Pigeon Forge, TN

We decided to spend our Thanksgiving break a little different this year. We would normally try to plan a trip to NC that week since the kids are lucky enough to have the entire week off, however this year we went to Pigeon Forge for a few days for a family vacation. The kids had never seen the mountains and for over twenty years Hank has said he wanted to rent a place there.  We might have only gotten three days, but it was a fabulous three days. I think we would all love the opportunity to go back and visit again.

Just in case you think a road trip with Cutter is dull.

  We had a beautiful ride up that day.

Starting to see some smaller mountains, exciting!

Since I had rented our cabin online, I wasn't entirely positive of what our view would be. This was our view when we pulled up, I was thrilled!

The inside of the cabin didn't disappoint either. The kids loved the pool table and spent every free minute while there playing.

  

Space Camp

One of the things Sailor has been most looking forward to in 5th grade is the opportunity to attend Space Camp. This is something offered only to those in the gifted program and only to 5th graders. Tucker did not get to attend due to not being tested early enough. Sailor was so excited to have the chance to do something he had not done. I was a nervous wreck knowing she would be gone for three complete days, had to get herself ready each day and to bed each night. It didn't help that each day ran from about 6:30 am until 10 pm due to the amount of activities they had to cram into such a short time frame. I knew she would be exhausted but she was so excited about going.

Packed and ready to go. We had to meet the bus at 5:30 in the morning! 

(Ignore the chaos, this was also in the middle of putting in new floors)

She had no problems or hesitations leaving me. Pretty sure she wasn't even going to tell me bye.

  But I made her pose for a picture and tell me bye.

 I was so thankful for wonderful teachers and parents who sent pictures during the trip. This was during their lunch break on the way to camp.

Sailor apparently loved this and was eager to try anything.

  Building their rockets.

 

Sailor gets motion sickness pretty bad and I was surprised to see her so excited about this ride.

 She also told me how good the food was.

Again, this child has no fear at all. This picture was sent by her teacher, she beat the boys to the top.

Graduation time.

She was a hot mess, but she came home so excited about her trip. She talked non stop all the way home.

So proud of our little Space Camp graduate and so blessed that she had the opportunity to experience something like this.

Halloween 2015

Since Halloween was on a Saturday this past year, the kids got to fully enjoy a full day of costume fun. Dressed and ready for a trip to Destin for lunch.

 

  The Commons never disappoints me with their decorations.

Ready for some trick or treating. Tucker stays home and enjoys trying to scare kids.

  For the first time ever, Sailor went trick or treating with her friends. I was a little heartbroken but so thankful to get pictures throughout the evening.

Luckily, Cutter and I made it back home before the skies opened up. Sailor and her friends had to take shelter at the middle school for a short bit. Glad to know they were able to make good use of their buckets!

Obviously a little rain didn't dampen their spirits.

Pumpkin Carving 2015

Usually pumpkin carving involves lots of fighting and arguing while trying to compromise on a pattern to carve. This year we did things a little different and I believe it was the most fun they've had. We gave each kid a pumpkin and let them design their own jack o lantern.

Cutter has an issue with the guts of a pumpkin and decided to just draw on his. 

I think it turned out great, very scary.

Tucker decided a classic design would suit his best.

 

Sailor is still in the planning stages.

Finally time to clean out the mess.

Carving time.

I think they turned out great and they were each so proud of their work.

 

Sailor imitating her pumpkin, twins.

Sweet Seasons Corn Maze

I believe we have now been to every corn maze within an hours drive of us. We went to this one possibly one of the first years living here but haven't been back since. While Grandma Sheila and Teresa were here we thought it would be a great opportunity for a nice day trip and a little weekend fun. I was excited because they have expanded so much in the past few years and I couldn't wait to see the sunflower field.

I was quite surprised when I got home and realized I had a bee in my picture, love it!

Got our map and planning our way out. Thank goodness they don't let me do it or we would still be wandering around lost.

Cutter was determined to give it a try.

Grandma Sheila got us from one point to the next and I was amazed at how quickly she did it. You'd never know she had a bad knee and foot.

That's some good looking kids.

A friendly game of tug of war.

Oh how I wish I had taken this picture about 10 seconds later when his feet slipped and he hit the ground. The kids were so proud of themselves.

 

  We couldn't have timed our trip any better, they had a brand new baby pig to see. I have a slight obsession with baby animals and this one certainly didn't disappoint. How sweet is that?!