Clingmans Dome

Eric and I wanted to take the boys on a short hike after we got settled in to our cabin. Eric was did a nice job looking at all the different possibilities for hikes and settled on going to Clingmans Dome that night. 

After being in the car most of the day the boys were more then ready to get out and burn some energy. We wanted to go into the visitors center but we were 5 minutes late so the picture was the best option ;)

Even though it was a warm day, Clingmons is 6,643 ft so we got out of the truck we were glad that we had packed our hiking jackets. And we wrapped up our Livvy in a cozy blanket. 

The trail was only 0.5 miles and all paved so a nice easy hike for everyone. It was a very cloudy day and everyone thought it was pretty cool to walk in the clouds. Thomas thought the tower was really cool, and this ended up being the favorite thing that we did. 

It was disappointing that it was not a little bit clearer so that we could see the mountains better. On a clear day you can see over a 100 miles, we could barely see past the guardrail. 

Because it was later and cooler there were not very many people so we let the boys take their time and enjoy the time being outside. 

On our way back down the tower there was a sign for the Appalachian Trail. We walked to the sign where there was 2100 miles to go. So Eric thought it would be a neat picture to have me with a 2, Sup with a 1 and Thomas with two zeros. So here we are on the AT! 

When we got back to the cabin it was a little bit late, but I had prepped a lot of our food so in about 15 mins we had a nice warm and yummy meal to end our night! Each of the boys got to pick out a breakfast and dinner, and since it was Thomas's bday we had an asian chicken with rice. 

Our cabin in the mountains

For our trip Eric and I decided that we would rent a cabin while in the Smokies. I was more excited then I think Eric was, he was a little more skeptical. He had heard that sometimes the cabin is not always as they are advertised/described.  

So after lunch we headed to the rental agency to get the key and directions to our cabin for our long weekend. When we pulled up everyone was pretty excited and it was everything we expected and more. 

One of the things that I really wanted was that log cabin feel. So it had that really nice wood finishing throughout the cabin. Also I was it no way trying to "rough" it with a young baby, just four months old, so we made sure it had all the amenities of home (i.e. running water, electricity, heat, etc) and a few more perks ;)

It was so nice that it had this wrap around porch on both levels, looking out over the wilderness. We had some really nice views. It was also nice and quiet with really no one else around.  

On the bottom porch there was a hot tub off the bedroom. This came in handy after some of our hikes ;)

This was the bottom level which had the walkout to the porch and another bathroom with and jetted tub. The boys were impressed with the spiral staircase and was a fun addition to the cabin as well. It was really nice and were so happy that it was away from the hustle and bustle of Gatlinburg and just minutes from the park entrance.

Going to the Great Smoky Mountains

Everyone was excited about going down to Tennessee for our family vacation. We had done a lot of preparation and work to get ready, so when it was time to get up we didn't have any trouble getting the boys out of bed. 

Our plan was to leave pretty early in the morning, as the sun was not quite up when Eric and I were packing up all the last minute things. After I fed Livvy and we got the boys in the truck we left a few minutes later then we planned but it was still before 6 am. 

Our plan was to get on the road for a bit then stop and get something to eat. After about 2 hrs we decided to stop and get some breakfast at McDonalds. We did run into one snag in our trip when I didn't follow the plan and I locked the keys in the truck. Luckily for me Eric is prepared and had an extra key on him so it didn't impact us too much :)

Since it was Thomas's actual birthday we let him pick out the restaurant he wanted and he went with the Hard Rock Cafe. It was a good time that we got there because there was no wait, so we were able to walk right in. It was pretty amusing to Eric and I that the hostess asked if Livvy needed a menu. I think for the most part I contained my laughter, that she would be okay without one. 

                                             

Thomas was good to remind me that I didn't take his birthday picture yet, so while we were waiting for our food we took it. Here he is officially at 7 years old. 

All of our food was really good and everyone was happy that we made it safe to our destination and had a full belly! It was fun that they had a little "red carpet" that you could walk on and get your picture  taken in front of the restaurant. 

