Beach Trip

After a crazy summer, we decided to take a weekend away with the girls before school started.  We knew we wanted to visit the beach but we didn't really care which beach so we just looked for a hotel where we could use our hilton points and that was available on fairly short notice.  We ended up here:

It really was a fun and relaxing weekend with a constant breeze.  We spent a lot of time collecting shells and walking on the beach and we also did a little swimming, eating, and sightseeing.  

We ate at a fun restaurant next door to our hotel that has hermit crab races for kids on the weekends. 

 I convinced Ryan to take some beach family pictures with the tripod.  It turned out to be a little too bright and the sun caused us all to be squinty. 

Across the street from our hotel was a giant inclosed ferris wheel.  After we took pictures we headed over to take a ride. 

After the ferris wheel ride and dinner at a local pizza place, we walked up and down the boardwalk and as we were leaving I happened to see a sign for dolphin cruises.  On a whim, we decided to call and see if they had any spots available for the next day and they did so we went for it.  Although I knew it would be relaxing and fun for the girls, I was a little skeptical about seeing dolphins because I have been on a whale sightseeing cruise in Maine and we never saw a whale.  Thankfully we did see dolphins, including a baby!

Family Visitors

This summer we had visits from my parents and from my aunt.  My parents came when I had my minor surgery and they were a big help with the girls and around the house.  My mom decided to try a pinterest craft with the girls...slime.  It was easy to make and it kept them entertained for hours.  The funniest part was when my dad tried it and couldn't get it off his hands.  We also got to celebrate my parents' 34th anniversary with them.

After my parents left, my aunt also came to help.  Since I was feeling better, we ventured around town to do a little shopping for our house.  I always like when my aunt comes because she helps me finish projects.  She also likes dessert, so we visited Yogurt Mountain twice in the 4 days she was here!

Swim Lessons

This summer the girls took swim lessons again from Ms. Samantha.  They both made improvements during the week of lessons.  Bailey has come a long way from not even putting her face in the water last summer.  She learned to swim swim completely by herself!  Emma Catherine worked on her fine tuning her strokes.

4th of July

We haven't been home the last few years on the 4th of July so we were glad to be home this year and enjoy the festivities in our neighborhood.  It started on the 3rd with fireworks in our neighborhood.

The morning of the 4th started with a neighborhood parade. 

In the afternoon we had a cookout in our cul-de-sac.  We organized it with some neighbors and invited everyone on the street.  We had a good turn out and fun afternoon that lasted into the evening. 

Family Vacation

This summer we took a vacation with my family and we stayed in a cabin in Sieverville, TN right outside of Pigeon Forge.  We had a relaxing and fun time although we did wish it was a little cooler.  We were there right during the heat wave with temperatures in the 100's but we made the best of it.  We were thankful that my grandpa decided to join us for a part of the trip this year.

We went tubing on a pretty slow river, which was just fine with the girls.  We took the pictures with a disposable waterproof camera and we laughed at the quality of the pictures, but hey, at least we have the memories.

We took the girls miniature golfing for the first time.  It was quite funny because every time Bailey got the ball in the hole, she yelled, "I got it in."  Keep in mind that sometimes it took 15 shots.  If you know Bailey, this is pretty typical.

I'm fairly certain that you can't go to Pigeon Forge without going to Dollywood so we did our part!

 They had a promotion that if you went in after 4 one day, you could go back the following day for free.  On the morning of our full day, I followed our Disney strategy, which is get to the park at rope drop (when it opens).  That way you beat the crowds and get a lot done early.  We were probably in the first 10 to 20 people in the park and it was wonderful.

The next day we visited Ober Gatlinburg and let me tell you, it was HOT.  It was in the triple digits all day even at 6:00.  It wasn't exactly what we expected but the girls had fun on the Alpine Slide. 

As you can see we did a lot of touristy things on this trip, but the girls were happy.  Gem mining was another hot spot we hit.

We had been to Cade's Cove years and years ago and had the funny experience of getting lost from our group.  

Overall, it was a wonderful vacation and so much fun to be with our family.  We loved the Wilderness Lodge cabin and would highly recommend it.