Branson - At the End (Monday, Tuesday)

Monday was Birthday Day for Bill and Dan and we greeted the hazy morning with a little mixture of joy and sorrow. Joy to be able to celebrate Dan's birthday with him, sorrow that we were missing out on Bill's, and a little sorrow that this would be our last day in Branson. It just seemed to fly by too quickly.

While Dan had to work, the rest of us went to the IMAX for an early show, and then we stole him away for a lovely lunch at Sugar Leaf Treats, upon the recommendation of his Front Desk Clerk Judy. Great recommendation. Darling, uniquely Branson bakery and luncheon diner, I fell in love with the place. It could have had the worst food ever, and I still would have loved it, but the food was actually really good on top of great atmosphere. Note to me: Next time back to Branson, I'm going here again. Even if they forgot the artichoke in Brent's artichoke salad. (It got fixed.)

Dan insisted on taking us to dinner for his birthday. His choice: Landry's seafood restaurant in Branson. It was quaint and the food was very good. And I ordered (since Dan was paying, after all) steak and lobster. (In fairness, Edna and I split the plate - it would be way, way too much food for one person.)

We got to keep our menus. They were huge, but even more important, they were personalized. Dan had gone all out to make the evening a special one for us. See our welcome at the top? (I didn't get it until finally someone pointed it out to me. Blinders on, I guess.)

Leo and Edna at the restaurant.

Dan and Brent. Happy Birthday, Dan!

After Dinner we went to the Dutton show. The father with the gray hair in the background is Dan's bishop. He was out of town Sunday, so this was the first chance we had to see him. The children were the ones with the talent here, and several of them are also in Dan's ward. Leo contends that Amy (second from right) is the absolute best violinist in all of Branson (even better than Soji).

They did their patriotic number early on, and, yes, Leo got to stand again. Hooray, for our armed forces and all who have and are currently serving this nation!

This was the final number of the act, where everyone plays the next guy's fiddle. It was definitely a fun show!




TUESDAY we had to say goodbye to Dan and to Branson. We weren't quite ready to leave. Dan's hotel staff treated us like royalty, and he had ordered an unusually perfect weather pattern to dominate while we were there. It was just a downright good vacation and we were all sorry to see it come to an end. Most of all, we will miss Dan. Branson just seems so far away.

At least we had saved some vacation for our way home, too. Here are a few images from our drive back up to Kansas City - things we don't see in Utah (including rolling GREEN hills).


We stopped at Liberty Jail enroute to the airport. The original jailhouse was demolished long ago, but the Church has rebuilt as close a replica as is possible. The important thing is that it stands fairly close to the original, and there remains a definite spirit there, knowing the revelations and sacred things that occurred during the time Joseph Smith was imprisoned.























After several long days and short nights, the flight home brought a chance for naps and rest - each minute bringing us closer and closer to home. It was a treat for us to be able to not only spend some time with Dan, but also with Brent's parents. Life just gets too hectic sometimes. Branson was left behind, but the great memories will be with us always. And the absolute best part was time with family!