Saturday and Sunday we spent the days relaxing around the cabin and going for short walks. Christopher and Andy spent about 4 hours of the course of those two days sitting in the road, throwing rocks. If we were in the cabin, Christopher would walk over to Andy, grab his hand and say "Pull" (that's how he tells you he wants you to get up). "Daddy rocks."
And so...out to the rocks they would go.
Favorite place in the world - outside ... AND throwing rocks!
Blowing a kiss to Mommy while she was taking his picture.
Filling a leaf in Mommy's hands with rocks.
The cabin - thanks, Louie!
Sunday evening, we packed up and headed to Gatlinburg for a few days.
Monday morning, we spent the day walking around downtown Gatlinburg. It was bright, so Christopher wanted his "gasses" to wear.
That's ALL candy? So...we gave in and decided that since we were on vacation, we'd actually let our son have some candy. He got gummy worms, dinosaurs and bears...and made a STICKY mess while thoroughly enjoying every bite.
After lunch and a two hour nap for all of us back at the cabin, we headed out to spend the afternoon at Ripley's Aquarium. Christopher LOVED every minute of it and completely wore himself out. For 2 hours, he moved around that place as fast as his little legs would carry him saying "Fish. More. More. More. Sharks. Water. More." And not just to us, but to anyone who would pay attention. He wanted to make sure everyone there saw the fish. It was a really enjoyable afternoon, full of laughter and sweet memories.
Mommy and Christopher getting sprayed from the waterfalls.
Daddy and Christopher enjoying the first big fish tank
"Fish, Daddy. Fish, Mommy. More. Nudder one."
There were so many beautiful fish - it was impossible to capture in a photo.
Riding on Daddy's shoulders on a moving walk-way that took us under the aquarium so you could see fish on both sides and above you! Very exciting - Christopher didn't know which way to look. =)
"Shark! Shark!" Christopher thought these big fist were very cool.
Second trip through the tunnel under the aquarium...or was it the third or fourth? This time we walked beside the walkway so we could take as much time as Christopher desired, looking at and naming EVERYTHING. What do you see, Christopher?
"Nudder one. Shark. More." as he nodded his head emphatically up and down.
After about 2 hours of "running," we had a little 'melt down' from exhaustion. We stayed awhile longer with Christopher in his stroller, then headed back to the cabin where we struggled to get him to eat anything before he collapsed in bed. I think between all the running around and brain overload, it exhausted him. Yeah! Early to bed meant more time for Andy and I to relax, read and play pool.
Sweet, sleeping boy.
In the morning, it was Christopher's turn to join us for a "game" of pool. He actually got pretty good at rolling the balls across the table toward and often into the pockets. As he chose each ball, he would call it by a number, "Four. Two. Five." Occasionally, it was actually the right one.
After about every 3rd of 4th ball, we had to give him a reminder to be gentle and roll the ball instead of pick it up and hurl it. Fortunately, no damages were done.
Tuesday morning we walked around an "Arts and Crafts" village. It was fun to see all the woodwork, pottery, candle and blown glass shops, plus taste some of the homemade jams, jellies, honey and salsa. After lunch and another two hour family nap time (we took these every day and got REALLY spoiled), we headed to a nearby creek to hike and play in the water.
I sat on the bigger rocks and soaked my feet while Andy and Christopher played together in the water.
It started with small pebbles...then rocks...which got bigger as time went on.
Aim.
Throw.
Splash!! Funny faces as Daddy and Christopher try not to get water in their eyes.
Strong boy. Look at the size of the rock! Watch your feet, Daddy.
Big splash!
The boys built a little pool for themselves so the water would be a little deeper.
After awhile, they took a short walk through the creek, throwing rocks as they went.
Father and Son - quality time enjoyed by both. And Mommy's buttons burst as she sat and watched them play.
When Christopher started shivering, we decided maybe it was time to head back to the cabin...Christopher didn't agree, but finally came with us.
Thanks, Daddy. I love you.
Christopher kept asking for a fire in the fireplace, so Tuesday night we bought a little kindling, cranked on the A/C, and had a small fire before he went to bed. He also got to play in a huge jacuzzi tub for bath time ... complete with LOTS OF BUBBLES from Daddy dumping shampoo in the water.
Wednesday, we packed up and headed home. It was a fun-filled week and successful first family vacation. We came home very happy and well rested, convinced that time off is a good thing, especially when it's spent together outside, enjoying God's magnificent creation.
