Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Vacation 2009
The Zimm Twins just returned from an exciting vacation 2009. This year, we traveled to Branson, Missouri for the week. The adventures were endless and tons of fun was had by all.
The trip began, Friday, July 24th with a nice drive through Oklahoma and an overnight stay in Muskogee. This was not the Zimm Twins first trip to Oklahoma, but their first to the Eastern part of the State. The most exciting part of the first leg of the trip was seeing the HUGE Lake Eufaula. That lake went on and on and on.
Saturday began by driving to the only McDonald's that is located over a road. This is the former largest McD's in the world, but is still the only McD's that is located over the road in Vinita, Oklahoma. It still looked a bit like the 70's, but was fun for pictures!
Next we continued our trip with a quick stop at the Missouri state line and a play on the playground. We quickly moved on to The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO. We toured the grounds and the Zimm Twins listened quietly as the tour guide explained the beautiful paintings in the Chapel.
And finally, after a quick stop in Springfield, MO, the Zimm Twins arrived in Branson! Doug & Kate did excellent on the drive and are wonderful travelers. The Zimm Twins had a good dinner (kinda) at the original Outback for dinner. This was an exciting trip, although the food was very different food than we are use to, but this was the restaurant that Mommy's best friend, Kathleen worked at the summer before her senior year of college.
Next we continued our trip with a quick stop at the Missouri state line and a play on the playground. We quickly moved on to The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO. We toured the grounds and the Zimm Twins listened quietly as the tour guide explained the beautiful paintings in the Chapel.
And finally, after a quick stop in Springfield, MO, the Zimm Twins arrived in Branson! Doug & Kate did excellent on the drive and are wonderful travelers. The Zimm Twins had a good dinner (kinda) at the original Outback for dinner. This was an exciting trip, although the food was very different food than we are use to, but this was the restaurant that Mommy's best friend, Kathleen worked at the summer before her senior year of college.
Sunday was a bit rainy, so we traveled back to Springfield for brunch. The Zimm Twins ate a good brunch at the "Granddaddy of them All, Bass Pro Shop, Springfield." This is the original Bass Pro and is currently under reconstruction. But all in all, Daddy was impressed with the enormous size of the store. Doug & Kate especially liked the glass elevator that you must travel to get from the ground floor to the Restaurant on the 3rd floor.
After Brunch, Doug & Kate co-piloted the suburban (from the backseat) for Granddaddy to take a nice stroll around Springfield and a slow drive back to Branson. We had to hurry though, because Granddaddy & Grandmommy had tickets for the "Jim Stafford Show" Sunday night on the Strip!
After Brunch, Doug & Kate co-piloted the suburban (from the backseat) for Granddaddy to take a nice stroll around Springfield and a slow drive back to Branson. We had to hurry though, because Granddaddy & Grandmommy had tickets for the "Jim Stafford Show" Sunday night on the Strip!
Monday was a fun day for the Zimm Twins. It began with Granddaddy & Daddy renting a boat on Lake Taneycomo for 4 hours of fishing. This lake averages a temperature of 48 degrees F all year round. This lake is much too cold for the Zimm Twins to swim, but perfect for Daddy & Granddaddy to go trout fishing. It was Daddy's first time in Branson and on the lake, and although he didn't catch enough fish for lunch, he did say the scenery was lovely. Speaking of lunch; the Zimm Twins were able to have a good lunch at Garfields Pub on the 'relatively new' Branson Landing. Kate & Doug had a good lunch and sat like a lady and gentleman as they watched the boats drive by and colored on the table. It was a great trip down memory lane for Mommy & Daddy. While Daddy & Granddaddy fished, the Zimm Twins, Mommy & Grandmommy were able to get a few hours in at 2 of the 3 outlet malls in Branson and spent some fun time at the Amish Store.
Monday afternoon, the Zimm Twins had to rest up for their big night. Doug & Kate attended their very first "Branson Show" when we went to "Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede" Monday night for dinner. The show really kept the Zimm Twins attention and they ate a good meal too. There was no photography allowed, but Mommy, Daddy, Grandmommy & Granddaddy will never forget the 2 hours of absolute attention Doug & Kate gave to the performers. The look in the Twins eyes was so memorable. The horses were fun to watch, but Doug really liked the Longhorns. Kate's eyes lit up when the colonial dressed ladies came down from the ceiling to dance.
Monday afternoon, the Zimm Twins had to rest up for their big night. Doug & Kate attended their very first "Branson Show" when we went to "Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede" Monday night for dinner. The show really kept the Zimm Twins attention and they ate a good meal too. There was no photography allowed, but Mommy, Daddy, Grandmommy & Granddaddy will never forget the 2 hours of absolute attention Doug & Kate gave to the performers. The look in the Twins eyes was so memorable. The horses were fun to watch, but Doug really liked the Longhorns. Kate's eyes lit up when the colonial dressed ladies came down from the ceiling to dance.
