Our First Visit to Branson

Our first impressions of Branson were formed from atop of the city in what is known as Inspiration Tower. The elevator ride to the top was in a glass elevator which the girls really enjoyed. The view was wonderful and provided a clear picture of the vast beauty of the Ozarks.




We stayed in the tower longer than we normally would have under regular circumstances simply because of the cost of this attraction. We figured we should get our moneys worth. After we descended back to the earth we decided to take a drive down the "strip" and around Table Rock lake.

During our exploration of this tourist town we decided to check out this western wear store. Molly found a hat that she really loved.

Of the many shows offered in Branson one provided something that was very appealing to the Elvis lovers in our family. Legends in Concert although had many other celebrity tributes, the King was the headliner and we were sold on the idea.


When we purchased our tickets we requested general admission but was given VIP front row seating at no additional cost. We think it was because we had young children.

The show began with a tribute to Neil Diamond and then Marilyn Monroe took the stage.


The last of the acts prior to intermission was the Blues Brothers who shook the house with their dancing and singing.


During their show the Marilyn and Neil Diamond tributes really showed our girls much attention and so when they offered autograph sessions during intermission Molly wanted a photo with both of them.

After intermission an Alan Jackson tribute took the stage and was by far the most effective of all the shows. Had we not known that this guy was only an impersonator we would have never guessed that it wasn't the man himself.

Diana Ross then swept through the hall with songs from her Supreme days.

With all of the other acts behind us it was time for the King of Rock N Roll to take his place on the stage. This impersonator was not only very good at singing the classic rock hits but was also very humors making jokes about how old Elvis would be these days if he was still performing among the living.

With costume changes and songs from all three of Elvis' decades of music we enjoyed a very good show.




Molly's big eyes must have caught the King's attention because he decided to include her in his show.


Molly didn't know what to do when the king came right up to her and sang to her but then he even gave her a token of his appreciation for attending the show. Molly was speechless.


After the show the girls got to have a meet and greet with Elvis where he signed a photo and posed for one as well.


The girls also stopped to get photos with Diana and Alan.



Our last stop in Branson was an all you can eat Rib Shack. The buffet was great the ribs were the worst I ever had, guess you get what you pay for.

Molly slept with her Elvis scarf which she was constantly pointing out to us that Elvis' makeup was still on the scarf. After being dead for over 25 years the King is still melting the hearts of young girls.

A Reward for Neleha

While I was at my interview day at Forest Institute Neleha decided that it was high time to be completely potty trained. Kristy and the girls were at the hotel and Neleha started to independently go to the bathroom. So Neleha was potty trained and now she wanted to collect on a promise we made her..... Chuck E. Cheese's. I am not sure if it was the promise about Chuck E. Cheese's or if she just decided to be potty trained, but regardless she did it. By no means do I want to down play the great diligence Kristy has put forth with working with Neleha since August and all that work has finally paid off. Kristy is such an awesome Mommy!

The girls had a great time with all the games and the pizza but there was one attraction that made it all worth while.


Chuck the mouse was of course the real reason why Neleha had looked forward to obtaining her reward and Molly was also able to enjoy the reward. Molly is currently attempting to obtain a similar reward by not sucking her thumb any more. Molly's goal is to be done with the thumb by May so she can have her Birthday party at the Mouse House. As for Neleha, she very much enjoyed her reward and Kristy and I will very much enjoy Neleha's new found independence.

Interview Day at Forest Institute of Professional Psychology

I was invited to return to Missouri for an interview day at Forest Institute. We were very surprised that this invitation was extended but all the same most hopeful that it would result in an admission into the school.

My day at the Institute was filled with tours of the facilities, Q & A sessions with staff and students, detailed outlines of offered programs, expected performance standards for accepted students, and intern/practicum offerings within the school. The day was working up to of course the 3 professor panel interview.

My interview was much more intense and critical than I had expected which resulted in much doubt about any possible future at the school. But I did my best and hoped for the same.

After the interview was over I picked up Kristy and the girls from the hotel so we could take a tour of the student housing. The housing was very nice and modern and even had a mini play ground. However the largest apartment was a 2br 2bth but for our growing family this could become too small too fast.... that is of course if our need for housing in Missouri actually arrives.

The girls enjoyed the playground, I enjoyed the day at Forest, and Kristy enjoyed the hotel. We all had a great day.