Hristos Voskrese

Jacob, Tyann, Joey, Mike, and Noah

Our annual Easter family photo. Looks like sitting on the couch is becoming our usual pose.

This is our living room, with my husband's grandmother's artwork in the background. Nina came to the United States from Russia when she was 8 years old. The family tale includes that her family came from a line of royalty...maybe she was a Russian princess?

Nina was wonderfully and artistically talented. Her art was to create rugs. Yes, rugs. She would purchase burlap the size of the rug she wanted to make, whether a small picture size or a large area rug.

Then, she would take wool fabric, many times picking up wool clothing from garage sales, stripping it to small pieces. Nina dyed the wool to the colors she wanted and set to hooking the wool, creating the rug artwork.

Click on the picture to see the details.

Nina's pieces were her own masterpieces. Sometimes she even created pieces mimicking a famous painting. My husband's favorite piece of hers was her rendition of Van Gogh's Starry Night. Unfortunately, that piece was lost after Nina passed away.

We had the piece hanging in our living room professionally framed and cleaned so that we can enjoy it. The scene is of an idyllic countryside, including a horse and buggy, a small village, and birds flying over the mountains. Nina's attention to detail is amazing.

In memory of Nina, Hristos Voskrese (Christ has risen!). He has risen indeed!

Spring Special at Nature's Retreat!

April is my favorite month of the year - so much so that I planned our wedding for April, 13 years ago. Spring is beautiful with all the new beginnings around us. The flowers and trees are blossoming, fresh wind blows through the air, and the rejuvenating rains wash the winter away.

To celebrate, we have 2 choices of specials for the month of April at Nature's Retreat. Choose either 20% off your entire stay (cleaning fee not included in the discount), or stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night free!

Be sure to call or email as soon as you have your days picked out, as the open dates won't last very long.

Don't forget that Nature's Retreat is the ONLY 5 bedroom in the Branson area that also has:

• all king size beds in 5 bedrooms
• 4 full bathrooms
• a 700+ sq. ft. family room with pool table, foosball table, and big screen TV
• 15 x 12 deck with gas grill
• TV/DVDs in all of the bedrooms

The nature trail is just outside our door, and there's a beautiful little waterfall when the creek is high enough. We are only 5 minutes to the grocery stores in Hollister and 10 minutes to the Branson Strip and Branson Landing.

Yes, there's a lot to do in Branson, but Nature's Retreat is also a wonderful place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your family and friends!

636.584.3864

tyann@vacationhomeinbranson.com

Branson is 100 this Year and We are on Pinterest!

Happy Birthday, Branson! This is an exciting year for Branson, Missouri, and there are many, many events planned to celebrate. Keep up with the calendar of events, or how about on their Facebook page with the most recent happenings for the birthday.

Or how about 100 ways to celebrate?!?! Here are just a few of the suggestions:

• 17.Read the book, The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright.
• 18.Learn to play the fiddle.
• 21.Invite some Girl Scouts to celebrate their 100th birthday with us in Branson!
• 72.Plant a garden of heirloom tomatoes.
• 73.Gather 100 people for a centennial trash pick-up day.
• 75.Walk 100 miles in Branson on our trails, through Downtown, our parks, your neighborhood or along 76 Country Blvd.
• 76.Try to catch 100 fish in Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake.
• 79.Golf 100 holes at our area courses per month…that’s about 5 ½ rounds.
• 80.Drive 100 laps on a go-cart.
• 81.Take and log 100 photos of your favorite places in Branson

And here is the complete list from their website.

Are you on Pinterest? Follow our Branson, Missouri board for ideas on activities for when you visit Branson!

Ready for a Branson Getaway?

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your family and friends. Since you had such a great time, why not spend a weekend getaway or a week vacation in Branson with them? There are some prime summer dates still available, as well as some awesome Spring Break, spring, and early summer openings.

Visit our website www.vacationhomeinbranson.com for the current availability calendars for both homes and call us today to reserve your getaway in our fabulous vacation homes!

