Branson Vacation Day 4

Instead of renting a boat we went for a Ride on the Ducks. These are amphibious WWII vehicles.






The duck ride is somewhat famous for making a rapid entrance into the water. Unfortunately due to flooding the lake is nearly over the top of the damn and they are not allowed to enter water as fast as normal because of trees hidden under the water. Once in the water we saw the Branson Belle leaving her dock. It was very impressive to see up close.



Our tour guide was a really good one and he let every single kid on board drive for a little bit. He even took the pics of the kiddos driving.







Here are Kathy and Ryan with our tour guide. He picked up on Kathy pretty quickly because he is a K-State grad and Phil was wearing a K-State shirt. He picked on Kathy the entire trip. It was a lot of fun.

Last Day at the Cabin

Last day ~ here's Ryan just hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa Riek

We had such a great time, lots of good company, good food and of course, good pictures!

4th of July at the cabin

Hanging out at the cabin on the 4th...Ryan kept VERY busy!

Ryan got a train just like Grandpa's!

Bubbles!

the firepit makes a great train track

Train!

4th of July! (day 4)

We went into Bryson City, NC for the festival - the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad has a station there. They have a caboose on display that Ryan (and his father) just loved to explore

Waterfalls

Day 3: We took our annual trip to the waterfalls. There is a really nice park in Bryson City that has hiking trails and all day tubing ~ apparently the water was VERY cold ~ we didn't risk it!

Instead we did our usual 2 mile hike to see the waterfalls

Ryan and Daddy at the second waterfall

Michael, Ryan and Daddy

Grandma with Ducky

Sean and Michael on the infamous rock where all family pictures are taken
However - the water was a tad low this year -no one else braved the climb.

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The Biltmore

Day 2 (or 3): The Biltmore!

My mom and I just love going to the Biltmore, so when Michaelx2 and Ken said they were interested in going, we jumped at the chance.

Unfortunately, it was crowded beyond belief, so the visit wasn't great ~ but the initial view was!

Michael and Ken - saying goodbye - they were off to travel around and see the sights

Here's Ryan waving goodbye

On the boat

Day 1 (well maybe 2): Sunday on the boat!

Unfortunately, both Ryan and Jen were not feeling great, but we did have a great time on the boat.

Ryan and Grandpa driving the boat

Michael, Ken and Michael (at least it was easy for Ryan to learn the names...)

Michael on the inflatable boat

Grandpa and Grandma Riek

On the boat - video!

Here are some amusing videos for your entertainment.... Ryan and Grandpa driving the boat
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Michael's attempt at the little boat....

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The three Vegas guys.... need I say more?

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getting ready

Ryan still fits into his life jacket from last year - should be the last year in this one!