The last couple days of our mountain vacation were very low key.  It was just my family of three and my mom, so we did some relaxing...some playing...and some shopping.  Wednesday morning, I decided I was ready to see what Millie Janalee did with oatmeal cereal and a spoon.  It took some prep...you know, getting all the cameras and video cameras and cell phones ready for the big event.  Ha!

She was very interested in this bright colored object heading towards her mouth.  Since she's started sticking EVERYTHING in her mouth, she didn't mind it at all.  What she wasn't prepared for was that white stuff that stayed in her mouth.  It was so funny!

We only got to maybe the third spoonful when Millie Janalee decided this was not fast enough, and it was time for a bottle!  Oh well.  It was fun for a minute or two.  Now, I know to feed her a bottle first.  I'm learning as I go...

We decided to spend a little time driving up into the mountains on this very chilly day.  We eased into it by laying around until after noon.  Then, we loaded up and headed toward the mountains hoping to get a glimpse of snow.  Remember it had snowed the day before.  We did see the trees dusted with snow once we got high enough, but there was no snow on the ground.  No icy streams.  It was beautiful nonetheless!

After our little scenic drive up the mountain, we headed in the direction of the outlet mall to finish up some Christmas shopping.  Russ and I also bought one thing for ourselves each.  Merry Christmas to us!  We had a delicious supper at the Old Mill restaurant in Pigeon Forge before heading back to the cabin for a relaxing evening watching Christmas movies in our pajamas.

Thursday, we spent the day in downtown Gatlinburg strolling.  It was a beautiful day!  We started with lunch at Bubba Gump's and strolled along stopping as we liked.  Russ had been wanting to visit the big outdoor store at the end of the downtown area, so we strolled our way over.  One thing I learned: this store is terribly unequipped for handicap access...or stroller access!

Inside, there was a beautifully decorated sleigh next to a large, cozy fire.  The enormous Christmas tree was perfectly decorated for the atmosphere.  While the rest of us enjoyed shopping and picking up a few Christmas gifts, Millie Janalee enjoyed her sleigh ride photo shoot.  The girl loves the camera!  Haha!

Friday morning, we woke up for an early departure.  Millie Janalee is not the best traveler after sunset, so our goal was to get home before dark.  We made one stop in Knoxville at the Melaleuca store.  Melaleuca is a wellness company we have been shopping with for 10 years.  My mother is an Senior Director 9 with the company, and Russ and I just enjoy being customers.  We love knowing that our home is free of toxic chemicals from our laundry detergent and bathroom cleaner...to our toothpaste and deoderant!  It was a fun little stop along the way!

By the time we reached our final destination, we were all exhausted!  Millie Janalee is always happy, happy when she gets out of her carseat.  The rest of the family enjoyed her happiness while Russ and I rested and watched.  It was a wonderful vacation...with lots of memories made!  Thank you, Mama, for planning such a relaxing getaway!

Mountain Christmas Tuesday

Sadly, Dustin and Sheila had to leave Tuesday.  So we got up super early...8:00 am...for a yummy breakfast at Pancake Pantry.  I say "early" because we slept in every day and moved at our own pace during this mountain vacation.

This was our first cold morning, and it was snowing!  Millie Janalee saw her first snow of the year already...have you?  We bundled her up in her cutest little hat and gloves with thick blankets all around.  Probably a little overkill...but, hey...how often will we have snow?  She seemed pretty cozy as we headed to our favorite downtown Gatlinburg spot.

Helping She She pick out her pancakes.

After a breakfast full of conversation and laughs, we walked around downtown and did a little more shopping.  Some Christmas shopping and some shopping for ourselves.  We enjoyed browsing the art galleries and souvenirs as we strolled through the cold air.

Millie Janalee is a great shopping partner! She just took everything in while she stayed wrapped nice and cozy in her carrier.  Just look at that precious face...

Eventually, Dustin and Sheila decided it was time to travel.  We all took a little break at the cabin and enjoyed a little downtime, and Russ took a quick nap.  After a refreshing rest, we made plans to drive through the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community.  We had a couple of places in mind that we wanted to revisit from our February trip.  Russ was up for it, so we loaded up!

We made a delightful stop at one of the antique stores!  The clerk just loved Millie Janalee, and as we left empty-handed, we thanked him for allowing us to browse.  He said, "Oh, thank you for sharing her with me!"  So sweet!  The world needs more people like that!  A pure delight!

Russ was very into this old truck.  He took a few very fun pictures to edit.

Our final stop was well worth the trip!  Santa's Claus-et was the place.  It is the real Santa working in his real toy shop!  At first, Mama and I left Russ in the car with Millie Janalee.  Then, we saw him.  Walking around with a toy in hand...getting ready to fix it.  The for real Santa!  I immediately ran outside to grab my sweet baby girl.  Russ was so thrilled. [insert sarcasm]  Until he saw him too.  He agreed...it was the real Santa!

