And Maybe It's a Tradition?

During the time my computer was in the "shop," actually multiple "shops", and I was without Facebook, Blogger, or e-mail (save the time I would steal from Tony's iPhone or my mother's Smartphone), we took a family vacation!!!  Tony had a full week off from work, so we loaded up the car and disappeared into the Smoky Mountains for another trip to Gatlinburg. 

We spent more time in the National Park this year, less time at Dollywood.  We found the perfect trail for toddlers and spent two mornings hiking and playing beside the river.  It was nice having two mobile, articulate little ones and their curiosity at God's great creation was something to cherish.  We stayed in a cabin very similar to the one we stayed in last year, the only exception being the addition of a pool table.  While the kids were down for naps Tony showed off his pool playing skills while I unashamedly when after the eight ball to end my misery.  The other cabin highlight was the large jacuzzi tub where the children played "swim lessons" for close to an hour each night.  It paid off.  Coach Rebecca said it was their best lesson ever after we returned from the trip.  Mostly though, we enjoyed one another.  As evidenced in Sophia's ballet teacher asking her "What was your favorite part of the mountains?" to which she replied, "I was with my daddy ALL day!"  It does our hearts good to be with one another "All day!"  You won't find this family taking that for granted!

And as usual, I took way too many pictures.  Some of the picture uploaded blurry.  If you click on them, it corrects.  Not sure why I'm having this issue with blogger.  Thoughts?

DAY 1 - Travel

{Headed to the fountains in Chattanooga where we stopped for a picnic.}

 DAY 2 - Hiking in the Smoky Mountain National Park

{Ready to explore} 

{The Ergo was so much easier on my back than the 2nd Kelty we bought off Amazon.  Highly recommend the Ergo for light hiking} 

{Vincent busied himself for over an hour finding the biggest rocks he could lift and launching them into the river.} 

{Sophia, the bravest, most inquisitive, yet still likes to wear pink and dresses at all times, little girl I know}

DAY 3 - The Ripley's Aquarium



{He still loves the fish}

{We picnicked outside the aquarium and enjoyed watching the river below}

{Because we're Morlandts and we love all things sweet we headed to Kilwins where Vincent made the biggest mess EVER!}

{MUST.  GET.  VERY.  LAST.  DROP} 

DAY 4 - Dollywood



 {Breakfast on the porch - this morning it was strawberry pancakes with eggs and bacon}

{Checking out the goslings at Dollywood}

{Guess who's old enough to ride some rides this year?!?!}

{A good parent will spin himself/herself into oblivion while keeping their breakfast down just to create a memory.  Based on this criteria I am not a good parent. :)}

{Waiting in lines can get long and HOT!}

{This picture proves that she is more kid than toddler nowadays}

{First taste of cotton candy.  Sugary sweet, pink, and perfect.}

{On the coal fired steam engine}

{His nap for the day - against a sweet stranger who snuggled him close.  She smiled the whole time. I can't blame her :).}

{Sweet Daddy.  Sweet Vincent.}

{She invited herself {AGAIN} to join the show.}

{Waiting for a surprise from Daddy in the ice cream shop}

{He bought us Dollywood balloons!!!!} 

DAY 5 - National Park and Travel



 {Breakfast on the porch}



{Back on the trail}

{More discoveries.  Together}