Shopping Day

Monday was shopping day. The boys needed new clothes (mostly jeans) and Morgan found a costume also. Last year we couldn't get her to put on tights or anything that resembled a costume, but she was all too eager to try this cat costume on. When we got back to the cabin, she went crazy begging to wear it and then nuts-o once it was on - you'd think we pulled out the catnip!






After a full day of shopping, we met up with our neighbors, Candace and Adam, at the Apple Barn for dinner. Our neighbors spent Fall Break (Candace is a teacher) in Pigeon Forge, too - so we decided to take advantage of it and get together. Our neighbors are the sweetest people, and they're expecting their first baby...a boy! They were so supportive while Jamie was gone and helped me out whenever they could...whether it was for me to go grocery shopping without the kids or my monthly night out for Bunco. Gems!

The Track

After several hours indoors at Wonderworks, we decided to hit A&W - and ate there with the tray on our window like when we were kids! Morgan fell asleep while Jamie was ordering, so we ventured on over to The Track for some real outdoor fun for the boys. Morgan and Mom sat in the van for two hours so she could get a good nap in while the boys rode the bumper boats, bumper cars, and go carts.

After Morgan woke up we took her to the other side where they had kiddie rides. She has been clingy and scared so this took us by complete surprise when she actually wanted to ride everything. She loved the swing, but wasn't quite sure how to react to the worker - slight smile, but wouldn't quite give it up.



Then on to the ferris wheel, of sorts...she was so brave. Every time she'd come around she'd wave and giggle - such a big girl!!!







I wasn't sure how she'd fare on the carousel, so I went along - mostly for my own reassurance. Luckily, it was a pretty slow carousel or I would have been a downer afterwards. She would have been fine, but I'm glad I rode along anyway.

Off to the train, she was so brave.


After all this other fun, we took in the Dixie Stampede dinner show. This year, Morgan stood in her chair and enjoyed the entire show! She ate a little bit, but we were just thrilled that we ALL got to stay for the whole show. Go ahead and laugh, we ALL did!! It's hard getting 5 people to cooperate at the precise second a picture is taken.

Fall Break in Pigeon Forge

We took full advantage of the boys' Fall Break this week to just get away and celebrate Jamie being home from Iraq. A family vacation with all members - we needed this. We headed up to Pigeon Forge on Saturday morning and headed back Wednesday. When we first got to town, we checked into our cabin. This is the cabin we reserved, but when we checked in we were told there were problems with the pool, so they upgraded us to this one. Mogan loved her "home" as she called it. She even claimed one bed as her own...Jamie slept with her giving me 3 out of the 4 nights alone. We were afraid to leave Morgan, with all the stairs in this place. Jamie loved bonding with Morgan, and I loved getting some full nights' sleep!!! The boys loved the game room and movie room.

The first day in Tennessee we went to Wonderworks and had a BLAST! Most of the activities were geared towards the boys, which was great. Usually we go somewhere to entertain Morgan and the boys just tag along...so this was a nice change. The boys (Jamie included) all got to play a game of Laser Tag, and LOVED it.

I tried to get Morgan to pose with me or by herself, but it was a no-go...so you get ME!

Each of the boys took turns blasting off to Mars...just kidding, but they loved taking their turn in the capsule - or whatever it is!


Kaden was flying in the simulator, he loves this stuff!

This is a virtual air hockey game and they are playing without actual equipment...it was really cool.

Morgan rode the "carousel" while the boys all played Laser Tag...I think I used up all my quarters and spare bills on this...but it kept her happy.

Swinging Kids

The weather cooled off a bit and allowed for us to play outside for a while comfortably. All three of the kids were enjoying the playset. Morgan loves to swing on someone's lap.



Kolton was swinging like Superman, which Morgan has perfected as well. This time, she is familiarizing herself with the monkey bar...now that the baby swing has been taken down.

Kaden has always enjoyed the close-ups!

Kolton preferred a face shot of the Superman!

Here Kaden is running from me because I was trying to get a "bum" shot! I was trying to make it fair across the board, since I had Kolton's bum on the swings...but Kaden was too quick for me.

More Fun

Ella and Morgan enjoyed sharing the bouncy seat...aren't they so cute?

Jeannie brought the Exersaucer back yesterday and Morgan has enjoyed it all over again! She's a tad too tall for it and she can get herself in and out of it...but it keeps her happy and entertained. What more does a mother want?

Monkey on the Bed...by Kolton

Big Gulp

Morgan found Daddy's water jug and just had to have some.

We heard Morgan cracking up and had to see what she was laughing at - this is what we found.

Love the Outside

Morgan LOVES to swing, and even more so when she gets to sit on my lap. The only problem that I have found is that (with age) I can no longer swing very high, very fast, or very long before I get ill!




Here Morgan is pushing the baby swing.
Jamie bought a telescope for Morgan's play equipment and here you can see him underneath putting on a sandbox cover.

Cleaning Up

I'm not much of an outdoor person, whether it's playing or cleaning...shock to those who know me, right? Jamie got home and immediately started cleaning up the outside areas of the house. It's so nice and clean - I actually don't mind Morgan going out now! It takes him going out for me to venture out, and Morgan loves being outside - so thank goodness he came home or we'd all be Vitamin D deficient! Here he is cleaning and Morgan wanting to help. We did give her a bucket of soapy water to help clean with and she loved it.

HE'S HOME!!