Thursday, December 26, 2013

Christmas 2013

     We spent Christmas day relaxing at the RV.  It was a very enjoyable day!  We took a hike on some trails on the campground, played corn hole, gathered firewood, roasted marshmallows over the campfire, and played Pictionary.  The kids had a great time!












Just Hangin' Out



We found an old bee's nest on our hike.  Thank God the bees were all gone.  Too bad they didn't leave any honey for us. 



One of life's simple pleasures......roasted marshmallows.


 
Oops.....I think that one got a little too "roasted"!

       




I think somebody wants another marshmallow!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Winter Getaway

And we're off......for another adventure!
 
     The last few months have been spent with long days (and sometimes nights) at the office.  The busy season if finally over and now it's time to slow down and relax for a little while.  We all need a change of pace. 

     This time we chose a destination a little closer to home - Pigeon Forge, TN.  There's plenty to do here and we didn't have to spend all of our time driving just to get here.  The drive over was pleasant this time.  We didn't have any trouble with the RV!  We stopped in Hendersonville for lunch and a brief but nice visit with Mawmaw and Pawpaw.  We arrived at the campground, Bear Cove RV Park, around 5:00 with enough time to set up camp before dark. 

     And now the adventure begins!!! Within 45 minutes of arriving, we were on our way to the ER.  Yes, there's never a dull moment it seems.  Jeremiah was playing on the playground right near our motorhome with another 9 year old boy.  Somehow they collided with each other and both ended up wounded.  We're not sure how it happened exactly but they had a strong enough impact that it broke Jeremiah's front tooth off and left a gash in the other child's head.  Needless to say,  both of our families headed to the ER for treatment.  The other child had to have the piece of tooth removed from his head and get 3 staples.  The ER couldn't do much for Jeremiah and suggested we see a dentist on Monday.  We did make an emergency appointment on Monday at a dentist Pigeon Forge.  He took x-rays and said Jeremiah was lucky.  Thankfully, the tooth broke just below the nerve.  That's why Jeremiah wasn't in too much pain. There wasn't much the dentist could do for now since the teeth and gums are still healing.  We'll have to wait a while.  Now Jeremiah is limited to soft foods, no gum, no ice cream, and no sodas until we can get back home and have our local dentist fix the tooth.  What a way to start a RELAXING vacation!


 
 
 
 
Now for the fun stuff! 
 
Sunday was a quiet day for us.  We enjoyed a morning church service over the internet and then pretty much relaxed the remainder of the day.  The boys took turns chopping fire wood with Isaiah's hatchet but it was too windy to burn.  Hopefully we can do a fire later in the week.
 


 
 
  
 
We took the kids to the Nascar Speed Park on Monday for go-carts and rock climbing.  It was freezing cold but the kids had a great time anyway.  We bought a pass that will allow us to go back several times while we are here.  Jeremiah was especially excited because he is finally tall enough to drive by himself. 
 










 
 
Me, watching and taking pictures.  I did ride but no one took my picture......  :-(
Maybe we'll get a picture next time.
 
 
 
 
 
On Tuesday, we spent the first part of the day shopping in some of the western shops in Pigeon Forge. We ended the day with a trip to the Lumberjack Feud show and a drive through Pigeon Forge and into Gatlinburg to see the lights.  I didn't get many picture of the lights because we were in traffic and couldn't stop, but they were beautiful!   
 
 
Michaela sporting her new cowgirl hat and boots.  Doesn't she look cute!
 
 

Isaiah, the lumberjack, before the show.


Pictures from the show.  The boys especially enjoyed the action.....lots of loud chain saws, sharp axes, and fast tree climbing. 



Jeremiah got to participate.  He is wearing the blue sweatshirt and camouflage toboggan.  The lady called all of these kids down to do the chicken dance.    

 
My favorite part of the show....the log roll.  Looks like so much fun!



 
 
Just a few pictures of the lights.