Mike and Tyann Marcink
636.584.3864

July 4th Celebrations in Branson

If you are headed to Branson this weekend, you will have a good time! Branson has a celebration schedule packed full of activities for everyone. Here are the weekend events (courtesy of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce):

Saturday, July 2

38 Special & The Kentucky Headhunters, Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater

26th Annual Fireburst, Harter House Parking Lot; Kimberling City

Sunday, July 3

The Souled Out Band – Live In Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square

Branson Landing’s 4th Annual "Liberty Light Up" Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square

Shepherd of the Hills Fireworks Celebration, Shepherd of the Hills Homestead

Monday, July 4

Spirit of 76 Independence Day, Branson Landing

Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks, featuring the Clay Self Band, Big Cedar Lodge

Cape Fair Fireworks Display, Cape Fair Marina

Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks, Rockaway Beach Park

35th Annual Fire & Thunder Fireworks Display, Shell Knob (1 mile S. of Bridge)

58th Annual Hollister 4th of July Celebration, Historic Downtown Hollister

Symphony of Hearts For Joplin – Benefit Concert For Homes of Hope, Branson Landing

Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub Groupon

Tucked into Branson Landing, just up from the beautiful fire and water fountain show, is Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub. If you have been to the Landing before, you may have walked past the pub and noticed the fun, laughter, and music coming from inside.

Waxy's offers daily specials along with some toe tapping music, and with the current Groupon deal, you can enjoy yourself for half the price! Use our referral link to access Groupon, then make sure you are on Springfield, MO to see the deal. You can purchase $25 of food and drinks for just $12 with the Groupon deal...it's only good for another 2 days, so don't delay if you're ready to have some downright fun on your next trip to Branson!

Visit Waxy O'Shea's website for their specials and calendar of performances.

Showboat Branson Belle - Buy One and Get One Free!

Yes, it's true! During the month of May, you may purchase a ticket and get a ticket FREE to the Showboat Branson Belle. Another sweet Branson deal to make your vacation even better. Offer is not valid online or at the ticket office, so that means you will need to call in your advanced reservation to snag the deal. There is a limit to the free tickets you can purchase - just 2 free tickets with 2 paid tickets per reservation.

What is the Showboat Branson Belle? It is a beautiful paddlewheel boat on Table Rock Lake that serves a full 3 course meal along with an entertaining live show (two shoes currently - Funny Fiddle and Encore!). Located between State Park Marina and Moonshine Beach, it's only 5 to 10 minutes from our vacation homes Nature's Retreat and Canyon Retreat.

Are you a fan of the reality TV show Undercover Boss? The Showboat Branson Belle was featured along with Silver Dollar City and Ride the Ducks on the show as part of the Herschend Family Entertainment Group when boss Joel Mansby went undercover.

More about the Branson Belle from their website FAQ:

Riverboat Features & Amenities
•How many decks or levels are there aboard the riverboat?
The dining theater area of the ship has three levels, all of which provide excellent views of the stage. There is one exterior deck on the very top of the ship, where the captain's wheelhouse is located. The lowest level of the ship houses the engine room and kitchen.

•Are there many stairs to climb on the Showboat Branson Belle?
Most of our seating is located on the main deck, which is the one you will enter when you board the Showboat. You can travel by stairs, or by elevator to the other two decks where seating is available.

•How will I know where I'm sitting on the Showboat Branson Belle?
A table assignment is printed individually on each ticket. The table assignment will also be communicated to you by the ticket seller or reservationist.

Dining Service & Food and Drink Availability
•Can I request a vegetarian plate? A low-cal plate? A Kosher meal? Or a diabetic meal?
Yes, to all of the above requests. Simply inform your server.

•Do you use MSG in the preparation of food for the riverboat?
None of the items currently planned for the menu include MSG, but please make your server aware of your concern, and they will be able to alert you to any menu items which may contain MSG at the time of your service.

•Are alcoholic beverages served on the Showboat Branson Belle?
No alcoholic beverages are available on the Showboat Branson Belle.

•What types of drinks are available on the Showboat Branson Belle?
Coffee, tea, iced tea and water are free with your meal. Large soft drinks are available and specialty coffees and frozen drinks may also be purchased.

If you would like to view our menus, visit the Cruises & Dining section.

Onboard Experience & Entertainment
•What happens when I get on board the Showboat Branson Belle?
Upon boarding, our photographers will provide you the opportunity to be photographed. Later, the picture is developed and you will have the choice of purchasing it. You can then enter the dining room/theater and find the location of your table. Meal service will begin shortly, followed by the major part of the show. Before the Showboat docks, you will have approximately 20 to 30 minutes to stroll the exterior decks of the Showboat and enjoy scenic views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains. Find out more about the onboard experience in Cruises & Dining.

•Will I be able to see the view of Table Rock Lake from inside the riverboat?
Yes. The ship has large windows on all three interior decks of the theater. You can also explore a few smaller lounge areas, the exterior promenades and outer decks of the ship which also provide great views of the lake.

•Will I have an opportunity to see Table Rock Lake?
Yes. Each cruise includes deck time to explore the ship and enjoy the views. Beautiful scenic views of the lake can be enjoyed from all exterior decks of the Showboat Branson Belle.

•Will the show performers sign autographs?
Yes.