursday morning, stopping at Smith's Restaurant in Bolivar for breakfast. It rained on us most of the way, but by the time we arrived at Silver Dollar City, nothing but clear skies. Peyton wasn't feeling tops when we first arrived, but once her tummy was all better, she was a different child and enjoyed every minute - from the ball area to riding teh carousel, the frogs and the butterflies. She really wanted to ride the teacups, but was just too short. We met up with my high school classmate Sandra Riley Willeston who operates the "Pan for Jewels" area. It was so nice to see her again after 38 years and to introduce her to my family. She helped Peyton find some beautiful rocks. We enjoyed funnel cakes, of course, and enjoying all that Silver Dollar City has to offer. Peyton was so much fun.

After taking our luggage to the home we were staying at at Stonebridge, we headed to the Landing area, eating at Joe's Crab Shack. Peyton took it al in, ate well, and found it very funny that Mommy was "messy" and had to wear a bib while eating her crab legs. (She was still talking about it today). Orange Leaf Yogurt finished off the meal with style.

Friday morning, the guys headed to play golf while we girls took off for the outlet mall. The guys were rained out after 5 holes, but we girls were pretty successful with retail therapy, best purchase being the neon pink shoes with pink flowers on them that Peyton picked out at Carter's. She received so many compliments on them from shoppers and at the restaurant.

Chad played in a golf tournament down in Branson on Saturday and Sunday, so Amanda stayed there with him to enjoy some couple time and R & R while we returned to Clinton Friday afternoon, bringing Peyton with us! Win/Win. We left about 2 p.m., so Chad told us Peyton would probably sleep all the way home. Well.........she was too busy talking, laughing, singing, etc., which we enjoyed immensely. Papa was getting sleepy driving in the pouring rain, so we stopped at McDonald's in Springfield to get something to drink, asking Peyton if she wanted some Sprite. She said yes, please, and a hamburger! She had a big lunch at Applebees before we left, but she ate all but about 3 bites of the hamburger. She did sleep from Humansville t Clinton and about an hour after we arrived at "Grammaw's" to pick up Apollo. Grammaw came home with us for a while to entertain Peyton while we unloaded the van - they had a great time.

Saturday, Grammaw, Grammy and Peyton went to a garage sale and found quite a few things for Peyton's baby brother. Then we went to Country Mart where she enjoyed riding the horsie - 3 times. We took Murray to the doctor for his shots and found out he has cataracts - so sad.

Donuts and gas at Casey's was our last stop before going back to Grammaw's to play with bubbles and ride her tricycle. Peyton was so tired, she took a 3 hour nap before we went to dinner at Square 109. Then we went out to Kelly's to see the kitty cats and other animals, also enjoying a popsicle - Grammaw went too and had fun.

Sunday morning we went to Grammaw's for breakfast and then to church. Peyton was so good at church. After the first hymn, she looked at me and said, "I done" - too funny. She enjoyed her donut and orange juice after church, then to Grammaw's for lunch and more playing! Another 3 hour nap followed and more fun with Grammaw before her bath and her parents picking her up. Now the house is so quiet - we miss her so much. We had a blast and are so blessed to have had her with us for a few days. Can't wait until she comes back!