I politely asked if he would take a picture with Millie Janalee.  After getting over the initial shock of such a long name, he agreed.  To get Santa real excited about the chance to hold her, Millie Janalee spit up all over his wood floors.  After Russ and I cleaned the floor and our daughter, I cautiously placed her in his lap.  I was praying, at this point, that she kept all spit up inside for now.  And she did!  It was such a sweet time!  She just looked and looked...and laughed a little.

After our photo shoot with Santa, he wanted to know if Millie Janalee had been naughty or nice.  NICE of course!  Santa pulled out his Nice book to write her name in it, and I quickly motioned for Russ to take a picture.

This is the point everything went downhill.

I felt it first.  Warm all over my hands.

I looked.

Yep.  She did it.  She spit up.  A lot.  I quickly pulled her to me hoping to catch it all on me.  And I thought I did.  Until I looked down.  All over the carpet!  Santa looked up and suggests I move to the wood floors so it won't get on the carpet.  Then he looked down.  Too late.  Everything is quite a blur.  I know it involved a sweaty mama, a wet baby, a shocked Santa, and a polite daddy.  I ran outside to shake my hands off until Susu could get there with a cloth.  By the time we got all cleaned up, I decided to go back inside to continue our experience.

This is the part where Russ shows me how Santa gave Millie Janalee an ornament with her name on it and signed by him.  I say, "Aww" just in time for our final showdown.  Yep.  Again!  At this point, I raced out to the car to clean us both off again and sit until Susu finished.  I opened the car door...

...and the car alarm began.  Yes, we have all come to the Santa Claus-et.  And we have come in a blaze of glory.  I sat inside the car...alarm steadily beeping...while Russ frantically finds something to purchase for all our trouble.  Susu and Russ come to the car laughing hysterically as Millie Janalee and I sit there covered in formula from head to toe.

It was quite an event.  As is everything we do.

Millie Janalee wasn't bothered at all!  In fact, she had a ball.  These are the days I want to look back and remember.  These are the days I have waited for!  These are the days...no matter how stressful they may feel at the time...I am thankful to experience.  These are the days of being a mother.  These are the days!

Smokey Mountain Christmas

Monday was a rainy day in the mountains, so we opted for a fun ice skating outing.  We drove up to Ober Gatlinburg, and it appeared we were one of very few tourists that day!  What a treat!  We basically had the whole ice skating rink to ourselves minus a few amateur children hanging onto the rail.  Ha!  Well...Sheila and I hung on to that rail a little to.  I guess I need to be honest here.

My mom offered to keep Millie Janalee at the cafe overlooking the rink so Russ and I could have a romantic rendezvous on the ice.  Ha!  Most of our skating time was spent watching Russ fly around the rink showing off his turns and stops all while laughing at my skating form.  He was kind enough to lead me around by the hand...the only way I was well-balanced.

Meanwhile, Dustin and Sheila took center rink with their turns and twirls!  This was the best picture I got of that from my iPhone, and Dustin says Sheila looks like an elf here.  Oops!  Sorry.  Ha! 

The final count of the entire skating experience...everyone fell at least once.  Except Russ of course! Let's just say the ice is hard.  And cold.  There was one injury that resulted in blood splattered on the ice and a bandage.  All is well that ends well.  That makes one fall for us all since Mama's tumble down the mountain the day before...major event!  Oh yeah.  Russ hasn't fallen yet.  I think I'll trip him tomorrow when we load the car to head home.

Sheila and Dustin

Me and my love

After our fill of ice skating, we loaded up and headed into Pigeon Forge.  Apple Barn is another stop we must make before leaving.  We enjoyed our share of tasting and shopping.  Susu and Millie Janalee were in the Christmas spirit!

Susu and Millie Janalee

Our evening involved one of our favorite events when we come to the mountains.  Dixie Stampede!  If you've never been, please take my advice and GO!  It's always a fun show...no matter how many times you've seen it.  The food - OH. MY!  Delicious!  A whole chicken, corn on the cob, one of a kind creamy vegetable soup, pork tenderloin, potato, cheddar biscuit, and apple pie for dessert!  All eaten by hand!  We couldn't wait to watch Millie Janalee during the show!

And, of course, she must dress the part...

Mama found this adorable crocheted cowgirl hat with pink feather and crocheted cowgirl boots on Etsy.  She gave them to Millie Janalee just in time!  We grabbed the cutest bib we could find to coordinate since this is apparently going to be a staple for her for a while.  My sweet little spit up girl!

She was by far the cutest little cowgirl around!  We turned in our tickets and got in line for our souvenir photo opp.  Dustin and Sheila enjoyed playtime with our cutie patootie while we waited...

Before the actual dinner show, there is a pre-show with banjo, guitar, and bass fiddle.   This show is always SO fun!  And we enjoy singing and clapping along as we drink from our souvenir boot mugs.  From the second the show started, Millie Janalee was mesmerized!  Couldn't take her eyes off them!  It was the cutest thing!  She fell asleep before the big show started once we were seated in the arena.  She woke up just as I finished my last bite, and enjoyed watching the rest of the show.  The horses were running around with buggies, wearing Christmas lights, and the crowd was cheering.  She followed the horses all the way around with her little eyes.  Such an observant thing!  We were on the first row.  Like...horses flung dirt up on our table after dinner and the snowfall landed all over us.  Great seats for a great first!

