Memorial Day Weekend

Every Memorial Weekend we join my parents and Aunt and Uncle in TN (#9).

This year we left late on May 26 and drove most of the night, to let the kids sleep during the drive. I think we finally got in around 2 AM, but were not in bed until 3! Unfortunately the kids were up at 7 and so were we! The Boys minus Mac headed out to Cade's Cove for their yearly tour. This year was the best year so far for Animal spotting.

They saw 10 bears!!!

While Mom and I got ready...Taylor got her toes and nails done.

While the boys enjoyed the great outdoors, the girls plus Mac enjoyed the Great outlets! I spent most of my time in the LOFT Outlet. *Love*

Around 3:30 we all met up at the Applebarn for Fritters!

Check out the look on Mac's Face!!! Hilarious!

 

Saturday we took our time getting ready and made a big breakfast.

Then we went to the flea market for some good finds and Bass Pro Shops.

This is what Mac while we were at BPS:

This is what Taylor did at BPS:

This is what WE did:

We celebrated The E's Anniversary at Smokey's BBQ.

Dad and Taylor went to play at the park while the rest of us did a little grocery shopping.

When we all met back at home we decided to watch Movies. For some insane reason Dad brought the Borne Trilogy and decided that we needed to watch the whole thing over the weekend. Well instead of spreading it out, we watched 2 in one night and one the next night! *sleep deprived*

Sunday started off lazy and we had a nice bible study around 11. After Morris, Mom and I went to cooking. We made Pork tenderloin, Roasted potatoes and Green Beans. It was so yummy!

As usual we went into Gatlinburg after taking a Nap!

This was Taylor's "office" (in the Thomas Kincaid Gallery!)

Sorry this picture is so blurry! It was with my mom's camera and the settings were messed up.

There is a lot going on in this picture....

I have no idea why I am making that face at Morris but I am sure it is the same reason Mac is making his face. Uncle Matt is watching us...

Dad and Taylor seem to be looking in the same direction with a similar sentiment.

We are sitting on the bench in front of the Ripley's haunted house thing. Taylor and Dad are watching the talking zombie that is hanging on the wall. That little guy was pretty funny!

"I remember the last thing I said right before I died. WATCH THIS!" I thought it was funny!

Anyhoo....

What person can resist the big marble covered in water...really....

Even I had to touch it! (and I have touched it for the past 7 years!)

Mac was obsessed with it!

We continue to eat work our way down the strip until we get here:

This year Morris picked up his polish dog and ate it at the fountain. He actually let me try a bite.

*Heaven!*

Mom, Taylor and I left everyone to save our seat while we picked up Karamel Korn and Funnel Cakes.

Yes we eat a lot! It's Tradition!

Monday we had captains galley for lunch. Then packed up and headed home!

Rehearsal for the Big Show

Last night was rehearsal for Taylor's first Dance Recital at the BJCC Concert Hall!!

When we found out the recital was going to be at the BJCC I just couldn't imagine little Taylor on that BIG stage! We arrived around 4:30 and signed in. Her group is more than half way through the program so we waited in the auditorium and watch some of the other girls.WE ran into Gracie and were able to sit with her while we waited. Taylor was mesmerized by the dancers and the lights!!

She, however, was not a fan of the lights going out and the big black curtain coming down.

The girls new several of the songs and dances that went with them and were standing in the aisle putting on a show.

10 songs before ours, we went back stage to join up with Taylor's group. The girls were able to color for a little bit.

after about 5 minutes one of the teachers called Taylor's group. She put them in a line and told them to sit "criss cross apple sauce" on the floor.

Luckily they all knew what she was talking about b/c I had no idea!

Gracie was at the front and Taylor was at the back. Gracie made sure she knew where Taylor was! Too Cute

 After having watched a few other small groups it appeared that they put the good girls in the middle and the ones that were not quite as good on the outside.

I had hoped Taylor would not be at the back of the line (on the outside). She had never showed us any of her dance so we were not sure how she would at all.

 The girls were then instructed to hold hands and follow the teacher to the back stage area. I followed them just so I would know what to do on recital night. And to get a few pictures.

Ms. Laura (pictured in the green shirt) instructed that the parents could go to the audience and get ready to watch. So I ran back out and sat with Morris. While we waited I showed him some of the pictures I had taken back stage. He mentioned to me that Taylor was on the outside and that he had hoped she wouldn't be. We both were not expecting much from this, but were expecting it to be fun/funny! 

The curtains opened.... and my heart raced...I was a nervous wreck for her...

WHAT!!!???!!!

DEAD CENTER!!! (pink skirt)

Taylor was one of few that actually did the dance!

Have you ever been so proud you just cried??? That was me!

After they exited the stage she ran to Ms. Laura and said "Can I do it again??" I love it!

I think I told her 100 times how proud I was of her!

We can not wait for Recital Night!