1st Family Vacation!

FINALLY!!! I got to get the @)($* out of Virginia for a whole week! That's right, a whole week!!! We were originally suppose to go to Germany to visit some friends, but due to the unknown of Joel's schedule, we weren't able to book our flights early enough, and by the time we looked into it, it was $6,000! Yeah, CRAZY! So, Joel gave me 3 options: beach, mountains, or Texas. Well, I would have loved, loved to go to the beach, but I didn't think I would be able to enjoy it as much with an 11 month old, and I am not ready to leave him somewhere for a week. Texas of course would have been great, but I would have been so busy trying to see everyone, there wouldn't be much R&R. So mountains it was

We rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in the Great Smoky Mountains. We left Saturday morning, on the 12th, after I took the dogs to the vet for boarding (Joel wouldn't let me bring them; neighbors took care of the cats) and got to the cabin around 630 that night. Logan did well on the ride, except for the last hour, which we were stuck in heavy traffic, and I was cranky too. We checked in to our little cabin, and headed into town for dinner (Carinos!). The cabin had a jacuzzi on the balcony, hot tub inside, a pool table, and full kitchen. Very nice!

Sunday was a day of R&R, hitting up the store, lounging at the pool, and just being lazy. It was a great feeling knowing there was no work in my weekly agenda. Monday we drove around, hitting up some general stores (great fudge), and driving through the mountains. It was a beautiful drive along the river, winding through the mountains. We had a picnic, well, tailgated, and hiked Laurel Falls (about 1.2 miles). Logan was in his stroller, as it was semi-paved. Oh, and if you think its nice and cool in the mountains, WRONG! It was in the 90s most days, and high humidity. Tuesday we hit up the local Bass Pro, napped, and grilled out. And I found Blue Bell at the local Kroger, so it was a great night We also went to a little attraction that lets you mine for gemstones. Logan enjoyed playing in the water and dirt

Wednesday we spent the day in Gatlinburg. Started out with brunch at the Pancake Pantry, a recommendation from the Food Network, then walked around for a bit. After sweating too much, we went to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. It was a pretty cool Aquarium. Logan enjoyed seeing all the fish, sharks, and penguins. Logan had so much fun, he fell asleep in his stroller when we were getting ready to leave. So to kill time before dinner, and to let him sleep, we went to Hard Rock Cafe so I could get a margarita (this county is dry!) and stay in the AC. After a walk along the river, we headed to dinner at the Park Grill, which I found in Southern Living as a "must visit". I had moonshine chicken, and it was wonderful! The bread was yummy too, with a great salad bar, and of course complimented with a glass of wine. As we were finishing up a phenomenal dessert, Logan began his 'I am making something for you' face. He was really trying, red face and hard concentration. It was kinda funny (and if you have ever seen him do it you know what I am talking about). He was trying so hard, he blew snot out his nose. So you might be thinking this is gross and TMI, but I have to share, so skip to the next paragraph to avoid the worst. So before I could even finish dessert, I decided I should get Logan cleaned up, since Joel had picked him out of the high chair and made a face. I get up and go to get Logan, who is dancing around, and I hear Joel say "Eww!" and yup, it was falling out his shorts, onto the seat. So now I get to carry a squirmy baby with poop down his leg to the bathroom, get him undressed, not get it on me, and get stuff out of his bag to clean him up. I managed to not get in on me, made him stand in the bathroom while getting the changing table ready (not easy, ever), strip his shirt and socks off (both clean), then the shorts (ewwwww) and get him cleaned up. Thank goodness for keeping a spare change of clothes in the bag. So after that excitement, we were off for an evening drive through the mountains...

We drove back the same path that we took Monday, this time heading to Cade's Cove, a scenic drive through that is an old settlement and good place to see wildlife. Before we even got into the park, there was a traffic jam, and I got out to see why...bears!!! It was a momma bear and her 2 cubs! I only saw her and one cub, and only got a picture of her. She was about 100 yards from the road. I snapped a couple of pics and went back to the truck; you don't provoke a momma with her babies. She might be a black bear, but she could still do some damage. As we drove through the Cove, we saw deer, wild turkeys, and one more bear. It was so cool to see bears in the wild. Logan slept through the whole thing....

Thursday and Friday were days of relaxation. Thursday we hit up a big boy toy store (knife superstore) and bought some souvenirs- more Moonshine fudge, and stuffed bear, and a skunk that Logan picked out for himself (yes, he was in love with the stuffed skunk). Friday I went down to the pool for about an hour to lay out and get some sun while Joel and Logan went to a store. We grilled out again both nights, though Friday we had fillet steaks and corn on the cob- so yummy! Friday night also brought us our first visitor to the cabin- a raccoon. I thought Logan's diapers were going to be a deterrent, but no. I guess that last one was too appealing. He managed to open the garbage can, posed for a picture, then Joel finally got him to go away. He came back later that night and helped himself...

Saturday was the long drive home. We left about 930, and got home around 7. It was a rain free drive, and traffic wasn't too bad. Logan did well til the very end, of course. it was good to be home and in our own beds, and Logan was glad to see his toys again. The cats were very happy to have us home. The dogs will come home today, and I am ready for them to be home; I have missed them! Now its back to work and the real world, and getting ready for the move. We had a great time though; it was a much needed break and family time