Play me some mountain music...

As I mentioned a while back, Pop and Mimi treated us to a week-long vacation in the Smoky Mountains in October. We had so much fun and I took so many pictures, that when we returned I was a little overwhelmed in putting them all on the blog. Plus, I have so many memories that coincide with the pictures I knew this post would take a while to complete. Anyway, without further delay, here are some of our favorite memories from out trip.

We began our trip on Thursday, October 22nd. After packing what felt like our entire house, we began our 8+ hour drive to Pigeon Forge, TN where we met up with Pop and Mimi. When we first saw the foothills of the Smokies, Caroline said, "Mommy, are the mountains following us?"

The kids were so excited to see the mountains for the first time and couldn't wait to get there.

Unfortunately, we finally arrived to our destination a little after dark, so we had to wait until morning to really see the mountains around us. In the meantime, we got to enjoy the nice comfort of our condo.

Our condo was easy to find because it was located under a huge cross which we assumed to be a cell phone tower because they were sporadically located throughout the area.

Did I mention that our view from the condo was breathtaking?

Friday morning, we decided to go ahead and get our tickets to the Comedy Barn before heading to Gatlinburg to sight see. Mimi and I couldn't resist the perfect photo op. Unfortunately, the kids weren't really into smiling just yet and to top it off, the pumpkin Mimi placed in Will's lap was rotten. Mimi didn't realize it was rotten when she placed it in his lap, but quickly realized afterwards. Perhaps that is why we couldn't get a smile out of him! We thought that a wipe would clean him up fine, but the stinch was still strong, so we took him to the bathroom for a major clean up. Thanks to a high-powered hand dryer that make your skin crawl, he had a clean pair of pants in no time. (Mimi, I would apologize for telling this story on you, but it still makes me snicker and I want to remember it.)

Next, we headed to Gatlinburg for breakfast and sightseeing in the mountains. We hit the season just right because the foliage was absolutely breathtaking.

Despite some rain, we managed to get a glimpse of God's great creation and a few pictures. We then headed back to Pigeon Forge to see a show at the Comedy Barn. I didn't know my kids could sit so still...I guess they really enjoyed the show, as did the adults.

One of the things Matt and I were most looking forward to on our trip was riding our bikes through Cade's Cove. Everyone always raves about Cade's Cove and since it has a biking tail, we figured we would try it. So, we hauled our mountain bikes with us so that we could hit the trails early while Pop and Mimi babysat for us. (Ole Miss was playing on TV so that meant Pop wouldn't be leaving the condo anytime soon).

Before we left for vacation, Matt had me go get him a new tube for his bike because he had blown his on our last ride. I advised him that we should just let the bike shop fix it to be certain it was okay, but he insisted that he could handle it and the tires would be fine. I'm sure you can guess where this is going....

On Saturday morning, Matt and I rose before the sun so that we could bike Cade's Cove. Everything was going according to plan until Matt hopped on his bike. His outer tire had a huge hole in it. I then questioned him for varification that we did indeed haul a bike for 8+ hours that had a flat tire? He reluctantly concurred and told me that he could kick himself. I decided to take a moment to myself before I did the kicking for him. At this point, we had no other choice than to wait for an hour until the bike shop opened so that we could RENT a bike. This meant that we would now be enjoying the ride with everyone else and would not be beating the Saturday crowd.

When the bike shopt finally opened, Matt made a rush approval of the bike he was given in an attempt to not hold us up any longer. Big mistake. Now, instead of having to deal with a flat tire, he got to enjoy riding a bike that wouldn't shift gears...not something you really want to have to contend with while riding in the mountains. Personally, I believe it was God's sense of humor sent to further teach Matt a lesson. After having to walk up several mountain trails, I think Matt learned his lesson and will spend a few extra dollars to ensure his bike is in good working order! As for me, I enjoyed getting to snicker at my husband as he panted heavily behind me!

Don't you love the backpack Matt's toting? We had to use Caroline's "going to Nana's suitcase" to carry our water because we forgot to pack one. It worked perfectly!

Cade's Cove was beautiful...filled with gorgeous settings and unique old buildings. Biking Cade's Cove definitely rates as one of the most favorite things I've done!

Thankful for the little things

I love Thanksgiving.  It's the beginning of the holiday season, there is lots of good food and you get to spend time with family you don't see everyday.  This Thanksgiving was especially good because we had the pleasure of spending the entire week with Katelyn and her parents.  (Sorry KK and Uncle Stephen, you have officially taken the back seat.)  

Caroline loved getting to babysit Katelyn (or so she thinks that is what she did), and I enjoyed getting a chance to spend some time with my little sister who I miss very much.

And once again, Will had the hardest time limiting his kisses.  Since he had a little runny nose, he was limited to her feet this time.

I can attest that the old phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" is very true.  When we were little we had our disagreements and don't get me wrong, we still do...but, I often times wish we lived in the same town so that we can share clothes again, go shopping together, let our kids play...the list goes on and on.  Since that isn't the case, I will relish the holidays I get to spend with KK and her family.

