Dixie Stampede & Polar Express!

The Branson Scenic Railway turns into the Polar Express every winter. These tickets are hard to get, especially if you want to ride it on weekend evenings. I considered taking the boys last year but it did not work out. I made a plan back in the spring when tickets went on sale to get them, and Drew agreed to spend a night in his most favorite place in the world. 

We went all out and had dinner at the Dixie Stampede before the later train at 8:15pm, where they served us cookies and milk. It was cute and fun. They follow along with the story of the Polar Express the whole time. A little cheesy for our liking, but Griffin and Cooper enjoyed it, so that's all that mattered. 

Timing was perfect to change into our jammies and head to the train which departed right beside our hotel. The train actually traveled down real tracks, so at minimum you can say that you rode an actual passenger train if you didn't like anything else about it. There was quite a bit of Christmas lights to look at and we actually "arrived at the North Pole" where Santa boarded and took pictures. Cooper was shy, but Griffin had a lot to say. 

 

 

 

A fun Saturday in Branson!

Griffin talks about Silver Dollar City all the time. I finally convinced Drew to make a trip to Branson last weekend. The love for his son is the only way to get him there. The agreement was that we would NOT stay the night, and that was fine with me. Our real treat was that Shiloh and Chris met us there to join in on the fun!

The weather has been very hot and humid, so we started with Dixie Stampede at 3pm. 

Griffin sat like this for about 20 minutes......so much to watch!
 

our server asked Chris if that would be enough chicken

We stopped at the outlet mall before heading to SDC. It was probably 6pm before we got to the park, but the lack of blazing sun and amount of people leaving for the day made it a very ideal time. Especially since the kids were without naps and were pretty pooped by closing time at 8pm. We all took turns riding rides with Griffin. Because Cooper requires so much more attention at home, I was glad to have an afternoon all about big brother. He really enjoyed it too. See you again at Christmas, Branson!

 

so fast that they were a blur

 

this one was too big for Griffin, he cried while he watched Chris, Drew and I ride it

thankfully, they have a kid version too

 

 

 The last ride of the evening was on the Flooded Mines where you shoot targets for points. Even Cooper can ride this one. I beat Drew but I'll never say how!