Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas 2010!

Santa came!Let's see what he brought.


Well, that was fun, what's next?
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ella's Christmas program 2010 - "A Gingerbread Christmas"

We were so proud of Ella. She danced and sang just like she was supposed to and smiled the whole time! Leaps and bounds from the program at the end of pre-school last year.
Here is the highlight reel.

Friday, October 08, 2010

On Fall Break this year, we went to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with Bonnie and Mamaw Minnie. It was Bonnie's idea, and she gave us the royal treatment the whole time. We all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly - especially the girlies!

Here are Bonnie, Mamaw, and the girls sitting on Forrest Gump's bench.
And of course I had to get in on the Gump picture since it is my favorite movie!
Anna looking cute in Gatlinburg.
We played Fantasy mini golf. Anna loved the mermaid from the moment she saw her. She said, "Me want kiss her!" But when the moment arose, she chickened out.
Ella hiding under the bear at Fantasy mini golf.
A bear seat and a cute girl.
A bear seat and two cute girls!
After Gatlinburg and mini golf, we went to the Dixie Stampede! The show amazed the girls from start to finish. They could barely eat the whole chicken that was plopped on their plates because they were too busy watching the horses and chickens and pigs run around the arena.

Thursday, we did a little shopping, then ate lunch at the Applewood Firehouse Grill. Everything tasted great, and our bellies nearly popped after our feast.
After eating ourselves silly, we decided to ride the Aerial Tramway to Ober Gatlinburg. The view was amazing, but Minnie nearly passed out going up and coming down. Meanwhile, the girls and I took in the view.There was so much to do at the top of the mountain. We rode the chair life to the alpine slide - twice. This was the girl's most favorite part of the day. I have to admit, that slide was awesome.
Of course we visited the horses on the carousel.


After a long day of playing mini golf (yes, again), sliding, riding, and eating, we rode the tramway back down the mountain while taking in the gorgeous view.




Thursday night, we had the pleasure of eating at the Cherokee Grill. Let me just tell you - this place exceeded our expectations in every way. It would be an understatement to say that the food was the best we had the whole trip. If you are ever in Gatlinburg and you don't eat at the Cherokee Grill, you are missing out on some absolutely delicious food and outstanding service.

We all fell into bed Thursday night and rose too early Friday morning to pack up and leave. We couldn't resist returning to the Applewood Firehouse Grill for breakfast, and the food was just as great the second time around. Chuck made $20 by taking a few pictures for a generous family, and we all nearly died of embarrassment that he actually took the money instead of graciously refusing it.

After one final trip to the outlet mall (and a new Coach purse for me thanks to Minnie!), we were on our way home. We made multiple stops, including one to clean up and comfort Anna after she got carsick, but finally arrived home around 6:30.

We couldn't have asked for a more pleasant Fall Break, and we thank Bonnie for giving us such special treatment on our trip!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Ella and Anna's Birthday Party! 9-19-10

The party wasn't even in full swing and Anna's hair already fell down.
Ella showing off.
The cake.
Amelia and Eliot - our baby guests - cute as ever.
Ella and Anna about to blow out the candles.
Cake is yummy!
Eliot agrees.
Beginning to open presents.
The mess that ensued.

Bye!
Thanks everyone for a great birthday party - the girls had a wonderful time!

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

August 4, 2010 - Ella's First Day of Kindergarten!

Ella is looking cute, ready to go to school!
She's got her bus tag so everyone knows where she goes in the afternoon (to Mommy's school)!
Ella and Daddy, and a school bus following us to Lincoln Trail.
Walking in...
Here she is at the doorway to Mrs. Allen's room! This is where I started to tear up, so I couldn't take any more pictures!
She did so well and had a wonderful first day. She arrived safe and sound, albeit HOT (101+ temperature outside), to my classroom right on time. She ran to me and gave me a big hug, drank some lemonade and ate a snack, and played quietly while I taught the "big kids." I am so proud of her!
Fairfield Glade, TN - July 14-16, 2010

Chuck and I had a nice little getaway in Fairfield Glade, TN - otherwise known as nothing-to-do-ville.

We fed some ducks and fish,

played some mini-golf,
visited the Bee Hive,



found an "overlook,"


and went canoeing - twice.



We had a nice, relaxing time, but I don't think I would go back to this particular resort. While it was quite accommodating, and the jacuzzi was awesome, there just wasn't enough to keep me occupied!