Tuesday began with Daddy & Granddaddy walking to the river (behind our apartment) to fish for a few minutes. The Zimm Twins had 9:30am tickets to ride their very first DUCK. Upon boarding the Duck, Doug & Kate were given 'quackers', lips that resemble duck lips and make duck sounds. Although it took Kate a few days to master 'quacking', she became a pro. The Duck trip took us all over Branson and landed at Table Rock Lake. This was the Zimm Twins & Daddy's first time on a Duck and there was a bit of surprised looks when the vehicle we were riding in, just drove right off into the lake. After a nice tour around on of the islands on Table Rock Lake, the duck just drove right out of the water and onto the ground. The Zimm Twins think they felt the vehicle shake a bit, we guess getting all the water off it's back. That was enough to wear Doug out and on the way back to the Duck house, Doug took a good nap. Kate continued to be amazed by the surroundings, the funny tour guide and the beautiful hills around the Branson area.
After the Duck, The Zimm Twins were so good, we thought we would take a cruise... on the Titantic! The Titantic Museum is located in Branson. Remind the Zimm Twins, this is a museum, they were perfect and looked at the exibits. Doug really liked the 23 degree F water that he was able to stick his hand in, just for a second. Each passenger was given a name of a particular passenger on the actual Titanic. Mommy & Grandmommy were given 2nd class passenger names, while Granddaddy was given a 3rd class passenger and Daddy a crew member. The museum is set up so that while you read the exibits, you might learn more about 'your name' and at the end, read the manifest to see if 'your name' survived or not.
Lunch was very good at Danna's Burgers & BBQ, voted best burger in Branson. Doug really enjoyed dipping his hamburger in the ketchup and Kate enjoyed sharing Grandmommy's dessert, Banana's Foster Ice Cream.
Tuesday afternoon, landed the Zimm Twins at the swimming pool for an afternoon dip. This dip didn't last long, since the water in the swimming pool was just a little warmer than that Titanic water!!!!!! Not really, but the water was very cold. Kate and Doug really liked the cooler weather that Branson was having and the occational rain shower really cooled the pool down! Dinner was Mommy's mistake... the RibCrib offered all your can eat ribs on Tuesdays. Little did Mommy find out that it wasn't your choice of ribs, and it was very crowded at 4:30pm. Doug really didn't enjoy the RibCrib and was ready to leave, the moment the Zimm Twins name was put on the waiting list. Tuesday night, Mommy & Daddy went to a Variety Hour show, Hamner & Barber. Although the Zimm Twins were fast asleep when their parents returned, Mommy & Daddy had a good time watch the 'dummy' and the magic show.
Wednesday, the Zimm Twins vacation was 1/2 over, but Wednesday was a Great Day! The Zimm Twins spent the morning boating on Table Rock Lake. The lake is so clear, Kate & Doug could see their own feet in the water and could even see Daddy's feet way below! It was a beautiful day and the water was just right. Table Rock is a big lake, 43,100 acres of perfect 85 degree water and 180 feet deep. The Zimm Twins were able to watch Daddy wakeboard, and Granddaddy & Mommy waterski. Probably the most exciting time was watching the people cliff dive. Mommy asked Daddy to do it, but he wouldn't. The parasailers also are on Table Rock, but Mommy, Daddy & Granddaddy have all parasailed before and Grandmommy just would do it. After a good lunch on the boat and some swimming in the middle of the lake, the Zimm Twins turned in the boat and headed home for a nap.
Wednesday night was the Zimm Twins' Grandparents night at the show. This time Grandmommy & Granddaddy saw the Presley's, the original show on the strip. After such an exciting day on the lake, the Zimm Twins went to bed very early. Doug just layed down in the middle of the living room floor and fell asleep!
After the Duck, The Zimm Twins were so good, we thought we would take a cruise... on the Titantic! The Titantic Museum is located in Branson. Remind the Zimm Twins, this is a museum, they were perfect and looked at the exibits. Doug really liked the 23 degree F water that he was able to stick his hand in, just for a second. Each passenger was given a name of a particular passenger on the actual Titanic. Mommy & Grandmommy were given 2nd class passenger names, while Granddaddy was given a 3rd class passenger and Daddy a crew member. The museum is set up so that while you read the exibits, you might learn more about 'your name' and at the end, read the manifest to see if 'your name' survived or not.
Lunch was very good at Danna's Burgers & BBQ, voted best burger in Branson. Doug really enjoyed dipping his hamburger in the ketchup and Kate enjoyed sharing Grandmommy's dessert, Banana's Foster Ice Cream.
