A little history here is needed. Every year, during the first weekend in December, we take a trip to Pigeon Forge, TN for a Christmas Kick-Off Weekend. We started this tradition 5 or 6 years ago and it is undoubtedly our most anticipated trip of the year. While there, we take in one or two shows, eat at the Apple Barn, visit the candy shop by the Old Mill and decorate gingerbread cookies. We stuff our Christmas cards, listen to Christmas music, make our homemade ornament for the year, let the kids shop for their Christmas gifts for each other (at the dollar store!). And, on Sunday morning, we get up, ride into Gatlinburg, eat breakfast at a favorite local BBQ stop, and ride up the mountain to ice skate before driving home. We do this - every year - And, WE LOVE IT!! There is very little variation - usually. But, this year was actually a little different for a variety of reasons, and it was still just as great! Here are just a few snapshots of our fun.
We have always talked about going to the "upside down house" (aka The Wonderworks Museum) but just never have. Well, this was the year. Our verdict: 2 thumbs up!!! We had a blast. 
At this point my kids are thinking, "Enough with the pictures. Can we please just go inside!!??!"
The Rock climbing wall was a family favorite. (That and the ropes course, which I don't have any pictures of because it was completely dark except for a few neon lights. I am proud to say that Chuck and I both took it on and survived.) 
Oh, look, who is that big person in the middle of all those young, spry, fearless little children already at the top ringing the bell??? It's Super Mom!! (I have to confess, for the sake of keeping things real and honest here, that Wesley is on his second climb to the top.
That's right, he almost lapped us. Such a show off!
Ty was happy snowboarding. Love this age! No money necessary. Just tell him that he's working it, and he totally believes!
Okay, so let me explain. My husband is one of those people. You know the kind - the kind who can be sitting in a room of 300 people and the guy on stage will see him, ask for his name, talk to him the entire show, and inevitably call him up on stage before the evening is over.
Ty was happy snowboarding. Love this age! No money necessary. Just tell him that he's working it, and he totally believes!
Okay, so let me explain. My husband is one of those people. You know the kind - the kind who can be sitting in a room of 300 people and the guy on stage will see him, ask for his name, talk to him the entire show, and inevitably call him up on stage before the evening is over. Oh, Yes. Chuck made his debut at the Hoot and Holler Dinner Show during the grand finale, much to our kid's (and Chuck's I might add) enjoyment.
Is that girl in the background checking out my man!? How Dare!!
Waiting at the Apple Barn - so worth the wait!
Happiness and exhausion written all over our faces. We love you, TN!!!
Is that girl in the background checking out my man!? How Dare!!
Waiting at the Apple Barn - so worth the wait!
Happiness and exhausion written all over our faces. We love you, TN!!!Can't wait for next year.
What a neat tradition!!
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