Spring Break

This past week my parents treated us to a 5 day stay at Wilderness Lodge right outside Pigeon Forge, TN. It was an amazing resort with indoor/outdoor water parks. The kids LOVED the water. We had really nice, warm weather on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Monday night it stormed and brought some cooler temps in for Tuesday so they stuck to the indoor water park for the day.(Andy was enjoying the goggles Gran got for all the kids!)

We went down into Gatlinburg on Monday and hiked a short trail in the mountains at a historical site known as the Noah "Bud" Ogle Place. There were remains of cabins, barns and mills and it was a fairly easy hike for the kids. Greg carried Andy in a backpack on his back. Noah read the brochure/map to us at each numbered spot and did GREAT! The weather was perfect for a hike. We had packed lunch and sat at the car to eat before heading back to the lodge.

We went to the Apple Barn Tuesday night and had WAY too much food. It was so good though! Those apple fritters are so good and Andy called them donuts. The boys were SO well behaved. They really were great all week.

On Wednesday, Greg and I took the boys to a game/go cart place. Greg rode the big go carts (called the Wild Woody) with Andy and Noah. Blake drove the "kiddy" one by himself. Then we played 18 holes of miniature golf. To say the least, it was pure entertainment :) I only finished 2 holes behind my husband in golf, which is REALLY good for me. Golf is not my strongest sport!

Wednesday evening, we decided to go back and swim after dinner since we were leaving Thursday morning. We stayed until the indoor water park closed at 10pm. My kids are normally in bed by 8, especially Andy, so this was a big deal to them. At 9:45, Greg told Andy it was time to dry off and his response was, "It's not closed yet, Daddy!".

We had nice weather for our trip home on Thursday and the boys slept for almost half the drive. They were simply worn out from the fun.

Now it is Sunday evening and I confess I am sad for Spring Break to end. I really enjoy having my boys home with me and getting to spend more time with them. During the week things seem so rushed with school, homework, church, soccer practice and "chores". Just getting to talk and play and really be present with my kids this week was priceless!This is a picture of the boys before we went swimming on the first day. They are excited!

Andy riding in the go-cart - he doesn't look too enthused here!This is Noah "driving" with Daddy.
Blake driving by himself.
Noah driving himself. He "raced" one other little boy. They gave each other high fives when they were finished!