Spring Break 2019: Gatlinburg

We have had a wonderful Spring Break! We have done so much already that I thought a "Spring Break Part 1" post was in order. The second half of the break should be a little more low key, with activities mostly planned here in Kernersville, but the first half has been packed full. We've made a lot of memories already!

Saturday: 
Spring Break kicked off on Saturday with the Forbush Prom. The Prom was at the Bermuda Run Country Club, and the theme this year was "A Night in Monte Carlo." I didn't 'shop' in my sister's closet beforehand, so I was scrambling to find something to wear just minutes before we had to head out the door. Before the Prom, we went out to dinner at Longhorn, and both Boomer and I ordered delicious steaks. There were other yummy hor d'ouerves and desserts once we got there, so I'm glad I picked a dress with a little bit of give to it! 

Earlier in the day, the Bakewells and Houstons hit the road to Tennessee, taking our Emmy with them. When we realized the conflict of Prom and the start of the trip, I wasn't sure what to do. I always enjoy Prom and it is fun to accompany Boomer to a 'work function,' so in the end, we decided to send Emmy with the rest of the crew and then Boomer and I would join everyone there later that night (...much later - 1:00AM!) The drive from Kernersville to Sevierville is right at 4 hours, and it was just a little shorter leaving from Bermuda Run. Throughout the day, Boomer and I got a lot of cute pictures from the family. Emmy fit right in with her cousins as they went to the Apple Barn Restaurant and walked around the property. Emmy even got a sweet treat from her Uncle Zack. I'd say she wasn't missing Mommy and Daddy too much!

Sunday:

With three kids under 6, we were up early the next morning, but since we weren't in too much of a hurry, we were able to slowly enjoy breakfast and our coffee. Then mid-morning, we went over to see the Davis family. Mom and Ramona have been friends since they were teenagers, and Ramona's daughters - Jamie, Lauren, and Emily - are close to Megan's and my ages. Now with 8 kids between all of us, it was a big gathering of both families. We ordered pizza for lunch, and Ramona even had cake and ice cream to celebrate the three April birthdays - my Mom, Zander, and me. 

Later that evening, we went out to dinner at a restaurant in Pigeon Forge called J.T. Hannah's. We seemed to time all of our meals pretty well during this trip, because we hardly had any waits. The fountain outside provided just enough entertainment as we waited to be called. Each of the kids got to throw in a penny, in which Zander wished for a beard! :) Back at the cabin, we dyed Easter eggs, with only a few mishaps, and then it was bathtime and off to bed. 

Monday:

On Monday, we went to Dollywood. It was such a fun day for both the kids and the adults! We got to the park right when it opened around 10AM and stayed until about 6PM. The weather was a little cool, so we had to wear jackets in the morning, but it warmed up in the afternoon. A beautiful spring Tennessee day! Early on, Boomer, Zack, and I split off to ride some of the bigger roller coasters like Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, Mystery Mine, and Wild Eagle. The rest of the gang hit up some of the other activities for guests under 48" in height. We met back up around lunchtime and caught one of the shows called "Wings of America - Birds of Prey." Zander and Maddox loved the birds flying through the audience. And since we fit in a show, my mom was happy, too - she loves the shows! After lunch, we took off again for the Country Fair section, which has a lot of smaller rides for the kids. With Zander's upcoming birthday, our day at Dollywood was part of his bday celebration, so he often led the group and even got to do a carnival game. Unfortunately, unlike her older cousin, Emmy wasn't too excited about the rides. I even had to leave the Flying Elephants, after waiting in line and sitting down in the elephant car. Hopefully she will come around to the bigger rides and be a thrill seeker like her mama! The day ended with a train ride on the Dollywood Express and funnel cakes before we exited the park. 

Tuesday:

For our final day in Tennessee (and my birthday!) we went to Ober Gatlinburg. Megan and I have a lot of memories of going here when we were growing up. The Great Smoky Mountains were a vacation spot for our family for many years. Being from Florida, we would often camp in our camper along the Pigeon River, enjoying cooler temperatures and family camp fires. We would drive along the parkway to venture into Gatlinburg for some of the attractions, like Ober Gatlinburg, miniature golf, and old time-y photos. At Ober Gatlinburg, the tram, which is really a huge chair lift, takes you up to the top of the mountain, giving beautiful views of the city below. At the top, there is an ice skating rink, an arcade, a restaurant, ski slopes, and the alpine slide. After spending a couple of hours there, we headed back to the cabin for some down time. Later that evening, we went out to dinner at the Old Mill Restaurant, right along the river. Perhaps my favorite part of this day was watching the kids run in the grassy field and then walking along the river near the ducks.  

This post would not be complete without one last photo! 

The trip to Tennessee was our first time traveling since potty training, and we had some successes...and some not-successes. Luckily, Grammy brought the kid potty (and so many other essentials, too!) which meant that when we were at the cabin, Emmy was able to go like at home. Unfortunately there were a few accidents when we were out and about. Not full-on, change-the-socks accidents (parents, you know what I mean!), but enough that the pants had to be changed. I am hopeful that by the time summer comes, we will have it down pat for all of our travels then!

A special 'THANK YOU!' to Grammy and Grandpa for a fun Tennessee getaway. From the planning to the packing, watching Emmy that first day, and helping with meals, baths, and bedtime, it was such a wonderful trip. It sure was special reliving some of the memories of my childhood...and making new memories with the next generation!