Vacation in Gatlinburg

Last month, we got to go on a vacation that didn't include Albertville or Vernon. Me, Tony, Jacob, aunt Dana, and John rented a cabin in the mountains (way up a little bitty, very curvy road, which I wasn't happy with). For some reason the roads straight up the mountain didn't bother Tony and John. They seemed to enjoy giving the rest of us heart attacks! We had a great time. Me and Dana tried ice skating with Jacob. His first time and my second. Needless to say, I busted my tail bone one really good time and that was about enough for me. We rode the sky lifts, which took me some getting used to because it really is a long way down! Lila and Wendell was there part of the week. So Jacob was glad to see Nanny and Paw Paw. We went to the aquarium and spent some time on the strip. It was an excellent get away for us. We had three cameras full of pictures, so I picked some of my favorites to post. I hope we get to do this again soon!

Night falls on the Smokies

They aren't very good, but this is my only attempt

at getting pictures at night fall. It's pretty, even if

it's not professional!

Up and over the mountain

We spent one day driving. We went over the top of the mountains

and into North Carolina. It is a beautiful drive. There is, however,

about a 20 degree difference in temp from the bottom of

the mtn and the top. It was pretty cold and there was a lot

of ice. Like we don't see enough of that in Indiana! But we

don't have the Smokies!

Cade's Cove

A few pics from Cade's Cove. We drove and walked a lot. It

is so peaceful and pretty here. As you can see, John ran Jacob

to death in hopes that the boy could possibly be worn out

enough to sleep!

Wax Museum

We had an absolute blast at the wax museum! Jacob got to be

spiderman; all the boys got to be Men in Black; me and Dana

got to be with Hugh (closest we will ever get!!); and Dana

tried to block a basketball shot (like that could ever happen)

Popular hangout at our cabin

Everyone took a turn at the pool table upstairs. Jacob discovered

that he had a new favorite game. Needless to say, neither me nor

Dana can be considered a pool shark! Our games always took

a little longer!

Soccer practice

Jacob is learning to play soccer! And trying to learn to

follow directions! Each week he does better. He has

such a great time kicking the ball as hard as he can!

Another snow storm

Another day spent cleaning up the driveway. Tony runs

the snow blower while Jacob shovels the porch, while

momma takes the pictures from the garage! (I love my job)

Santa came!!

Jacob had a great Christmas this year! Santa brought so

much...pinball machine, power rangers, spiderman, more

power rangers....The looks of surprise and shear joy

is what we look forward to.

Christmas at Granny's and Grandpa's

We didn't take many pics this year, but Dana got stuff for

a house that she doesn't have yet; momma got a

palm pilot; daddy got a banjo; I got a bunch of bath

stuff....Jacob got everything else (including two race

cars for him and Tony)

Our snowball fight!

We bundled up for the first snow of the season before Christmas

and Jacob learned how to have a snowball fight! Sometimes,

I had to help him make his snowball so he could hit me.

Christmas program at school

Jacob's Christmas program was great! He looked so

handsome! Each class sang a few songs, then Jacob

had a solo!! Our baby sang "All I want for Christmas

is My Two Front Teeth". He did an awesome job in is

first solo! We were so proud!

Decorating the trees

Jacob always has a good time decorating his own tree.

This year, he wanted it in his room. He kept it watered and

sometimes he even snuck a bite of the candy canes!

I'm behind!!!!

Hello, all! I have been way behind in posting updates! Go figure that I would get lazy! We have had a lot going on lately. Jacob had a great birthday party at the end of October. Aunt Dana and John came up for it. (of course they aren't in any of the pictures, because I suck at making sure I get pics of everyone)! Halloween was fun, too. We had nice weather for trick or treat. We went South for the week of Thanksgiving. It was a short, hectic trip. We spent a few days with Nanny and Paw Paw in Albertville but didn't really go visit with anyone. Jacob had not seen Nanny this year except once or twice, so we stayed with them for the most part. The end of the week was in Vernon/Columbus with maw and paw's bunch. Anyway, I hope to keep the site updated a little better now. Hope everyone is doing great and we love you all and miss you lots.

By the way.....CONGRATS to Melissa and Jason! Hope all is going great! I also want to say congrats to April on her recent marriage. I hate that I had to miss it, but wish you great happiness!!

Jacob's tree

Jacob loves picking out his own tree. This year, Tony even

let him help saw it down and drag it off.

Proud of the finished product that sits in his room!