Tuesday afternoon, landed the Zimm Twins at the swimming pool for an afternoon dip. This dip didn't last long, since the water in the swimming pool was just a little warmer than that Titanic water!!!!!! Not really, but the water was very cold. Kate and Doug really liked the cooler weather that Branson was having and the occational rain shower really cooled the pool down! Dinner was Mommy's mistake... the RibCrib offered all your can eat ribs on Tuesdays. Little did Mommy find out that it wasn't your choice of ribs, and it was very crowded at 4:30pm. Doug really didn't enjoy the RibCrib and was ready to leave, the moment the Zimm Twins name was put on the waiting list. Tuesday night, Mommy & Daddy went to a Variety Hour show, Hamner & Barber. Although the Zimm Twins were fast asleep when their parents returned, Mommy & Daddy had a good time watch the 'dummy' and the magic show.
Wednesday, the Zimm Twins vacation was 1/2 over, but Wednesday was a Great Day! The Zimm Twins spent the morning boating on Table Rock Lake. The lake is so clear, Kate & Doug could see their own feet in the water and could even see Daddy's feet way below! It was a beautiful day and the water was just right. Table Rock is a big lake, 43,100 acres of perfect 85 degree water and 180 feet deep. The Zimm Twins were able to watch Daddy wakeboard, and Granddaddy & Mommy waterski. Probably the most exciting time was watching the people cliff dive. Mommy asked Daddy to do it, but he wouldn't. The parasailers also are on Table Rock, but Mommy, Daddy & Granddaddy have all parasailed before and Grandmommy just would do it. After a good lunch on the boat and some swimming in the middle of the lake, the Zimm Twins turned in the boat and headed home for a nap.
Wednesday night was the Zimm Twins' Grandparents night at the show. This time Grandmommy & Granddaddy saw the Presley's, the original show on the strip. After such an exciting day on the lake, the Zimm Twins went to bed very early. Doug just layed down in the middle of the living room floor and fell asleep!
Thursday, we spent the day on a sight seeing trip! The Zimm Twins directed the family back to Ozark, MO to "Lambert's - The Only Home Of Throwed Rolls". We arrived at 10:30am and it was already crowded. This is a very famous place and was recommended to Mommy & Daddy (although our Grandparents had eaten there in the past). Very exciting place, Doug loved it when the waiter threw a roll and Mommy caught it (to Daddy's surprise), and Kate had to laugh when Grandmommy got hit on top of the head with a flying roll. Lunch was good, but Doug had to sit in a highchair, while Kate was able to try out the booster chair. This just didn't make for a successful meal; sibling jealousy! But, we all enjoyed the good food.
On our way back to Branson, we toured the Ozark Mountains and enjoyed the sites in the rolling hills. The Zimm Twins enjoyed a nap in the car!!!
The Zimm Twins ended up at the Green Mountain Winery where the adults were able to sample some of Missouri's finest wines; grape juice only for the Zimm Twins! Directly across the street, Mommy noticed a 'Segway Track'. The Segway is the two-wheeled motorized standup that sometime Policemen drive. Mommy & Daddy decided to spend 20 minutes on the Segway track. It was really funny to watch Mommy & Daddy. The first trip to Segway, the maximum speed allowed is only 5 mph. Even at this speed, Doug & Kate laughed at Mommy when she hit a tree!!! (The Zimm Twins' parents enjoyed the Segways so much, they returned to the track on Thursday morning for a second round. This time, the maximum speed was 12.5 mph and Mommy didn't hit anything!)
Thursday evening, Mommy & Daddy went to The Kirby VanBurch Magic Show. Mommy & Daddy told the Zimm Twins about the helicopter that appeared on stage and the big tiger that went from one cage to another. The Zimm Twins' parents were amazed at the 'magic', but Mr. VanBurch ended the show with a statement regarding illutions and that only miracles come from God.
After Mommy & Daddy's Segway adventure on Friday morning; the Zimm Twins directed Granddaddy to leave Branson and head for Arkansas. This was the Zimm Twins first trip to Arkansas. A nap along the way and a sight at the 'world's longest garage sale', we ended up in Hot Springs Village, AR for the night. It was so much fun to visit Paula and Charlie Evans and see their pretty house. We had a wonderful meal that Paula prepared and Norman and Janis McNiel joined us. The Zimm Twins were very busy exploring the Evan's home. The Zimm Twins slept as Mommy took a tour of the McNiel's really big home.
Sadly, the Zimm Twins woke on Saturday morning, knowing that the 2009 Vacation was coming to an end. We went back into The Village to visit Grandmommy's friends, Ken & Elaine Kline. They too have a beautiful house and Mrs. Kline let the Zimm Twins play with a really neat baby buggy and bears. When Granddaddy left the Kline's he took a wrong turn, but the Zimm Twins were able to see more of The Village and nice and peaceful everything is there. When we found the main gate to The Village, Granddaddy drove the Zimm Twins to Hot Springs, AR and showed everyone where Grandmommy & Granddaddy took Mommy when she was a little girl, Lake Hamilton. The Zimm Twins enjoyed a nice relaxing drive back into Texas and home.
All in All, The Zimm Twins had a WONDERFUL, full of Adventure Vacation 2009.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
