Branson, MO (USA)

Everyone else slept VERY late (1100L), but I got some work done that I brought with me (conditions of my days off). Around noon we headed over to Papa Grand's Pizza buffet - in the Grand Country vacation town. We all enjoyed some great food, sitting in the presence of "the world's largest banjo"... Next on the agenda was swimming! Had some fun on the great indoor water slides, lazy river and standing under the 1000 gallon bucket as it emptied on the floor. We also enjoyed an outdoor water park. Ella showed off some new swimming moves in the adjacent swimming pool. Eventually, everyone was in there! I'd say we got about five hours of play in park - the kids really had a great time. Went back to the room around 1800L and changed. Piled into our mini-van again and headed down to Branson Landing (took Stanley Drive and Cliff Drive for a more scenic / less traffic trip). Found parking on the main street through Old Branson and walked down to the lake side. John and I found a happy hour at the San Francisco Oven, where we relaxed for about an hour (drinking Anchor Steam beers). Eventually met up with Katie, Nicky and the kids (they had been exploring the many shops) and got in line for dinner at Shorty Smalls. They had told us the wait would be around 30 minutes. We enjoyed the cooler (high 20s C) weather and watched boaters on Lake Taneycomo. More than an hour later we learned that they had grossly underestimated everyone's wait time (many other guests were angry at this point). When we finally got inside the door, the hostess tried to seat our party of 10 in two (very distant) booths. Fortunately, the manager intervened and found two tables for us that were close - and added free nachos for each table. Dinner was delicious - everyone tried something different (BBQ, fish, sandwiches, etc.). The kids even got chocolate ice cream bars for desert. Afterwards, we walked back along the Landing to the Fire and Water show (very impressive) - everyone screamed when the fire "puffed." Back in the car around 2230L, drove back to the hotel in a big traffic jam. Got kids to bed close to midnight and then John and I fell asleep waiting for Katie and Nicky (went to Walmart & chatted).