The Smoky Mountains

I have one sister that lives in Virginia and one in North Carolina.  While we were in Tennessee we met up halfway in Gatlinburg for a weekend reunion.  We stayed in a cabin in the mountains, and I was SO glad to spend some time with them and their families, even if for only a few days. Time spent together is way too far and few between with them now that we live in the Midwest.

(I love this picture.  My sisters are the greatest.)

 Little cousins in a bubble bath. 

 Cousins: Belle, Little C and L.

Day 1: We woke up and went on a short hike to a river the kids played in for an hour or so until we all got hungry and headed to one of Gatlinburg's infamous pancake houses. 

 G is already almost 2.5 and this was my FIRST time meeting him. :( Lame, I know.  He is adorable.

Here is his "too cool for school" hiking strut.

 Playing at the River.

 L and Big C snapping a shot of a giant snail they found.

 G counting L down for a dunk in the freezing water.

 That night we played some minute-to-win-it games. Big C and L trying their hand at "Chocolate Unicorn". 

Big C got 7 stacked and balanced but L's ended up looking more like a smashed mohawk. :)

 

The oreo challenge.....won by the pregnant sis.

  

 Day two, we took a 1.5 mile hike to a waterfall and then back. Belle is asleep in the carrier and Bear jumped on Daddy's back when he got too tired to walk and I got too tired to carry him. 

 After our long hike, we went and ate lunch at Mellow Mushroom in downtown Gatlinburg and toured the Ripley's Believe it or not Museum with Big C and L.

 Bug opening the screaming box.

 I couldn't decide which picture was better of me. ;)

 The little cousins made sure to spend plenty of time in the hot tub every day.

I hope it is not two or three years before we see each other again!

Mormon Night at the Nashville Sounds

Hangin' with Friends and Sam's B-day

I made sure to spend as much time as possible with one of my very best friends while in Tennessee.  The kids played (and Caleb ate marshmallows-see his stash on the red pillow?) while Dani and I baked cupcakes and caught up with each other.  We also made sure to eat lots of Sonic, take the kids swimming and attend a temple session at the Nashville Temple.

(Watching Toy Story 2)

 Belle and Anndi

 It happened to be Dani's Birthday while we were visiting, so we go to share in her celebration at Omikoshi Japanese Restaurant. Bug LOVED watching our chef cook the food, but Bear was terrified by the fire.  He sat in my lap with his ears covered most of the time.  At least we go this adorable smile out of him...

It was also Uncle Sam's 12th Birthday while visiting.  We got to be part of his Priesthood Ordination.

Bug is closely observing the gift opening. 

 Sam got his first phone.  He was THRILLED.

 Belle gnawing on some celery.  She is soooooooo cute. Once after night time prayers Bug told us that his eyes were getting watery because he was looking at her and it made him so happy.  The greatest happiness really is found within the family unit.

Tennessee Arrival and Mother's Day

On May 10th we made the 13 hour trek to Tennessee.

 It was a long trip, especially for Belle who had a meltdown when we got there.  Luckily we were greeted with lots of love and hugs, which made the drive time worth it.

 The boys made a delicious Mother's Day breakfast of sausage, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, toast and watermelon.

 It was nice to have Bond home all day on the Sundays we were traveling, especially Mother's Day.

 Bug discovered Junior Monopoly and would play it by himself when no one else would play.  Actually, I think he preferred it that way so that he could win......he is NOT a fan of losing.

 Pops has a talent for making things not only taste good, but look perfectly pretty.  We enjoyed chocolate dipped strwberries with kiwi and blackberries for dessert that evening.

Preschool Program and Graduation

 Bug had to miss the last few weeks of school due to travel, so his wonderful teachers let us come watch them practice their end of year performance and mock graduation.

I am so sad his school year has come to an end but SO glad that Bear will be able to enjoy preschool there next year.

 Bug got super embarrassed in his cap and gown and didn't make it to the stage.  Luckily his teachers got a picture of him after we left.  He was not a fan of his paparazzi mom trying to snap pictures of him while he walked alone down the aisle.

 I know I am biased, but this kid has great things in his future.  We are both very excited about starting home school together this Fall.