Great Times at Silver Dollar City & the Branson Belle Showboat in Southern Missouri

~ PrimitiveGypsy received free tickets for these attractions. We were not compensated in any other way ~

It's hard to find fun things to do in the fall, winter and even the early spring here in the MidWest. Most things are closed because the weather is unpredictable. So instead our kids spend time inside glued to electronics. I don't know about you, but this drives me nuts. I'm always looking for something fun to do outside the house. This year we decided to take a short trip to Branson to visit Silver Dollar City and The Showboat Branson Belle.

We started out on a Sunday with a trip to Silver Dollar City. I recommend going another day besides Sunday. They open later, 1pm on the day we went (I assume for their employees and families to be able to go to church and spend time with their families) and closed at 9pm and 8 hours during a peak time was just not enough. Sadly because of Don's work schedule, we had to go on a Sunday. We chose to not pay for parking so we had to park farther away, but they offer a shuttle back and forth from each lot. That was a lifesaver at the end of the evening. We chose to hustle and walk to the park because we didn't want to wait, getting our exercise up a large flight of stairs. It wasn't bad at all but if you have any health problems, are pregnant or have someone elderly with you I would pay for preferred parking. When you arrive at the front there is a store, guest relations, etc and you go through a gate to a small walkway to security. They will check your bags as you go in. This part went quickly and we were in the park in no time. My first impressions of the park itself were really good. We chose to go right hoping to get to our chosen food choice around dinner. It didn't happen but I was still glad we went that way. When you go to the right you end up on what looks like an old period street with little shops, food, even a blacksmith. I couldn't skip that store. They had the coolest roses they'd made. Most of this area is stores and shows but there are a few rides that blend in with the period decor. This was my favorite part of the park. I could have spent the whole day wandering in and out of the shops. But....we have little kids so on we go...

This is most certainly a theme park for families. It reminded me a lot of Knott's Berry Farm in California (if you've been there) because it's geared towards kids and families and not teenagers like most theme parks. Yes, they have roller coasters but no that's not the majority of the park. The majority of the ride areas were mainly riding for the littles. We had our 3, 4 and 12 year old along. We went on the big swings, called the Magnificent Wave Carousel which had Thomas smiling from ear to ear, and a bunch of little rides. The littles just loved this and probably would have never left. We followed that up with a good adult ride for Don and I while Thomas, Niko, and Teddy watched us in awe. When we got off all we heard was that was scary looking. Yeah, a little but we were certainly riding high afterward. Right there they also have a measuring station and your little ones can get a bracelet with their height and your contact information on it. We went 3 weeks ago and Teddy still has on his bracelet. I must have asked a million times to cut it off, but he loved our day at Silver Dollar City and I think it may have to fall off instead. We basically spent the majority of our day letting the kids ride all the rides. Niko's favorite ride was The Grand Exposition roller coaster which is a small wooden coaster that almost anyone can ride. Teddys favorite ride was Lucky's Dizzy Dogs which features Lucky the Dalmation and you bounce around a fire hydrant in a circle. The whole area around this ride is a big Fire House, with a station and firehouse themed rides. There was a number of water and other rides closed for the season but there was still plenty to see and do.

The attraction of going to Silver Dollar City in the winter is the huge light festival. They start in the summer stringing lights and they told us they literally finish the day before they open for the Holiday Season. They have up over 6.5 million lights, over 100 decorated trees, Christmas shows, and a light parade. You can take your kids to meet Santa Claus and Rudolph and the Reindeer. We skipped this because we went on a short day but stepped inside and these looked like they were decorated to the hilt. There is also a train ride to a live singing Nativity that the kids really enjoyed. The train ride travels past many of the light exhibits that you may not otherwise see as well through the crowds of people.

Our favorite part of any day is food time and we enjoyed greatly our food from the Fry Bread Company and Flossie's Fried Fancies at dinner time. We were glad we chose this side of the park for dinner because it was not as crowded and a good relaxing break from the noise and crowds. We enjoyed a few of the shops and then headed over to the train and Christmas in Midtown lighted area. We ended the day back at the front of the park as the tree lighting was going on. All in all, we had a fantastic day and even with the crowds I would highly recommend this trip to Silver Dollar City any time of year, but especially at the Holidays. My kids are super excited to go back and we are contemplating season passes for 2018.

The next weekend we planned our trip to the Branson Belle Showboat. We walked down the hiking trail from the Tablerock Lake visitor center so the kids could see the Showboat and took my Ma for her Birthday. The decorations were tastefully done and while less than at Silver Dollar City, I appreciated them more as they were simple and understated. We took Baby Susannah with us as we knew she would enjoy the singing (and the food). You get to board the Showboat pretty quickly and once on they take a photo of your party before you go inside and get shown to your seats. You can buy these photos and a book later if you'd like. You then get sat at long tables that go across the boat so everyone can see the stage. You are then free to get up, go outside, visit the small shop, and take photos. Since we went in December we went to the Celebrate Christmas show which was a cute singing Christmas show with dancing, music and, magic. Baby Susannah was fascinated with the entire thing and even stayed awake the entire time. The food was really good, you get two types of meat, a side dish, bread, and tea or lemonade, and then followed up with dessert. They play music during dinner and then you have a break to cruise about the boat and stand out watching Tablerock Lake before the main show. It was a nice afternoon. They also had a morning Pajamas with Santa cruise that looked like tons of fun for the littles.

