Memorial Day Weekend

Every year Morris and I go to Tennessee for Memorial Weekend. We usually leave some time on Thursday and come back on Tuesday. This year we left late Thursday and came back late Monday. We drive up to my Aunt Sharon and Uncle Matt's Lodge with my Parents. This is our 7th Memorial Day Weekend to spend up there but our 8th time to go with this group. We went twice one year (Memorial Day and New Years). The first year that we went Morris and I were just dating, the 2nd year we were engaged, 3rd year married, 4th year preggo, 5th year with a 6 month old, 6th year with a 1.5year old and 7th year with a 2.5 year old and preggo! Crazy!! I can't believe how long we have been doing this tradition ...the time has really flown by!

We absolutely love going and have the best time with my parents and Aunt and Uncle. This year was the shortest of the 7 years but it was great! Taylor really changes everything! We had been talking to her about the trip all week and she was pretty pumped about it. The minute we got in the car she started clapping and laughing and saying "We're going on Bacation (Vacation)" and She couldn't wait to have Uncle Matt show her the mountains! For the first 30-45 minutes of the trip she sang songs, clapped and yelled ROLL TIDE! It was hilarious! She finally gave in and slept the rest of the way. When we got there she perked up and was running all around the lodge laughing and clapping. It was really fun to watch even though it was 3 in the morning!!

Friday We took our time getting up and getting ready. We went to lunch at The Chop House around 1:00 and then to the Chocolate Monkey! OH MY! I just can't even describe how wonderful the caramel apples are! Then we walked over the Bass Pro Shop so Taylor could see the fish and animals. We decided to try to make it to the flea market before they closed at 5 so we ran over there only to find that b/c of the threat of rain many of the vendors did not come out and the rest were closing up around 4. So we went back to BPS. On this trip Taylor got to pet and hold a Real Bunny! It was the prettiest bunny I had ever seen!

Saturday the boys got up and went to Cades Cove and the girls took their time waking up and getting ready. We left the house around 11:00 and went to Pigeon Forge for the Outlets. We ate lunch at KTs and then shopped until 3:30. Then we headed over to A&W for some Ice Cream and Root Beer. We met back up with the boys at the lodge and after they cleaned up we went to Captain's Galley for dinner (this is always a must for us)! That evening we lounged on the couch with Ice Cream and the movie Fireproof.

Sunday we got up and had breakfast at 9:30. Morris made his homemade waffles and Mom made eggs and sausage! It was awesome! Afterwards we has a bible study, which was really good! Then we all took a nap! We left the lodge and got to Apple Wood Farms around 3:45 to catch the tail end of the lunch menu! We have to go here every trip too! Must have Apple Fritters! We walked through the shops and then headed to downtown Gatlinburg to walk the strip.

The strip is always fun and Morris found a way to make us laugh through the rain! When you don't have an umbrella use a popcorn bucket! Don't you just love him!

Monday we slept in as long as we could, but then got up to pack. Taylor got her first goose egg before we left. We had BBQ sandwiches before loading the car and hitting the road around 3. Taylor slept the first 2.5 hours and then we had to stop at McDonald's to let her stretch her legs. She was a major trooper the entire trip!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!