Gatlinburg Trip

We went to Gatlinburg this past weekend for a few days with Mom, Dad, Gigi, Justin, Kayla, & Cameron. Cam had baseball games Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, so we watched him play & got to spend some time with family.

We stayed at Grand Getaway Cabin in Pigeon Forge. It's a great cabin & it's in a convenient location too. It's owned by my great-uncle and great-aunt. The link is below for more information.

http://www.grandgetawaycabin.com/

Thursday we watched Cameron play ball in Knoxville, and then went on to the cabin to get settled in.

 Papa & Madison

On Friday, Cameron didn't play until later in the afternoon, so we ate a big breakfast (thanks to Gigi & Mom), then took Madison swimming. She cried at first when we got in the water, but after a few minutes she got used to it. Then it took her a little bit longer to like being in the float we brought her. After that, she didn't want to get out! She liked splashing & being pulled in her float.

 Uncle Cameron, Uncle Justin, Madison, and Aunt Kayla

 



The field Cam played at Friday (and Saturday) was in Gatlinburg. The view behind the field was so pretty - perfect backdrop to watch a good baseball game!

Cameron - #8 for Greenbrier

Mimi & Madison reading books at the game

Saturday, Cameron played at noon. So we went to his game, then stopped to eat a late lunch at Alamo Steakhouse. We didn't know anything about the restaurant, but it was very good! (with big portions too).

 http://www.alamosteakhouse.com/

After lunch, we took a spur-of-the-moment trip up into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The drive up into the mountains was so beautiful. It was also scary at times - I'm very afraid of heights & get car sick easily, so looking straight down off the side of a mountain while driving made me a little dizzy. It was so worth it once you got up into the mountains & could see the beautiful views though!

 Gigi & Mama

 

 Mimi, Papa, & Madison

 

 

On the way back down to Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, we stopped at this mountain stream. You were able to walk out into the stream on big rocks that were sticking out of the water. It was a lot of fun - Madison especially loved throwing rocks & making a big splash!

Madison throwing rocks with Jake & Papa

Sunday we left early & ate breakfast at the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge. It was delicious - especially the complimentary banana nut muffins!

http://www.old-mill.com/

We had such a wonderful trip & loved getting to spend time with family. Next trip up is Gulf Shores in June!

Growing Up

I had a mommy melt-down this afternoon...

In speech today, Madison's speech therapist said, "She's growing up mom... her face is even starting to change. She's getting so big!" Felt like I hit a brick wall! I had to act like I was coughing because I started tearing up! But I held it together until I got in the car - then let the melt-down begin.

Here is a picture of Madison with her pony tail she's been rocking the last couple of days... makes her look even more grown up!

So I'm crying in the car... turn around... and see Madison chewing on something. Pull over to the side of the road & she's chewing on a piece of a TUCKS PAD. I about died. I had one in her car seat where she has had an upset stomach from taking amoxicillin. I finally got it out of her mouth, and then go to take the tucks pad out of her car seat. She decides to have a tug-of-war with me because apparently it's her new favorite thing! Another sign of growing up - fighting with mommy :)

Time needs to slow down some - I'm not ready for her to be big yet!

Random Update :)

I have added a lot to my plate lately. This past weekend was definitely the busiest since I've been staying home with Madison. Thursday & Friday were spent cleaning & picking up the house because I had a Kelly's Kids Open House Sunday. Friday night & Saturday I had volleyball practice / games. Saturday night we went to a baseball dinner for Cameron (GHS baseball fundraiser). Sunday morning I had to be at church early to play the keyboard & then my Kelly's Kids Open House was Sunday afternoon. Many late nights & stress this weekend (most of it unnecessary).

However, my first Kelly's Kids Open House was a big success! I exceeded my sales goal I had set for myself & got Madison lots of cute clothes with my rewards. I really didn't know what to expect & how it would go, but now I definitely have a better idea for future open houses / trunk shows. Besides online orders or individual customer orders, I don't have any more parties for the Spring season. Thank you again to everyone who came to the open house or who has placed an order online! I'm so glad I get to share a brand I love with friends & family!

Today is a beautiful day & tomorrow is supposed to be nice as well. Madison & I are going to enjoy the sunshine and watch Cameron play baseball the next 2 days. I love getting to watch him play! I'm also glad this week is a slower week for us so I can spend some time with my favorite girl! I didn't get to spend as much time as I would like with Madi last week with everything going on. So I'll have to make up for that this week :)

On Friday (the 14th) at 11:30am, Madison is having surgery #3. She'll be having her tongue clipped, tear ducts unclogged, ear tubes cleaned out or replaced, and a sedated hearing test. We should get to go home Friday afternoon since everything is outpatient surgery. So prayers would be appreciated that she does well being put to sleep & that Jake and I are able to not worry.

This post was a little random, but I haven't written an update in a while. Our life has been very busy & hectic lately - never a dull moment!