The Smokies

Upon hearing the name of this mountain range, Avery looked at the mountains and said, "OOOh! They really are smokey." We were only able to spend two days here but we managed to squeeze in a lot. The first night we went into Gatlinburg. This is where Mark and I went on our honeymoon almost seven years ago. I really did miss him as I walked through the streets reminiscing. We watched some street performers,


did some window shopping and got some candy,


watched the chairlifts go up the mountain--we were sad you had to be at least 11yrs old to ride,

said hi to Herbie,

got some dinner,


and had a great time.

The next day, we got up early and rode a horse-drawn carriage through the mountains.


We drove through Cades Cove and visited the old mill and houses.



We played put put in Pidgeon Forge.

The Trip.

About the time I turned 8 years old, my parents got the bug and started traveling. These were fabulous times in my life because we didn't have a lot of money but we were excited and wanted to "see the world". When it came to traveling, Mom and Dad were random and spontaneous. We would leave early in the morning or sometimes late at night. When the sun came up, it brought new adventure and surprise in a foreign landscape. Once of our most frequented destinations was the Great Smokey Mountains. I don't believe we ever went the same place in the Smokies twice and being that it was before high speed internet and cell phones, my parents mostly winged it. Naturally, when my parents made the big move a few years ago, they chose Nashville. With it's breath-taking views and close proximity to the mountains, it was ideal.

I now have the blessing of being able to visit them there. So, a few weeks ago, I was missing my daddy and my mammaw, so the kids and I loaded into the car and made the 13 hour drive. I was prepared for and uneventful trip as we have made the drive several times before. During one of our stops for gas and bathrooms, I loaded Spence into his stroller. Sarah, being helpful, pushed him right beside the front wheel of the car. Ever curious, he stuck his hand right into the wheel and burned the tops of his little baby fingers. After some ice, neosporin and bandages, we were on our way again.

Upon arrival, Mom and I made the quick decision to visit the Smokies the next morning. This place holds a special place in my heart and I want my kids to have the same sense of excitement I had when travelling with my family.




This was the first trip in a long time that I just relaxed and enjoyed myself. We spent lots of time talking and visiting. We drove downtown, enjoyed my neice's birthday and went out on the boat. I wish I had some pictures. I went wakeboarding for the first time in almost 10 years. It was a huge accomplishment for me and I felt a great sense of youthfulness return. I wasn't ready to leave. It was the best vacation of the summer.

Birthday Deja Vu!

Avery had her FIFTH birthday yesterday. This little baby...


has become this little girl...


The reason I referred to "deja vu" is because Avery's celebration was almost exactly like Sarah's. I guess Avery just had so much fun that she wanted to do it all again. So to recap, we had Avery's special breakfast--pop tarts and eggs. She opened her pink leapster and played all morning.

Avery picked Fazoli's for lunch--Yummy!
>
We played at Chuck e cheese.



I decorated Barbie Cake #2.


We had dinner and opened presents with Mark's brother's family.

Then we finished off the night with cake, ice cream and games.

Children's Museum

I have decided that I have a real problem with crowds. We went to the newly remodeled Children's Museum with some friends and it was packed. We managed to have some fun even amongst all the chaos; however, I will not go back until after the kids are back in school. Here are some cute shots of the kids playing.

 

 

 

 

Trains.

So, in an effort to stay active but not blow the budget, we've been searching out things we can do as a family that are cheap or free. Our friends told us about these great trains you can ride out in Hockley (Thanks Jodie and Damon). If you want to know more go to their website here. These little trains are so much fun to ride and the people who are volunteering their time to work there are so friendly.

 

 

Check this guy out!

 

Waiting and waiting.

 

She's 3 years old!

Sarah's third birthday was a FANTASTIC day! Mark and I stayed up late decorating so she could wake up to streamers and balloons.

 

We had Sarah's favorite breakfast--Pancakes and sausage.

 

She got to open her Leapster. She's been asking for it for months.

 

The girls spent most of the morning playing with it.

 

Spencer spent most of the morning chasing the balloons.

I spent the rest of my morning working on this.

Spence spent the rest of his morning cleaning up after me.

After some much needed naps, we headed to Chuck e Cheese and played.


After dinner, we finally ate the cake and finished opening presents. Needless to say, we were all exhausted by the end of the day.