Fall Break has to be one of the most highly anticipated times of the year for teachers. By this point, teachers and students alike are ready for a slight pause from the everyday routine. Our vehicle was completely packed the night before, so that when the school bell sounded, all we had to do was swing by daycare to pick up the kids and off to Gatlinburg we were!
This year, my parents decided to try out a cabin for our entire gang. I have to admit that it's fun to wake up with my siblings and their families. We had breakfast together each morning and my mom cooked delicious night time meals, two of the nights we were there. The only down side to the close-ness of the cabin, was the NASTY stomach bug that swept through, knocking out 9 of the 14 of us. I have to say that it was hysterical, though. Well, I can say that because no one in my family got sick.
You can imagine that there is never a dull moment when our entire crew is together. Just figuring out sleeping arrangements when the girl cousins want to sleep together, is challenging in itself. Canaan slept in the pack-and-play right beside our bed. Because I'm not used to him sleeping in the same room as us, I found myself listening to him and worrying that every time one of us rolled over, we would wake him up. So I didn't sleep the best on the trip.
One of the nights, my mom had gotten the stomach bug, so my dad slept in another room. Hadley and Addison made a pallet on the floor, and Ava was going to sleep in the bed with Daddy. When I went back up a few minutes later to check on them, all three of the girls were in bed with my dad. So I stayed in the room with them, for the longest time, telling the girls to be quiet and go to sleep. My poor dad.
We still enjoyed our usual walks up and down the strip. Justin and I even got to enjoy a kid-free lunch at Bubba Gump's one afternoon, thanks to my parents and grandparents. We really didn't get our chilly Gatlinburg weather, that I so look forward to, though. It was really warm!
The arcade game, pool table, and hot tub were a fan favorite for the adults, back at the cabin. My dad ended up being quite the pool shark. The kids got a kick out of watching the men play pool.
Hadley and Addison watched a lot of cartoons on this trip. In fact, they watched The Lorax, several times. Uncle Bradley is such the fun uncle; all the kids just adore him.
We had an exciting new beginning to celebrate on this trip, as well. My sister, Tiffany, got married in a sweet chapel in Gatlinburg. We are so excited for her and just rejoice in how God has blessed these last couple of years of her life. God is so faithful. I am so thankful for Jamey, and his willingness to love my two nieces as his own.
Addison and Ava were beyond excited to 'go get married,' as they kept telling everyone. They looked like little fairies. When Tiffany and her new family returned from the wedding, we surprised her with some fun gifts, celebrating her new "M" monogram. She was so excited!
The night after Tiffany and Jamey got married, Jamey got hit with the bug. Another one bites the dust. I told Tiffany that he probably had buyer's remorse. She didn't think that was too funny! LOL....welcome to the family, Jamey.
We certainly had our ups and downs on this trip, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Sweet, sweet memories with my family. What more could a gal want? Til next year, Gatlinburg!!
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