Our Trip in Road Signs

I had full intentions of taking pictures of the state signs as we drove, but missed the one into Kentucky, so I gave up! I did decide to take a few on the way home though - they should speak for themselves!

 The flea market was called "Flea Traders"

 Yes, that is the biggest cross I've ever seen, right next to the warehouse called "Adult World"

 Thankfully, Zoe can't read and she was asleep the whole time!

Part 3

I couldn't resist snapping these :-)

We spent a day in Gatlinburg.  We found a shop that was the same concept as Build a Bear and let Zoe make an animal.  She chose to make a mouse and named her Squeaky!

 

 Ryan was insistent that it would be so much fun to go up this lift.  It was a ski lift - with 2 kids and no seat belts - I don't think so!

Look closely at Zoe's belly :-)

 

 Every day, the hotel had cookie decorating for "kids of all ages" and we were able to make it 2 different times.  Zoe loved eating the icing more than she did the cookie.

 This was our attempt at a family picture while we were there - I guess it didn't turn out too bad.

 On our last night there, we listened to a group called Eye2Sky in the lobby.  They sang beautiful Christmas songs.

 Since Zoe wouldn't tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas, we wrote him a letter instead and told him what would be nice for Jack and her to get.  They had a mailbox and special paper to send your letter on!

 On the last morning, we stayed a little later so that we would have the chance to see Mrs. Clause.  Zoe was actually excited about seeing her.  She even told Mrs. Clause that Santa eats too many cookies!

We also saw two shows while we were there - Country Tonite and Black Bear Jamboree.  Country Tonite was exactly what we remembered and hadn't changed much.  Zoe and Jack both really enjoyed watching it! It was our first time at the Black Bear Jamboree and we loved it! We were sad to hear this would be their last Christmas show - that the show was changing for next year.

Part 2

As I'm looking at all the pictures I took, I realize that this may end up being spread over 3 or 4 posts ;-)

The first night, we visited a favorite - The Apple Barn.  The food was very yummy, but unfortunately, the shops were closed because it was later on a Sunday evening. 

When we got back to the hotel, it was time for "Quiltin' Annie". She was a very good story teller and really kept the kids attention (even Jack).

 

 As she was telling a story, she asked for a volunteer, none of the other little girls were interested, but our shy little lady jumped right up!

 

 And she got this pin cushion for a prize!

 We then learned to quilt :-)

 



Zoe showing Jack her prize!

  And now it's time for the Santa Update!
We knew that Santa was going to be at the hotel and talked a little to Zoe about him. We told her we would like to have a picture of her and Jack with him. We said she did't have to talk to him or even sit on his lap. At first, she said she wouldn't do it but once it was our turn, she shyly walked up to him. Earlieer we had talked about what she could ask him, so she asked if he woanted to go swimming with us. She still wouldn't sit on his lap or tell him what she wanted, but these pictures show a big accomplishment!

 Santa wasn't able to come swimming, but we still went! Well, actully, Ryan and Zoe swam while Jack and I watched.