Barclay Branson Bash '07

I just returned from my 27th trip to Branson, Mo., with the whole family – including 10 aunts and uncles, both my parents, one sister and fifteen cousins, most of whom under the age of 8. It was chaotic, as usual, but not as bad as last year. That was the infamous year of the "incident," which involved flying deck furniture, vicious curse words hurled at an elderly woman and the alleged wielding of a butter knife.

I'm happy to report that there were no "incidents" this time around. At least none that I was forced to witness. So, it was generally a good time. I even got to drive the pontoon boat (top picture) for the first time. And I posed for a whole bunch of photos with my youngest cousin, Brenna (bottom picture) because everyone was suddenly fascinated by the idea of the youngest Barclay cousin and the oldest (me, of course) interacting with each other. It was all good though, because she is super cute.

Can't wait for next year's Branson trip ... and now there's talk of adding in a second trip this winter. I might not be able to swing another vacation this year, but we'll see. Can you tell my family is freakin' obsessed with Branson?