Gatlinburg

A few weekends ago we headed up to the Mountains, in Gatlinburg,TN. Its one of our favorite trips and theres really nothing like the fall beauty of the leaves and the fresh crisp mountain air! We stopped on our way and picked up some stragglers, Tol was already in Johnson City so we grabbed Kelly and the boys, it was a CAR FULL but it worked out just fine and they were all VERY GOOD!

Once we got there everyone was ready to get out and grab a bite to eat, we headed to a Mexican place that we usually love but this time it was not so great.  It could have been the fact that none of the kids would eat, they were all tired and they kept doing everything we didn't want them to, then a tiny accident on the escalators and we were ready to call it a night!

The boys, however had a different plan...

Nothing like a night swim in 30 degree weather! Yes, it was an indoor pool but it was still COLD, they didnt seem to care and all I could think was that MAYBE it might make them sleep great.

What trip to Gatlinburg would be complete without go-carts?  Poor Cole, since he could walk he's tried to be big and ride everything the other boys do. Its so pitiful, he goes up the height chart, looks up and says "Me ride too?".  This time.. as long as someone went with him , he could ride!

He loved every single second!  He'd say "Hey Mom.. this is AWESOME", "Hey Mom go fast"... loved the experience!

My other driver!

Cole wanted to ride again and oddly I entrusted my crazy brother with him... hey, I figured it would make amends between the two since he's still CLEARLY not over the fact that he pushed me in the pool this summer.

After lots of fun at Cooters we headed out to our favorite spot.  We come to this little place every year and grill hot dogs and play.  This year I remembered rain boots and MAN OH MAN were my boys excited!

A fun game of hide n seek!

It was lots of fun and a beautiful day!

The next day we headed to um.... um... cant remember the name of it but it was kind of like a Bird Zoo, if you will!  It had nothing but all kinds of birds to see, pet and feed!

Ok.. so I got a little mad because we opted ot let all 4 boys get in a picture holding these birds, well a lady sat one on Cole's head and didnt tell him. HELLO, she clearly doesnt have kids because when he moved the bird came flapping off and scared the **** out him and Grant too. At that point there was NO WAY Grant was going to hold a bird.. cant say that I blame him!

This guy was sweet, but I wont lie, it makes you a tad bit nervous!

And really? What trip would be complete without visiting the Apple Barn?  We always get ice cream there and I have to have some Pink Lady or Honey Crisp Apples! MY FAVE!

Clearly... he's had enough!

After a good long nap we hit the streets to go in some shops, play some games and get some pizza!

Nothing like "hot off the press" taffy!

Ok.. now Mommy's had enough. I obviously was unaware of this photo but come on, he had stood in my lap and wiggled all over me!

And here's Grant giving his Daddy a "rake" on the head!

That about sums up our trip! It was a great time and look fwd to going next year!