'Tis So Sweet: Over the River and Through the Woods

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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...