Sometimes I wonder if the saying “a rolling stone gathers no moss” was written in reference to us and our inability to stay home and not live out of suitcases. Our most recent trip found us visiting Dollywood in our former home state of Tennessee. Christopher’s parents were so kind to plan a family trip there for a few days last week. We did so many things that it would take several thousand words and 148 pictures to recap so I’ll stick to some highlights.
Except for the occasion fussing Annabelle is almost always a good flyer. She did even better than normal this trip. She did all four flights without watching any shows on the ipad. She colored, looked at books and took naps. She read the plane safety manual on each flight. It’s important to be prepared in the event of an emergency water landing.
On Thanksgiving morning we went to an exotic bird sanctuary. I’ve never seen so many beautiful birds in one place. We got to hold and feed several of them. Once AB got over her fear of holding them she loved it. I saw a sign that said some of their birds are for sale. I would have taken one in a heartbeat but I knew that at $2,995 Christopher would say it was too expensive of a souvenir.
Annabelle was a little hesitant about the rides at first but how quickly that changed when she got on the Lucky Ducky ride with the fearless Sadie and Emory. She wore the Lucky Ducky, Piggy Parade and Busy Bees rides over and over. She wasn’t a fan of the elephant ride that went in the air but there’s always next year. She was perfectly happy with all the kiddie rides.
Look who we happened upon! Normally AB is shy around characters but she was still riding the high from the Piggy Parade. She marched right up to him and gave a huge smile. (I’m sorry this is turning into the Annabelle show. I don’t see that changing anytime soon since I do nothing but hang out with her.)
I’ve never visited Dollywood at any other time but I’m here to say Christmas is The Time to go. The lights and decorations were beautiful. It was so festive.
We went to two lovely Christmas shows. They were a combination of fun and Christmas spirit and we all loved them.
Santa appeared the day after Thanksgiving. I’ve never seen a better Santa. He looked the part, had a beautiful suit and was so kind. He asked all the children if they knew about Baby Jesus and made sure they all knew the holiday isn’t only about Santa. We saw him again the next night and since there were no other children in line Sesame got to talk to him as much as she wanted. They talked about her friends, how reindeer fly (he said God makes them fly) and her nativity toy. She talked and talked. He asked her about the smocked nativity on her dress and she chose that moment to clam up. Everything in me was hoping (and audibly hinting) she’d give an eloquent answer and make him think I’m a good mom. All she did was stick her fingers in her mouth and mumble something about Paw Patrol. It was a humbling moment for me.
Annabelle loves all her cousins but she especially enjoyed spending time with Emmy. They’re so close in age and I love that they’re becoming little buddies.
Since we were there at Thanksgiving it’s only right to mention a few things we’re thankful for. Christopher is thankful for his health, I’m thankful for a good nights rest and good cheddar cheese and AB is thankful for her light up shoes. Judging by what she told Santa I’d say she’s also thankful for Paw Patrol.
I'd be thankful for light up shoes as well 🙂