Memorial Day

We spent part of Memorial Day in Branson. In the 14 years, I've lived in Springfield, I can't remember ever going on Ride The Ducks. So, on a whim, that's what we decided to do first. The temperatures were great and a little cooler than normal. The ride was fun and Ben really enjoyed his "quacker" but he couldn't make it quack.

They took us up on a hill overlooking Table Rock Lake, and the view was beautiful.

After the hilltop view, they took us down to the lake and into the water. The splash into the water scared Ben because his face got all wet. Later, Daniel let him hang over the edge of the boat and get all wet as the water splashed against the side of the boat. For having to sit in our laps for an hour & a half, I thought Ben was very well-behaved.

We ate at Danna's BBQ after that and had a very tasty treat of some Chicken BBQ nachos. Then we went to play indoor golf at the laser tag in the old Butterfly Place building on Gretna Road. Ben enjoyed chasing the balls around the course. The course was all black-light and it was an interesting way to play golf. We then went to Tanger Outlet Mall and we shopped for a while.

After shopping, we headed home. Later that evening, we went bowling with my mom & dad (Pat & John), and my brother & his wife (Brian & Jenn). It was Ben's first experience with bowling. They setup the bumper bowling for him and then brought a ramp over for him to use. For an 18 month old, Ben did really well. He loved pushing the ball and watching it go down the lane to hit the pins. His first game he got a 65 and the second an 83. He actually got a strike on the second game! Not bad for a toddler and his first experience! (Daniel barely broke 100 on both games!) Here's some pictures:

As for less important things, my rose plant is doing better than I thought. The flowers are curling up as is custom after they bloom. I have pruned the flowers and the vines are still strong and fresh. It has good potential for growth. Both the rose and tomato plant are still sitting on the kitchen shelf waiting to be potted.

I'm also very much enjoying my book about Nannerl Mozart. The story may be totally fictional, but I believe a lot of it is true. It is providing a very interesting insight into the lives and incredible musical talent of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his sister Nannerl.