Preparations for Allison's Pirate Party

We've been hard at work preparing for Allison's surprise Pirate 5th Birthday Party - here are some pictures of our progress:




This will be the ships mast. We have a sail and pirate flag that will hang from this. It is still sitting in the living room. We've told Allison it is an Easter Cross decoration - she totally believes me. Also note one of our "tomato planter" palm trees:


The ship under construction. These pieces will be moved into the house on Saturday to go around the mast. The cannons have been finished up since this picture.


Here is a shot from the bow.


It should be a lot of fun, I'll post pictures this weekend.

Look out Branson Town!

Imagine this as sung by Johnny Cash and June Carter (or Jauquen -sp?? Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon) (Of course to the tune of 'Jackson')

"We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout, we've been talkin bout BRANSON
Ever since the fire went out... I'm goin' to BRANSON Gonna mess around. I'm goin' to BRANSON, look out BRANSON town!"

Off to Branson USA we go...


Look Out Branson Town - Katy and Allison are on their way.



At the Missouri Welcome Center they have an awesome playground for kids - here Al is enjoying a break from the drive. Interestingly by crossing the state line the roads got smoother and better maintained but also became free - so much for quality Oklahoma Toll Roads.



First Stop - The Table Rock Lake Fish Hatchery - where we watched an educational video about the farm raising trout. Much to Susan's delight the video included footage of the various methods of manually expelling trout eggs from the females and "manually fertilizing" those eggs with a male trout and your bare hand! - Luckily the girls didn't ask any questions.


Here are the kids in front of a trout bin,




And here are a bunch of trout - I know - this is exciting.

After our fill of trout fertilization it was off to the lake for a nature hike. The kids took a moment to wade for a minute - but the water was very cold. Katy found an actual Indian Arrowhead! - or Something that looked like an arrowhead - or a flat rock with a really sharp pointy end - but you could use it as an arrowhead... ...at least you could If it were shaped a little more like an arrowhead.



More arrowhead hunting by the lake.


Family nature hike - the girls with their walking sticks.


The next morning at Silver Dollar City - it was very cold!


Allison and Susan conquered the swinging pirate ship! A first for both of them. Allison really liked it and rode three times, laughing the whole way. Susan covered her mouth as if she were going to hurl. Suddenly the ride operator announces he is stopping the ride - the ship slowly stops swinging - we figure some 'teen punk' is getting in trouble for standing up or breaking some other rule. The operator comes around his podium and heads straight for my wife - "Mam - are you OK?" I've never seen a ride stopped because they thought someone might get sick - until I rode the pirate ship with my wife. Susan assured him she would be OK and they restarted the ride. Susan got dirty looks from me and everyone else on the ride. But she did get back on - twice - so we're proud of her!



Katy in front of the electro-spin another ride she was just now able to ride now that she is > 48 inches!


Allison returning to the station on ThuNderaTion! Her first legitimate Roller Coaster! She rode it 3 times and though nervous said she really liked it.


I told her to get the small bag but she had to get the Super-Jumbo Kettle Corn. I would have never suggested we get the big bag.



Katy and Allison in the old time schoolhouse - while there they, Susan, and the period dressed schoolteacher swapped stories of their favorite episodes of 'Little House on the Prarie' . Really I can't make this stuff up, they actually watch that show together.

Allison, after the long day, with a well deserved nap.