Pigeon Forge

Jamie and I left on a Friday morning and headed to Pigeon Forge, TN. We arrived early afternoon. We kind of just wandered aimlessly around our hotel room for a while not knowing what to do with ourselves. We finally decided to sit down and map out a plan for our stay. We decided to take in Dixie Stampede for dinner and then afterwards we went souvenir shopping for the kids.

Saturday morning we woke up and headed over to Gatlinburg for the sky lift. It was so cold, but so worth it. It's been something I've always wanted to do and haven't been able to with three kids in tow (not to mention the scary height factor). So here's a bunch of cheesy pics that we took on our way up.

Looking ahead to the top of the mountain.

Jamie not feeling so well here, but I'm having a blast!

I just love him so much.

They had stocking caps and gloves in the store atop the mountain - Jamie's head and ears needed some warming...isn't he cute? We did not purchase this hat, but later wished we had!

After browsing and warming up, we headed back down the mountain - more cheesy pics.

We got to act like kids instead of the grown up parents we are!

Shoe shot, Jamie didn't participate because he thought I was shaking the chair.

After the sky lift we went and found a restaurant for some breakfast and then went and had old time portraits taken. That was fun, but a little out of this modest gal's comfort zone. That's something I've always wanted to do, though...so hopefully next time we get a chance we'll include the kids. We had an appointment for some zip lines that afternoon, so we headed back over to Pigeon Forge. Here's some picks of Jamie getting all geared up.

Jamie's always wanted to wear a thong or g-string on the outside of his jeans! Hahahaha!

All ready to go - we had a total of 10 in our group.

I'm ready, too!

Heading up the mountain.

Here we go...

A little nervous, but excited.

Look at me!

Jamie's turn.

He was a natural, seems he's done this sort of thing before. Hmpf!

Different angle, he's coming in for a landing this time.

Watch out for me, here I come...wheeeeee!

After the zip lines we ate at the Old Mill...wonderful food! We did a little more shopping and then headed back to the room to rest after our long adventurous day. Sunday we spent the day shopping in the rain, lots of fun. We hit the Scrapbook outlet store on Monday morning and then headed back home. This was so much fun and so badly needed, our first time without the kids - we need to do this more often!

Grandma & Grandpa's Visit

Grandma and Grandpa arrived safely and were so kind to come keep the kids so Jamie and I could go on our first ever - kids free getaway! I think the kids were happy to see some fresh faces too. Grandpa took Kolton to karate on Friday night and Saturday morning and then took the boys to see Avatar while Grandma stayed home with Morgan to craft. They also took Morgan to Lowe's Build and Grow clinic Saturday morning to make a tic-tac-toe game while Kolton was in karate.

Everyone was in on this phone call...thank goodness for wireless connections!

The night before we were leaving for Pigeon Forge!

I think Grandpa was happy to be on ground and with family.

Goofballs.

This was one of many projects that Grandpa tackled.

I think Morgan was giving him much needed input.

Happy with the results...job paid in full! :D

Grandma was keeping busy while Grandpa was working.

Awww, how sweet.

Princess Morgan

A much needed rest, she's such a cuddler.

Grandma came prepared with lots of crafts...Lady liberty resides here.

Princess Morgan also resides here...depends on the day!

Another project for Grandpa.

A flower that is now on Morgan's bedroom door. Did we mention that Morgan LOVES crafts?

Grandma and Grandpa took Morgan to play at McDonald's and get some fresh air.

Flamingo

Show day at The Little Gym

Thursday was the last day of the semester, so the girls showcased all that they've learned. From L-R you'll see Miss Ally their teacher, Morgan, Ava, Abby, Ashlynn, and Autumn. These girls are such good girls, and really enjoy class with one another.


Train

Low train, the girls were supposed to hold onto the ankles in front of them.

Butterfly on the balance beam.

Bar routine

I was able to get her to show me more during free time, when they were supposed to take us around and show us their favorite things in the gymnastics room.

Tada

On to tap

Sleeping Dora:expressive movement element - pretending to walk on hot sand, in the water, etc.

Morgan couldn't dance without making sure Miss Ally participated!

More sleeping Dora

Jumping over tap shoes - the introduction to ballet.

Receiving a medal, the girls' proudest moment!

Group Photo Session

Dentist

Morgan had her first dental appointment on Thursday, and I was sweating! She clung to me and wouldn't let go until the dental hygienist showed her the cool toothbrush and toothpaste that she gets to keep. I was able to snap this one picture before I went for my cleaning session. From the next room I heard her talking and the laughter of the hygienist and dentist! Whew! She had a great check up and was told her teeth looked perfect and to keep up the great work!