I saw the Duggars today, up close and personal.

The fam and I went to Silver Dollar City in Branson today. Yes, I know it's fundie paradise but we live fairly close and it was a gorgeous day. Anyway....

We were in the childrens area waiting in line for a ride. A girl wearing a long skirt caught my eye, because her hair was done in a much more modern way than one usually sees on a girl wearing a long skirt, and she was *gorgeous*. There was a crowd of kids around her, which is also pretty common (big family), and then ole Jim Bob turns around. At least he was holding one of the littler ones, because for awhile it looked like this girl was in charge of everyone. There were a ton of kids in the group but I didn't stop to count them. I was too busy looking for a camera crew, lol (there wasn't one). My next thought was "surely Michelle isn't here". She wasn't. She's probably resting hoping they all take their sweet time getting home.

The kids were all dressed similar, but not exactly alike. Aside from the skirts, clothing and hair wasn't too fundie. They managed to escape notice for quite awhile, but were later posing for pictures. The kids--especially the boys--looked like they were having a great time.

It was just kind of out there seeing them in person. I know the dude is freaking nuts, but the kids seemed sweet and deserve time away from all their damn chores. They'll be treated like royalty in Branson, I'll bet they didn't have to pay a penny for admission or lodging.

And they said they would not exploit their children. I guess TLC doesn't count because it's on cable.