Mama and Millie Janalee at the stables

Keeping with the old country feel of our evening, we dressed Millie Janalee in her granny Christmas pajamas and cap. 

Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap, had just settled down for a long winter's nap.

I mean, really!  What's not to love about a Smokey Mountain Christmas!?

Over the River and Through the Woods

Sorry I've been a little MIA lately!  My little family of three joined my mom, brother, and his girlfriend on a fun Christmas trip to the mountains.  The Smokey Mountains to be exact.  Sadly, the rest of the family couldn't make this trip, but there are more coming up!  Which is one reason everyone couldn't make it to Gatlinburg.  You've gotta be pretty flexible to roll with this group!  Ha!

Russ and Millie Janalee

We made a little stop in Chattanooga on our way to Gatlinburg Friday night.  My parents honeymooned in Gatlinburg, and they spent their first night at Chattenooga Choo-Choo, so this stop always makes for fun stories and a few trips down memory lane.  It just so happened that Santa was in the building, so Millie Janalee got her picture made again...of course!  Ha!  We ate at a yummy restaurant with live music.  The waiters and waitresses sang Christmas music all night, and it was so much fun!  Millie Janalee was a champ the entire meal, and she fell asleep right on cue before we loaded into the car.

Dustin and Sheila

This was a long road trip for a four and a half month old, and she did fantastic.  Until she woke up after Chattanooga!  Lately, we have decided we're scared of the dark I think.  She screamed and cried on and off the remainder of the trip.  I'm not too proud to tell you what gave us some relief...Barney.  On Netflix on Russ's cell phone!  I'm thinking, as much as we travel, a portable DVD player is a must for this sweet girl.  We arrived at our mountainside condo around 10 or 11, unloaded, and snuggled into bed.

The only way to start a Gatlinburg vacation is to eat at Pancake Pantry!

Susu and Millie Janalee

We drove into downtown Gatlinburg, found a parking spot, and strolled Millie Janalee over to the long line in front of Pancake Pantry.  The temperatures were in the 60's the first few days of our trip, so it was a delightful wait as we anticipated the deliciousness we were about to show Millie Janalee!  This is a monumental experience, you understand.

Mama, Daddy, and Millie Janalee on her first trip to Pancake Pantry

Millie Janalee was so happy to see the pancake options.  She sat right down beside me and began to browse the menu.  She gave me her list of favorites to try...when she is able to actually eat solids.  Ha!  Until then, she will just have to observe.

After another all star meal at one of our favorite Gatlinburg restaurants, we strolled around a while browsing shops, taking pictures, and planning the rest of our day.  There was plenty to keep us busy downtown!

Party of Three

Dustin and Sheila

While we shopped around and enjoyed a few free tastings, Susu and Millie Janalee enjoyed the beautiful day rocking in the rocking chairs all along the way.  Anywhere there were bands, guitars, or banjos...Susu and Millie Janalee sat a bit to enjoy.

Dustin and Sheila found their real calling...posing as outlaws.  You may remember during our girls' trip last year, we had our old tyme portraits taken.  Dustin and Sheila needed their turn for sure!  You can tell from the picture just how excited Dustin was.  Ha!  The end result was worth it!  I'm sure he would agree.  Sheila looked adorable...as always.

Outlaws...with Russ's editing skills

Millie Janalee can really hang with this group!  She's a trooper!  Her feedings are even convenient.  She waited until the perfect opportunity to get a little hungry.  Maybe she just enjoyed the music so much, she wanted to stay a while.  Susu fed Millie Janalee by the sound of the bluegrass band while the rest of us did some shopping and more tasting.

This is the life!  Mountain life.

"Hey Daddy!  Don't you like that music?!"

I think it's safe to say that Millie Janalee loved her first day in the mountains!

Dustin and Russ decided they were up for a quick 5 mile hike, so the girls headed back to the condo to rest a bit and let the guys get in their car.  I don't know much about their hike...except that the last part was in complete dark.  Not my idea of fun.  Or safe, for that matter!  I guess that's all part of the adventure for guys.

Dustin at Alum Cave Bluff

Sheila and I ended up doing a little shopping at The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge while Susu and Millie Janalee napped and spent some quality time together.  By the time everyone got back from their adventures, it was time for supper.  The Peddlar was the food of choice, and it was delicious!  Millie Janalee wasn't really a fan, but we survived.  I think the hour and a half wait was all she could handle.  As soon as we were seated, she decided she didn't like this place after all.  Ha!  I think what she really wanted was a little playtime...

Sheila and Millie Janalee playing with her fun ball!

Just hangin' out with Uncie Bucket.

It was a full first day in the mountains, and there was more to come for this mountain baby!