Gattlinburg, TN - Winter Break

So we set off for a winter break retreat on Feb. 17 to Gattlinburg. We arrived in time to settle in and then have a terrific meal at a place called Black Bear Grill. It was right on or in the middle of a stream. The atmosphere was as lot of fun. We had live music - Carter and Gracie loved it! They spent lots of time dancing in their chairs.

I had been here as a child and didn't remember much except the entrance to the Ripley's Musseum had a suspended faucet. I told Parker all about it on the way here. The faucet is still there but it's not the center entrance attraction anymore. They now have a huge marble ball spinning over flowing water which Parker loved rolling and trying to make it stop. I wonder if he will always remember this! He had 4 things on his wish list for this trip and was ablew to accomplish them all. :) I think that he was a little concerned the first day when we walked and walked but he didn'tactually get to do anything other than walk by those majorly desirable attractions. We did finally get around to Ripley's that afternoon and it was a long adventure for the little two. Parker did have a special time making a wax mold of his hand. It was a pretty cool process.

Day 2, we got up early so that Parker could get in a snowboard lesson. We were told that we sold arrive early beaches he parking lot filled by 1o that first day. Well, we woke up to pretty heavy rain so I don't really think the lot filled up at all. It turned out to be a great day for the lesson though because there weren't that many people. Based on what we saw, I think we have a snow boarding lover. We knew he loved the snow. He was out there for 2 hours and finally came in soaked to the bone. John said he was doing really well. We hung out at the hill for a little while and had lunch.

On the way down into the town, the little ones fell asleep so I dropped the big boys off on a street in town to go play. They decided to do the mirror maze and putt putt golf. I drove back into the national forest with the kiddos's sleeping and enjoyed some quiet time.

We returned to our cabin early on Sunday, went for a swim, ate dinner at the condo and then just relaxed. At the end of the day, just before sunset, the snow started to fall. :). It was very exciting for the boys. Gracie Lin was sound asleep before it started. I think we've worn her out! Parker, being the scout he is, went up to the rental office to gather fire wood:) and built us a great fire to enjoy as the snow fell. It was quiet peaceful (once Carter was in bed:). I was reminded though how precious it is that we are doing life with these three amazing little miracles and how very blessed we are!

Update 2012

The year is getting away from me! I haven't posted really any news this year. Q We have been getting into routine actually stepping out into real life after having the end of the year off basically from any outside home responsibilities. Our sweet girl is adjusting well to the new busy schedule. The hardest part has been getting her used to staying with Ms. Jan. who is our sweet friend who has a moms morning out. Many children have a hard time with separation anxiety but I'm extra sensitive to her possible feelings of being abandoned. Last week she had a break thru and didn't cry every time a mom came in. Two days later, we had another break through and she stopped crying by the time I reached the top of the stairs and was off to play with friends! She was so thrilled to see me when I came back but didn't cry to show me that she was not happy that I left her! On Feb 14, Gracie Lin finally got her first tooth! Wahoo! Poor thing wants to badly to eat everything we do! She is making a little progress toward walking but so far has just taken 4 steps on her own maybe 2 weeks ago. We start PT this week so Ill bet she will be moving and growing in no time!

Carter was moved up to the older 2's class after the first of the year and is just thriving since he moved. He turned a corner last week in adjustment too - on the way to school he said, "Ms. giddy (Jenny)" as apposed to Ms. Debbie! He has so much fun! Recently, he has started talking in 5-6 word sentences. He is still hard to understand often but he is really communicating a lot! Carter's biggest news is that he is potty trained. On Feb 5, he asked me for a pop so I told him that if he went poopoo on the potty, I would give him one. He ran straight to the potty and hasnt looked back. He had a hard time for about 3 days and then hs has only had a few accidents. He has stayed dry most nights too. The only down side to that is that he calls me at 3AM to help him go to the potty. Oh and two 2 year molars came through in last January which leaves us with a much happier little boy. He is changing and maturing in so many ways. He has started to sing songs for us too. Twinkle, twinkle; Jesus Loves Me and ABC's. He skips a lot of words/letters but it's so sweet to hear! He also surprised me by counting to 10 last week - 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - YEAH! He's so proud of himself and doesn't even know he skipped two numbers! :)

Parker has moved into the second half of 4th grade in slow motion it seems. He is ready to move on to Middle School (which is 5th grade at his school). I think he's a little bored and needing some challenges. Seems like his parents need to come up with some extra curricular challenges. He did get to start learning the recorder in January. Maybe music would be an option. We are about to start spring Lacrosse. He is going next weekend to Hidden Lake in TN with scouts. They also have a spring camp out coming up in April. Parker just gets better every day at being a big brother, he's a natural and has become so relaxed about it is the only word I can think of. He is just matter of fact and has it all under control.

That's the update on 2012 so far. We are enjoying a get away weekend it he mountains right now and the snow is coming down outside and the fire is crackling inside. Just enjoying some great family time!