Next to hard rock was this upside down building, and the boys really wanted to go and look at it. So we walked over and got a few pictures taken with it. We didn't go inside but it was fun to see :)

Thomas' birthday celebration

Our family decided that we would celebrate Thomas's birthday before we left for our summer trip to the smokies. We did his dinner, presents and cake the day before his birthday and then take him out to dinner when we were in Tennessee the next day. 

With all the snow days this school year they had extended the school year until Friday, which meant he would also miss the last day as well which was a bonus gift for him ;)

Thomas got a lot of fun stuff for his birthday Gramma Kris and Papa Mark got Sup and Thomas these cross bows. They were both excited to try them out :)

For is special gift Eric and I got him a Minecraft Lego set. He was really pumped about this but with time and getting ready for the trip, Daddy suggested that we take it along with us and they could try and put it together when we were at the cabin. 

Because it was his birthday celebration and with time I took Thomas to the grocery store that afternoon to pick out a little cake that he wanted. He chose a chocolate cake with orange and green icing. I had the bakery write Happy Birthday Thomas and he thought it was great and was simple for me :) He had pepperoni pizza for dinner so the clean up was great!

Sup turns 5!

So I am a few months behind but this little guy turned 5 back in May! It is amazing how much they grow!

He was pretty excited about turning 5, this picture was taken on the morning of his birthday. He is on the smaller end of the other his age a whopping 34 lbs. Although he is small he is not one to be pushed around and I see him the one standing up for Thomas and Livvy if the need were to arise. 

Since it was his birthday he said he wanted donuts for breakfast. This boy LOVES his donuts. So in the morning we headed over to the donut shop and he got to pick out all 12 donuts by himself. I was really impressed because he himself told the lady what he wanted. With his selection you can tell what ones he likes….he went with 6 glazed and 6 cake donuts with white icing and of course sprinkles. And not to worry none of them went to waste. Although some of them were just eaten around the white icing was. 

Both of the boys are really into Minecraft so Eric and I got Sup a few Minecraft toys. 

We did presents first because Daddy had to work that day and wanted to give him a chance to watch Sup open his gifts. He was pretty happy with his toys and couldn't wait to open them. 

He did get to pick his dinner as well, this year he went with hotdogs, cheese, strawberries and blueberries. I think went with hotdogs last year as well, but hey it is a simple and inexpensive meal so I am on board with that! Because we were going to the smokies in a few days we didn't want a lot of cake we would have to toss (because Thomas's bday is only 5 days after) so Sup went with an ice cream cake this year. Worked out great because what we didn't eat went to the freezer :) 

Sup's preschool graduation

On May 13th, Phillip had his preschool graduation. Both of the boys have gone though Friends Forever and all of us have really had a fun time with their program. 

Sup has been here for 2 two years and has really loved the teachers he had, it was nice that Ms. Amy is our neighbor as well so he still gets to see her.  Since they lined up in height order Sup was the first one in line and got to walk with Ms. Amy. 

They really had a nice program, they didn't need to dress up but we thought he would look pretty handsome. Getting him to get on dress clothes when it wasn't church had its challenges, thanks to Thomas we were able to get him to look nice ;)

The first half of the program the kids performed a few songs and then when to put on their little cap and gowns. While the kids were doing that they had a little slide show, it was amazing to see how much he has grown. 

All the kids looked so sweet when they came back out. They called them one by one from each class and gave them their diploma. They also had a video they taped each child saying what they wanted to be when they grow up, Sup said he wanted to be a cop. so we will see what the future holds ;)

It was so nice that Daddy was able to come and see Sup. With Livvy it was nice to have and extra hand as well!

We were all happy and excited that Sup had a fun time and learned a lot with his two years here. Great job Phillip!

After the program they had a cookie reception, Livvy was worn out ;) but the rest of us enjoyed some cookies and milk. To help Sup get his church clothes on Thomas volunteered to wear his as well. It worked out great and both of them looked nice for the evening.  

We love these sweet boys!