There is a Reason People Come to Branson

 Our main reason for planning this trip 

was to see Joseph one more time.

It is absolutely my favorite show that 

Sight and Sound has produced for the 

large stage.

I truly miss Psalms of David which was 

run at the smaller theatre in Lancaster

but when it comes to the large stage shows.....

This one is at the top of my list.

That is saying something because I love Jonah too.

 Since both Mom and Chelsea work in concessions in the Lancaster theatre

they were quite interested in seeing how things are set up 

in Branson.

They loved it.

 I think they enjoyed seeing product they used to sell once again.

We also met a sweet lady named Peggy who does in Branson

what Mom does in Strasburg.

They really enjoyed talking to each other!

And then we found Goliath!

He used to be in "our" theatre lobby.

The kids look so small compared to him.

That is an accomplishment when it comes to 

Jonathan.  At 6'7" he is accustomed to being the tallest

in the room.

 So, where are we?

Sure looks like Strasburg....

but this is the front of the Branson theatre.

Jonathan, Chelsea and Mom would like one of these at home

because people are always asking them where the box office is.

Apparently it blends into its surroundings so well that people 

often miss it.

I'm not saying this because my whole family works for Sight and Sound

but it is such a wonderful place to visit.

The shows are quality.

The people are warm and friendly.

Coming from the "employee" side of it I can tell you that 

what you see is real.

The mission is to spread the gospel through telling the 

stories given to us in the Word of God.

Mom and Chelsea serve on the Prayer Team.

Those on the prayer team make themselves available to 

pray with anyone after the show

who wants to do so.

They have had some amazing experiences.

What a blessing!

The other part of the mission is to minister to the employees

in any way they possibly can.

It really happens.

We were talking about it on the long drive out here and we

had nothing but good things to say.

We are very blessed to be associated with such a caring

and talented organization.

Maybe one day I will join them.....

as a Sight and Sound employee.

Who knows.

Yesterday we went to Silver Dollar City.

It was beautiful!

 I am not a huge fan of theme parks because

I don't really ride the rides

but here there were many things to do besides rides.

There are many artisans with beautiful items to look at...

and even purchase if one has the spare cash to do so.

Or...you can do what we did and get a card

so that Warren knows where to get that perfect 

Christmas gift for Moi.

Oh, yes I did.

I have a weakness for pottery and they had some amazing pieces.

The decor was gorgeous.

I loved the simplicity of this gate.

My one and only ride, 

other than the train....

Tea cups!

Surprising?

Nope.....

 I could have ridden this one several times.

We were going to try to fit all four of us into one tea cup

but it was too snug.

We had to insist that Warren and Jonathan

"get their own tea cup!".

Tee-hee.

 The fearless ones rode the rocking ship.

I guess I might have liked it too.

They said it was relaxing.

 Hunger found us.

Jonathan had a turkey leg and beans

while Chelsea and I shared strawberries and ice cream.

Yum!

The reason Mom chose to come to Branson this week?

Sons of the San Juaquin.

They were playing in the theatre inside Silver Dollar City.

The old cowboy songs that I remember from my childhood.

Sweet.

The only other ride I was interested in was the train.

There we had a little adventure as two not so brilliant

train robbers "held us up".

We were in the perfect train car to see this performance.

We had eye contact with the "robbers" and it was 

hilarious!!

I won't try to replay it for you.

But if you get out here this is great.

Just be sure to get in car #2.

 Quite the characters!

I made everyone stand in front of the huge cornucopia 

for pictures before we left the park.

Then I made them all get out of the way so I could just get the 

decoration by itself.

Not sure who that guy is....

but he wasn't moving.

Our final stop while in Silver Dollar City was

the Taffy Store.

Grandma treated us.

Chelsea and Jonathan had so much fun

choosing from the many varieties.

We miss our Mikey but are thankful to know that he and Georgia are

keeping things in good shape at home.

We were glad that Mikey wasn't with us at the Dutton Show last 

night.  He would have gotten so many crazy ideas.

Mom and I went alone because everyone else needed 

a break from "shows".

We laughed so hard.

If you come out here I recommend you make time 

to see The Duttons.

They are a family ....a large family....

and they are great!!

The mother, Sheila, told a story that many of 

my church friends will appreciate.

She said when the children were small...

four of them, ages four and under....

a man at the grocery store turned to her and asked 

if she had ever heard of family planning.

She informed him that indeed she had heard of it 

and was halfway through her plan.

Ha!

Go Sheila!!

We were saddened to wake up yesterday to the news

that Andy Williams had passed away at his home here in Branson.

His theater is beautiful and I know he impacted this area 

for many years.

Praying for his family in this time of grief.

More to come....

at some point.

But, for now, I have to run and get ready for 

today's adventures.

Hope you have a blessed day.