Ride the Ducks.... in Branson

My daughter, Neleha, loves ducks. In fact that is probably an understatement. I think she would be a duck if she could. It was no surprise to us when she requested to go to a Branson attraction for her 5th birthday. "Ride the Ducks" features the actual DUKW amphibious vehicles used in WWII. Of course they have since been modified to carry a bunch of tourists rather than gear and troops. Ms. Neleha was ecstatic as we arrived to enjoy the land and water tour of Branson courtesy of "Ride the Ducks".

Every passenger receives their very own "Quacker" which we were encouraged to use throughout the tour. The tour lasted about 45 minutes and included a wonderful history of Branson as well as the DUKW. Our Captain was kind enough to not only let each kid aboard the Duck drive while we were on the lake but he also had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to Neleha while she was driving. Great times!

Graduate school presses on but when your baby duck has a birthday one must put away the books and take a ride all around Branson. Neleha had a wonderful time as did the rest of our family.

Missouri's 2008 Tax Free Weekend

For the Tax Free weekend we hit the local Wal-Mart so we could "Save Even More & Live Even Better". The tax break happened to correspond with a big school supplies sale so life was good. We stocked up on the usual items elementary kids need, pencils, scissors, glue, backpack, folders, etc... The girls had a great time fighting the crowds and seeking out the supplies of their choice. Backpacks always seem to be the most important and second most important is folders both of which displaying the recent kid trends. The big trends this year was High School Musical and Hannah Montana.

Tax Holiday Weekend Applies to:
Clothing under $100
School supplies under $50
Computer software under $350
Computers/computer equipment under $3,500

A BIG THANKS out to Missouri for the well needed tax break!

Ozark Empire Fair 2008

How much fun can be had at the Ozark Empire Fair? That is all a matter of perspective. If you like the greasy fried food that is typical of a fair then you just might enjoy it! Really how can anyone turn down a foot long corndog that has been smothered in mustard????

If you like watching a grown man wrestle and thrash around in a kiddie pool with an old and retired alligator, the fair may be right up your alley. The kids have loved the Kachunga show each year and this was no exception.

If you like to learn and observe all things to do with the miracle of birth in regards to farm animals then the Fair's birthing barn is the place for you. Our kids enjoyed the chicks, piglets, and especially the calf who they got to watch enter this world. Yes I mean what I said, they watched a cow give birth. In fact the fair administrators plan to have such event occur a few times throughout the duration of the fair, they begin with a fully line up of full term heifers and just wait and watch. Certainly a highlight of the festivities.

For me though it was the entertainment on the Grand Stand that drew me to the Fair. After all it is not a common occurrence to see "Weird Al" Yankovic for the cost of the fair admission ($10). He put on a great and hilarious show in front of a sold out crowd. More good times ......

Of course if nothing I have mentioned is appealing enough there is always the rides, and they have a great array of them. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed them....