Favorite Branson Vacation Spots... so far

Michael heard that the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield MO was the largest in the world.  All I can say is WOW.  When we drove up, it took up about 2 city blocks. Unfortunately, the museum and animal rescue was closed for renovation and several 'exhibits' inside the Shop were also under construction.

We still had fun!  The boys (yes Michael too) enjoyed shooting in a gun arcade and goofing around wood carvings and stuffed animals.

Kolbee really enjoyed the Titanic exhibition.  He wants to go back and carry paper and pencil with him to take notes.   

I, of course, enjoyed it.  This was the second time I saw it, the first being just months after it opened in 2006.  The bad thing was they no longer allowed pictures to be taken inside - I was able to do that last time.  However, they had changed the exhibit so there were new things to look at.  Needless to say, everyone else was waiting on me to get done.  I could have stayed there for another 2 hours......

Konner really liked the Wild Animal Safari in Springfield.  It's a drive-thru setting that has all types of exotic animals.  As soon as we entered the gate we were met by a camel and an ostrich that were very persistent in saying hi.

All the animals were very familiar with cars driving through their sanctuary and handing out food.  Konner was great at spotting the animals for us.  There were so many 'near misses' as long horns, pecking beaks, and slobbering lips brushed up against the truck windows. 

Look at those horns, scowling eyes, and sneer (or is that a smile???) - it's coming for Michael's truck!

There were several times we didn't know if we could get the windows up fast enough!  One camel slobbered on Elizabeth.  There were tiny, tiny deer that we wanted to take home with us.  They weren't any bigger than a medium-sized dog. 

My favorite was the zebras.  I have never seen one just inches from me - so incredible to see animals you have read about and see pictures all your life but live continents away.