Grady's Birthday Trip - Part 2

On our second full day in Tennessee we went into the Smoky Mountains National Park. It was about a 45 minute drive over to Cade's Cove, where we spent most of the day, hiking and exploring the historical sites.

Stopping by the beautiful river







At the beginning of our hike





There are many historical buildings in the park too



The park rangers had some cool black bear artifacts



Watching them make sorghum molasses in the old-fashioned way



Another beautiful spot by the river



A vista






Grady, Gaga, and Mama rode the ski lift up to the top of a mountain in downtown Gatlinburg. It was super fun and the views were amazing!





Our view on the way down



That night we had a crazy dinner in Gatlinburg (about the worst service of my life, but Grady was a sport and had a sense of humor the whole time). The following morning it was time to head home. What a fun trip!

Grady's Birthday Trip

Last weekend Eric and I took Grady on a special birthday trip. He got alone time with BOTH parents, and we all enjoyed the experience of RVing in the Smoky Mountains. We missed the littles, but knew they were safe and happy with Nana and Papa. We also met up with Gaga and Grandpa in Tennessee!

Grady was so excited to check out the RV when we parked it in the driveway



And here he is, ready to go! We picked him up in the RV after a half day of school.



We stopped to check out the beautiful view along the way







After about 3 hours of driving, we arrived at our RV park and got set up!



That evening we saw an amazing show at the Dixie Stampede. Before heading in we needed to get a photo with the GIANT Christmas tree!






Daddy and Grady at the show - they rode horses that jumped through rings of fire!



The next morning we headed over to the Old Mill area to check it out. It is still operating.








Then we headed over to Dollywood and arrived just as it was opening



We got to ride basically everything throughout the day. Here are Eric and G on the "Lumberjack Lift"





Grady checked out this car as we waited to drive in the retro car ride



On the Shooting Star





We were missing our other little elf (Anson)!



Grady won himself a stuffed cow in this game



On the carousel he wanted "the big horse"



Staying cozy on Daddy's shoulders while we wait for the Christmas lights show and parade



The lights show was really pretty and a great way to end our big day at Dollywood



Next up, the national park!

YARRR!!

MVI_0836.mpg-edited a video by roseanneschmidt on Flickr.

Anson's Pumpkin Party

Camille and I went to Anson's pumpkin party at school, just before Halloween. When we arrived, this is what we saw...



Here he is with his friend Maggie



Apparently he wears that same purple tutu almost every day!

My little pumpkin, enjoying a juice box



All the kids rocked out to "Wheels on the Bus". Apparently Anson always chooses the drum.



Cami chose a maraca - she had so much fun!



Then the kids did a "bone hunt" in an empty classroom










It was a fun time, and I am glad we could be there!

Pumpkins!

We picked out FIVE pumpkins at the farm, so of course all five little pumpkins had to be carved or decorated in some way. Anson wanted histo be glittery, Grady wanted to paint faces on his (and Camille's), and of course they wanted to be sure we carved a couple to look cool on Halloween night!

So here you go - 2 days worth of pumpkin decorating pictures!

He was a bit heavy-handed with the glitter!







Grady so lovingly painted faces on his






Anson's finished product






Then Anson decided it was time for a tractor ride







He also wanted to paint like Grady





Then Eric took the little ones for a wagon ride while Grady continued to paint










Grady's Masterpieces



The next day we carved! Anson didn't really want to touch the goop.










But Grady loved it!














Camille even checked it out













All of the pumpkins on Halloween night!