Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

We spent this past week at our first ever family vacation. Brad and I have made previous trips without the girls, and Georgia has caught on to this. We decided to go to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg since they are both very family friendly places. We're not really beach people, so that was definitely out. We actually stayed a mile or so outside Pigeon Forge in Sevierville, TN. We loved where we stayed! We had a one bedroom condo with a view of the pool. They had this great kiddy pool that was only 2 feet deep and had a mushroom in it. You can see it in the far back of this picture. There was also a 3 foot heated lazy river that was really nice to relax in as the current moved you along. It is in the forefront of the picture. The regular pool is in the middle. Maggie kept saying she wanted to go in the kitty cat pool. I had no idea what she was talking about. It took me a full day to realize that when I was saying 'kiddy' that she was hearing 'kitty'. Hence the cat pool.

We were then off to Dollywood to ride rides, play games and ride more rides. No shows for us. No glass blowers or metal workers to be seen, we had rides to ride. Brad and I hit a big roller coaster each, but mostly we stuck to the smaller stuff for the girls. I rode the Tennessee Tornado with my eyes shut the entire time, no reason to see the terror when I can feel and hear it.

Next stop was Nascar Speedpark. More rides, putt-putt and go-karts here. Georgia literally cried when getting on these go-karts, remembering her less than pleasurable previous experience with me. She rode with Brad this time.

One day was spent at Ober Gatlinburg doing - you guessed it - riding rides! This is what we like to do. We rode the tram up - which I did not like at all. Trams are on my do not like list with elevators and planes. I thought the Stone Mountain tram was bad, then I got on this one! On top of the mountain we also saw a black bear exhibit. The girls really enjoyed that.

So now I need a rest from our vacation. We were going and going the entire time. I grew up in East Tennessee, so my family and I have been to Dollywood and Gatlinburg countless times. We used to go when Dollywood was still Silver Dollar City. But this time was different. Taking my children was a completely different experience. It was truly wonderful to see the look of sheer joy on their faces as the enjoyed the parks and pools. Brad and I were saying how we have found a new appreciation for what our parents did for us. Thanks Mom and Dad!