Indy Weekend

This past weekend we got to take a little road trip up to Indiana for a surprise 60th birthday party for Grandpa John.

We made it! 

The tree swing might be the best part about my Aunt Dee's house

Who doesn't love swinging out over a cornfield??? 

Aunt Dee made this banner for Grandpa John and the kids all signed and decorated it 

It kept them busy....for a minute

The Upside down cake :) 

Waiting for the Birthday boy! 

Owen was super excited because there was another cake for all the July birthdays.....and he had his eye on it! 

Happy kids

Lego mania

Loving that swing! 

Savannie with Uncle Steve

The boys hanging out on the back of a truck!! I love it! 

It was at about this point in the evening that Savannah managed to get her hand slammed in a car door and one of the fingers was bruised and pretty swollen so the next day we took a not so fun trip to the UT Medical Center ER.

Kate kept busy with her crazy band loom but the rest of us were pretty miserable! 

Once we got in the back and Savannah had her x rays a very kind nurse brought them these!!!! It was a beautiful thing!

So thankfully there were no broken bones, just swelling, nerve compression, and bruising. She should be back to normal within the week :)

But seriously....those are 3 hours of my life that I am not going to get back!!!

The Count Down Begins...

This past week I started my new full time job and had to do a little training so we were kind of spread thin. I had lots of help with the kids and I even signed them up for a few days of Karate Camp! It is kind of a random sampling, but I realized today that we have officially begun the Back to School Count Down! Less than two weeks to go.....

After living in Knoxville for 6 weeks I finally did a big bulk shop at Sams 

Papa T watched the kids for me one day and after I got back home we went down to Market Square for dinner

After we ate, I let the kids play in the fountain

Savannah diligently made herself a diary :) 

Savannah caught a baseball at the Smokies game that Grandma and Grandpa John took them to

One afternoon a box came for Owen and Savannah with birthday gifts from the Goff family

They were thrilled with their presents!!! 

Thanks Goffs! 

I love my little reading nook in my living room so much that I decided to give myself one in the bedroom although I need to get a few books on the bookshelf! But I love my new chair! 

So I didn't actually share these with Owen but I thought it was neat that I found both his names at once

This is what packing up for a weekend away looks like! It's a Thirty one party! 

Smoky Mountain Hike

After our big day at Dollywood we decided to sleep in a little and take it easy the next day. We started with a late breakfast/early lunch and then went for a hike in the Smoky Mountains.

What a goof!!! 

The boys

There was a sweet lady who saw me taking pics and absolutely insisted on a family shot.....and I do mean insisted! 

Daddy and Kate.....what's funny is that she actually smacked him! 

Exploring! 

Laurel Falls

Kate did great walking with her boot and several people were inspired by her willingness and gave her praise for being up to the challenge!

The last day of our little trip we went to the Dollywood Water Park Splash Country but for obvious reasons I didn't take pictures! We had a blast, wore ourselves out, and slept great for a few nights :)

The lone pic of the day! 

Dollywood Stay-Cation!

A couple of weeks ago ( I am so behind!) the family got to have a 3 day Stay-Cation of sorts. Mike came down from Lexington and we decided to check out Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains!

We are sort of making progress. We didn't bring a stroller but we had to rent this wheelchair for Kate. She just isn't use to walking too much yet and the place was really hilly! 

Owen's Farm :) 

Owen showing off his cotton candy! 

It was forecasted to rain that day so the park wasn't too crowded

We rode a variety of rides with little to no wait time

Savannah rode her first big wooden coaster! She got this certificate....I thought I deserved one too because after the rickety wooden coaster my teeth were rattling in my mouth! Geez!!!! 

Owen really liked the 50's cars....they look like his Hot Wheels

Happy Boy

Sad boy.....we got trapped under this roof for over an hour while it was pouring down rain

Poncho Party! 

She makes some faces!!! 

Owen was sweet and helped push Kate around

Happy People! 

Overall it was such a nice day. We stayed open to close and saw a fabulous fireworks display! We were seriously worn out afterwards but it was worth it :)