I want to end with that all the employees both at the park and the showboat were exceptionally friendly, cheery and polite. You could tell they really enjoyed their job and that was very refreshing. We really had a blast at Silver Dollar City and the Showboat was a fun trip. If you're in the area definitely spend a day at Silver Dollar City! For more information on either go to www.silverdollarcity.com

~Review~ Hutterite Diaries by Linda Maendel

I received this for my honest and unbiased review.

I love this kind of book. Real details about a plain and simple life. This one does not draw you in as quick. It's more of a read a bit here, read a bit there kind of book. The author is basically telling you things she remembers from her Hutterite Community. It was a sweet read but not as detailed as I had expected it to be. There is a question and answer at the very end, but it's also not super detailed. It was very interesting though. If your just interested in reading some good short non fiction stories, then you will adore this book. It makes you wish and hope for a plain and simple life.

About the Author

Linda Maendel is a Hutterite author, blogger, and educator who lives in Elm River Colony outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

About The Book

What would it be like to share all your possessions and live in Christian community? In Hutterite Diaries, Linda Maendel offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines and communal faith of her people, the Hutterian Brethren. From stories of working together to bring in the fall potato harvest to laugh-out-loud tales of sisterly love laced with revenge, Maendel invites readers into her Bruderhof, or colony, nestled on the prairie of western Canada. Here children and adults work, play, eat, and worship together, crafting a community of goods and living out an alternative to the individualism and consumerism of mainstream society.

Few outsiders know anything about the Hutterites, a Plain Christian group related to the Amish and Mennonites. Maendel's story invites readers into deeper understanding of this community of faith, calling us to take seriously the example of Jesus and the early church in our daily living.

Hear straight from plain Christians as they write about their daily lives and deeply rooted faith in the Plainspoken series from Herald Press. Each book in the series includes "A Day in the Life of the Author" and the author's answers to FAQs.

Buy a Copy HERE

~Review~ Jody Hedlund's Hearts Made Whole

I received this free for my honest and unbiased review.

This book just touched me heart and soul. As a women it is so hard to think we can not do what men can do. I can not even imagine not being allowed to try. Hearts Made Whole was just full of such beautiful emotion. I had such respect for Caroline and then such sadness for her. I can not even imagine if all of that trauma had happened to me, and how I would react. The writing in this book just speaks to you. Its one of those you do not want to put down. I love and hated Ryan all at the same time. The story just drew you in to sides, until finally you were rooting for the both of them. The story speaks so greatly of loss and heartbreak, but also of renewal and compassion. I just love Jody Hedlund's writing style. It just keeps you wanting more.

Book Excerpt

1865 Windmill Point, Michigan

Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?

After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.

Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

Author Biography

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

Purchase a Copy HERE

~NEW CD Release by Michael W Smith “SOVEREIGN”

I am so excited to listen to the new Michael W Smith CD. I got a fun sneak at the new video for the song “Sky Spills Over"

Here’s a quote from Michael W Smith on the video:

"I’m really passionate about the song SKY SPILLS OVER. It was fun creating it in the studio and I’ve been overwhelmed at the response it gets when we perform it live every night. My son Ryan is a really talented filmmaker so I always enjoy working with him on a project. But what made this project even more special was that 3 of my own grandkids were in the video. This video was a lot of fun to make. I hope people enjoy it!"

I hope you enjoy the video, and keep an eye out for my review and a giveaway for the new cd "Sovereign".

~Review~ Jesus Sees Us Doll & Book

~I received this for my honest review, all opinions are 100% my own.

I have young boys and so there are not many dolls that for him to play with that aren't pink. I don't mind at all, but when I saw the Jesus Sees Us Doll and thought here was a doll my sons could play with and everyone would be happy with. Upon opening the Jesus Sees Us Doll & Book my two year old Nikolas grabbed him right up and started kissing him. He then grabbed the Jesus Sees Us Book and sat kissing his Jesus doll and reading for hours. I would say it was a hit!

At two years old he doesn't really understand Jesus yet. He see's us pray at dinner and hear's my husband and the older kids pray the rosary and he sits in church with us. But as he is just two so far he hasn't made a connection. So this is a great teaching tool for him. He loves books and this book has wonderful pictures in it. It teaches lessons and ask questions and then tells you the verse.

The doll itself is soft bodied with a hard head. My older kids knew right away it was mean't to be Jesus. My son Nikolas has been carrying it everywhere and sleeping with it. I know he will love this doll a long time.

Right now they are offering the doll and book for only $24.99. You can buy through the website HERE or directly on Amazon.