Pigeon Forge Family Vacation

The 3 of us took a family trip to Pigeon Forge, TN over Memorial Day weekend. It was a nice time to get away and have fun. Caleb got pretty much whatever he wanted...he rode lots of rides and got several new toys. Just about all there is to do there...shop, eat, and the rides. We did get to swim at the condo since it was 95 degrees each day. If I were not 7 months pregnant (feel 9 mo. preg. ) we could have done more like hike in the mountains at least. We all had a good time anyway!
The very first thing Caleb bought was a Dumbo. He loves the movie and we took him to the Disney store and when I showed him the Dumbo...he gasped and held onto him for 2 days. He took him on the rides with him even!! He eventually let go of him after he got a few other new things but even now at home he still takes him places and sleeps with him. He told me Dumbo is his best friend and that Dumbo loves him. So cute!

Of course one of his favorite rides was the train

We rode this after his nap one day and he had a hard time waking up...that is the reason for the sad look on his face.

Even Dumbo got a swing

A baby Ferris Wheel

We found another park that had more rides that were better for his age. These swings went faster so he liked it.

He loved this ride. I think it was his favorite. It went in a circle but around the corners the cars went faster. Even the adults I watched ride liked this one!

Going down the big slide...Jim looks a little scared! haha It does go really fast.

Sleeping on his inflatable bed in our bedroom. He did good and stayed on it all night.

We had promised him one ride after lunch so we kept our word. We normally would tell him no rides till after supper so we could wait till the sun was going down. It was just too hot during the day. So I took these from the air conditioned car!

We ate at a nice steakhouse one night. It was good but way too expensive for our taste.

Train Show

We took Caleb to a model train show in Dalton, GA last weekend. A playgroup that I'm a member of was going and was able to get in for free. It was well worth the 30 min drive!! Caleb sat for over 2 hours watching these trains.

This black engine was his favorite

A worker added Thomas and Percy after seeing Caleb's Thomas backpack. They knew he was a fan so they added this to the track.

Watching his favorite

Steam Train

His new T-shirt we bought him. He was so proud of it he wanted to wear it right then. He also slept in it and wore it part of the next day! I know he would wear it everyday if I let him. It says "I'm One Cute Caboose!"

We also bought him a nice hand made wooden train. It has an engine, coal car, and 5 cars with the letters of his name, and then a caboose. I should have taken a picture of it to put on here...oh well didn't think of it till now.

Spring Break in Florida 2011

Here we are again on our yearly trip to Fort Myers, Fl in March. It was a great time this year and the weather was perfect!!! We went to a really nice beach in Naples that is called Barefoot Beach. You pay to go to it but it is worth it since it was so nice there. Caleb enjoyed the sand a lot more this year and would actually walk on it. Last 2 years he would only walk if he had shoes on. I just love the beach! The other days we spent it at the pool or doing stuff around town.

We went to Sanibel Island to ride a boat to see the dolphins. This was really neat and Caleb got an upfront view of the dolphins following the boat.

This is the train ride at the park we go to every year. We waited till the last day of vacation to ride this. I believe if we had done this early in the week he would've asked to come here every day. I was not allowed to ride the train due to me being pregnant so that meant I got better pictures.

We also rented a bike that all of us could pedal except Caleb rode in the front basket.

The park also has a train museum that Caleb just discovered this year. He would stay in there all day if we let him.

A Great Reminder for Mom's

I have a friend who posted this on her blog and I wanted to share it as well. Although my house doesn't show it most of the time I do prefer a tidy and clean house. I stress over it at times and think I'm not doing a good job. I just thought this poem was a good reminder of what is important in our job as a Mom. So, if anyone still reads this blog I hope it encourages you!

Excuse This House

Some houses try to hide the fact That children shelter there,

Ours boasts it quite openly,

The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,

Little smudges on the doors

I should apologize, I guess

For toys strewn on the floor.

But I sat down with my child

And we played and laughed and read

And if the doorbell doesn't shine,

Her eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I'm forced to choose

The one job or the other,

I'd like to cook and clean and scrub,

But first I'll be a mother.

Author Unknown