Gatlinburg '10

In October, we took our bi-annual trip to Gatlinburg. My parents are always there that time of year and this year, 2 of my great aunts and one of their daughters came to camp also. We stayed at a hotel just across the creek from the campground. Hopefully by the next time we go we will have a pop-up so we can camp. It only takes us about 4 1/2 hours, but I've discovered that having 2 children actually DOES lengthen driving time, especially when the 1 year old does not ride well (she was also still turned around backwards for part of the trip, but that's a whole other story).

Since we weren't really in a hurry, we stopped on the way at the Mayfield Dairy plant in Tennessee on Monday. We needed to give the kids a break and figured lunch and ice cream was a great choice. They also have a FREE 30 minute tour. Hayden LOVED it. He thought all of the machinery was so neat! He even pointed out the yellow containers at the grocery store the other day.

Hayden is a great photographer! Not sure why I look like the leaning tower of Pisa, though.

Hayden with one of "the cows".

During lunch at the diner across the street. Really good food!

During lunch :)

I can't even remember what we did all week, except for some of the highlights. Monday night we went to the pizza place to eat (our favorite). Tuesday I think we went back up to Gatlinburg and walked around. Dave and Hayden went to the car museum, which they both LOVED while the rest of us just shopped and looked around a bit. Wednesday we went to Dollywood with our free media tickets (there are some perks to Dave's job) and enjoyed that a lot. It is a nice little theme park. Thursday we drove up to the artsy area and looked at one of the shops that we like the best and then went to eat at a fantastic place for dinner that I can't remember the name of right now. I do remember that it is at the top of the mountain, literally. You can't go any further. Gorgeous view, although a little creepy because it is haunted. :) Friday we stopped by the Old Mill area in Pigeon Forge to walk around and eat lunch before heading home. In the middle of all that we still managed to find time to have a campfire one night and make smores. It was a fantastic week and we always enjoy our time with Grammie and Deeda!

Finally remembered to get a picture of the 4 of us on the day we were leaving!