Both kids were proud to show off Pop's new pony, Molly Girl, to their cousins Helen and Hunter.  Caroline decided she should ride first so she could show them how it's done.  She was bursting with pride. Will had his own adventure on Molly Girl, but I'll save that for another post because it certainly deserves one to itself.

Mamaw and Pappaw were thrilled to have their great grandkids spend the night with them and were constantly entertained this Thanksgiving.  I imagine they are taking it easy this week trying to recuperate from all the festivities.

Of all the fun we had at Thanksgiving, my favorite memory was when KK asked Caroline what about her Mommy she was thankful for.  She responded, "she is a happy Mommy."  You never know how your children perceive you, but I must admit that I was so glad she considers me a happy mom because the Good Lord knows there are times when I don't feel so happy with the way my children are behaving.  Her perception made me realize how important it is to keep a smile on my face.

This Thanksgiving, Matt and I talked about what we are most thankful for other than the obvious like family, friends, our health, etc.  The majority of our conversation revolved around the fact that life has been much easier since I began staying at home full-time.  Granted, it was an extremely hard transition for me because I loved my job and working outside the home.  But, the benefits of staying at home have really started to add up over the last year, and I am so thankful that God put unexpected road blocks in my path so that I could have this opportunity.  Matt enjoys the benefits as well because his thankful list included not being the household manager anymore, having dinner ready when he walks in the door, not having to go to the grocery store, and just being able to relax when he gets home.  Granted, we don't get have extra money these days to do some of the things we used to do, but instead we have settled on a life that isn't rushed where we can really enjoy our kids more.  It's in the nonscheduled, nonrushed moments that we make the best memories.  So, this Thanksgiving, we'd like to thank God for the little things we are thankful for that oftentimes get overlooked. 

1.  The four little feet that scuffle to our bed late at night so that they can be comforted by their Mommy and Daddy.
2.  Will's little hand that he longs for us to hold when he's sitting in our lap, riding in the car and laying by us in the bed.
3.  Caroline's wonderful memory that can recall details about events that I often don't even remember.
4.  Sitting in the rocking chair with my babies on a cold morning under the covers while we watch cartoons.
5.  Dancing in the kitchen to our favorite songs with our children.
6.  The rush of excitement in our children when Daddy gets home from work.
7.  Weeknight candlelight dinners with our family.
8.  The adoring love our children share for each other.
9.  Getting kisses all over our face from our little man.
10.  Cuddling up next to Caroline as she goes to sleep at night.
11. The constant requests for backrubs.
12.  Will's affinity for anything with a motor.
13. Caroline's sweet love for her baby dolls and the way she mothers them.
14.  Will's passion to fix things even when they don't necessarily require fixing.
15.  Caroline's desire to learn to sew just like her Mommy.  She loves staying up late at night with me pretending to make something for her babies just like I make for mine.
16.  Sweet bedtime prayers.
17.  The laughter that comes from my reading Snuggle Puppy.
18.  Will's famous phrase, "one more time".
19.  Caroline's sweet drawings of our family.
20.  The sweet smiles that light up their face when they see their Mommy and Daddy hug.

We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and that you too reflect on the little things you are thankful for this holiday season.

Pop's New Pony

Before Thanksgiving, we made a special trip to Philly in order to meet Molly Girl, Pop's new pony. 

As you can imagine, Caroline and Will are over the moon about his new addition.  According to Caroline, "now we have a pony to our own."

Caroline's Thanksgiving performance

 Over the Thanksgiving break, Caroline's ballet class performed for a local nursing home.  It was such a joy to see how these cute little ballerinas lit up the room.  It was obvious the residents were so happy to have visitors and the girls' performance was precious.

Caroline's face lit up as well once she saw a suprise guest in the audience.  Nana came all the way to watch the performance and then treated us to Cock of the Walk. 

Now just because Will didn't perform, don't think he didn't steal the hearts of the residents.  Nope, our little fellow was a hit among the ladies, with all of the residents wanting some sugar from him.  As usual, Mr. Personality didn't let them down.  He winked at the ladies, blew kisses and even let one lady kiss him on the lips.  Obviously, I have to teach him that lip kissing is not appropriate until he is 21, regardless of the girl's age! 

Will's latest obsession

Will has always had a thing for hats of any kind, but this hat has become attached to his head...

Can't wait for our Christmas card photo

Since I handmade the kids' Thanksgiving outfit this year, I thought I should take a picture. If this is any indication of what it is going to be like when I take our Christmas card photo, I'm in trouble...

Caught him

I think I finally figured out a way to contain Will...

Caroline's Thanksgiving Program

On Tuesday, Matt and I had the pleasure to see Caroline's Thanksgiving Program at playschool. Dressed as a little pilgrim, she was all smiles and kept her eyes on our camera almost the whole time. It was the cutest little performance and while she was quite proud of herself, her brother was prouder. He tried taken pictures of her and afterwords gave her a big kiss of approval.

Here's a little clip from her performance for the grandparents to enjoy...