Now you see them .....

Alright - she hates this picture.  It's 6:30 a.m. and we're on the way to the orthodontist.

And NOW YOU DON'T!!!

NO MORE BRACES!

The Original Bass Pro

Bass Pro Shop in Springfield is HUGE!  It's a Springfield Must-See.

This is the real deal ... we weren't sure 'til we walked away and came back and he had moved.

He's stuffed.

Notice the hot pink bike?

This was in the fishing section.  I'm really not sure what on earth you use this kind of mask for except to scare people.  Do you scare the fish out of the water and catch them that way?

This was a ceiling in the store made to look like it's under water.  It was incredible.

My crew.

Not sure who is more scared.

The waterfall and bridge, they were in the store too.

Throwed Rolls

Another Missouri experience that had to happen.  

It's home style cookin' and they really do throw hot rolls at you.

It's got an atmosphere that while you wait (which you will) there's plenty to look at.

These foot prints welcome you and point you in the right direction.

Branson - A Week Later

Slowly, ever so slowly I am recovering from the exciting week in Springfield for the Homeschool Basketball Nationals.  We've been back one week now, and the laundry is still not completed.  That's just one thing out of oh so many that seems to not be getting done in a timely manner.

But ..... I will take the time to put up some pictures!  YAY!!! Finally, I can sit down and do something I want to do.  Then I will pick up my book again and read some more.  I'm reading the Brad Meltzer book The Inner Circle.  He's kind of Baldacci-esque in his writing.

Here's the crew before they went go-karting.  It was a little chilly.

Desperately wanting her learner's permit.

Pilot and co-pilot.

I think it's his first time driving alone :)

By now, an old pro (in his mind)

I taught this kid to drive, I did teach him NOT to drive too close.

This one still needs to learn to keep his hands on the wheel.  He's got time.

Definitely NOT vacation material.  This is not relaxing .... AT ALL. This was the main drag in Branson.

And yes, AGAIN, this guy really is on a building in Branson.  

Nationals - Day 3

Today, Wednesday, we only had one game.  R had a game this morning and was it ever a nailbiter.  They played a game from Big D.  They lost.  Had they won they would be in the top four of the nation for U-12.  They still have a chance at #5 in the nation, but are guaranteed a spot in the top 8.  Way to go Warriors!

This is what one does when one watches his sister play.  Always have the ball in hand.  It's really so during half time you can jump up and go shoot hoops.

Tomorrow, we plan to eat at the home of the Throwed Rolls, then on to game number 1 for R and A has a game at 5:30.

Later on this afternoon we went to tour College of the Ozarks.  The idea behind the C of O is Hard Work U.  The kids can pay for their room, board & tuition by working at the college.  Fascinating idea.  The college also is self-reliant (not the right word but it's not coming right now).  They have their own power plant, water system, etc.  They have cattle, they have a grinding mill, they sell their products and it goes on and on.  It was a very nice college.  They have prominent figures, such as Sarah Palin, George Bush, etc., come and speak.

Then it was time for Branson.  WOW!  It is, simply put, Sensory Overload.  The best part of driving down the street in Branson was the tour guide in the car in front of us talking on the phone to Joe.  Thanks Mom!  You did a GREAT job making me laugh :).

Not sure why it is called a vacation spot.  I think a vacation is a good book, a beautiful lake, sunshine, and quiet - with the exception of boats going by.  Okay - We did have some fun there.  Joe and crew went go-karting and had a blast.  I stayed back to take pictures so I could PROVE we were there.  However, I think by saying sensory overload I proved it right off the bat.

Yep, this really is on a building.

Tomorrow I will put pictures from go-karting up and Throwed Rolls and basketball.  Tonight I am frustrated because the wi-fi is oh so slow at the parking lot.

AHHHH I think the word I was looking for was self-sustaining.  I can go to sleep now.  Good night.

Homeschool Basketball Nationals - It's A Big Deal!

The Homeschool Basketball Nationals are a big deal!  There are about 435 (give or take) teams from all over the United States.  We can't go anywhere in Springfield without seeing cars from all over the nation.  R & A are both playing this year and hopefully next year more of us will be playing at Nationals.

GO BLAZERS!

We are so excited that Mom and Dad came up to be here for this fun time.  A has played one game and will play her next one in about an hour.  That game was against a team from Memphis, TN and we didn't win.  More opportunity for that in a little while :).  R played his first game this morning and they took that one.  They played against the boys team from Memphis.  That was a FUN game to watch.

Most of the team is staying in the hotel.  We opted to bring the trailer out and camp.  It's a fancy place.  Not really.  But it's working for us, especially now that the thunderstorms and snow are gone.

No matter where we are we can always grill out.

Tomorrow, hopefully we can run down to Branson and explore a little bit and we want to hit the original Bass Pro Shop.  So, til I get more pictures up enjoy these.  The internet is veerrrryyyyy slow at this campground/parking lot.

Love it!

BEST FAN AWARD!