Tennessee/ Dollywood

The last part of our trip was in Tennessee.  We were right outside of Pigeon Forge, where Dolly Parton is from.  We drove for several hours to get there, and when our car finally reached the top of the mountain, I could not believe how beautiful it was.  I am one to push down emotions, but it was enough to make me choke back tears.  We arrived right before sunset.

It felt like I was standing on the top of the world, so close to heaven.  It was heavenly.

This was "home" for the time we were there.

The kids were beyond excited to be there.  They ran around the house screaming with excitement.  Austin was bothered that I made him stop for a second so I could get a picture.

It's funny how you picture something differently in your mind than it actually turns out to be.  When I went online before our trip to find a few things to do in the area, and I saw "rock mining", this is not quite what I pictured.  The kids had a great time, though, and they were thrilled with their bag of rocks they ended up with.

He was happy.

Isn't her hair getting long and blond?  It's so cute.

We love Dollywood.  If you get a chance, you have to go there.  The theme in the park is beautiful.  You feel like you are living in an old mountain town with all the streams, water mills, and rustic buildings.

We love our Veggie Tales.

We love it even more when it's a ride.

Welcome to the Dollywood Express, where you will be welcomed by white-bearded trainmen.  You will chug along a wooded, scenic route as the train billows with thick, black smoke and a high pitched whistle.   Tiny bits of that soot stick to your clothes.  And if you are insanely unlucky, as Kamdyn is, you will get a piece of this soot in your eye that will have to be removed by a friendly (bearded) EMT, who is very handy with a Q-tip.

Despite our unpleasant occurrence, I did take Madison, Austin, and Kamdyn back on the train the next day while Brad and Justus rode some roller coasters.  I am happy to report that our eyes remained soot free. 

We loved this cabin.

We had our trusty pop-gun for Bear protection.

Right before we left, we rounded everyone up to sit on the porch swing.  I set the self-timer, and then ran like a fool and hopped on the swing. 

And click......................................

............................that is what you get.  A PERFECT PICTURE.  Everyone looking.  SCORE! 

Goodbye Tennessee.  We will be back.

Kamdyn started sitting in a high chair on vacation.  Look at this big girl.

By the time we left, Madison was talking in a southern accent, and she wants to be a cowgirl.