Friday, March 18, 2011

Ben's 1 Year Pics by Erin Michelle Photography


I was sad when I moved so far from my photog sister after Ben's 6 mo. shots because i LOVE LOVED them! BUT I was lucky enough to meet one of my besties in KY who also happens to be an awesome photographer:) I just got the CD of Ben's pics tonight and I LOVE THEM!!!
Here are some of my favs--i COULD NOT narrow them down sorry!--believe it or not this is like half!:)

Ben at 14 months:





























Thanks so much Erin! We love them!

If you are in Louisville area check her out...erinmichellephotography.blogspot.com

So--What do y'all think?



Thursday, March 17, 2011

Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg--Above & Beyond


In March, a group of us made a trip to Gatlinburg, TN. We didn't quite know what to expect in Gatlinburg but when there was room in the Cabin, a great deal for 3 nights, and fun friends--we were in! We divided up the meals and each took a turn cooking for the whole crew--it was fantastic.


The cabin was named "Above & Beyond" on the rental website and it definitely was! The HUGE log cabin was way up in the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN. It had 5 suites, each with their own king size bed, tv, bathroom with jacuzzi tub, a huge beautiful deck, game room with pool and air hockey, tv rooms, hot tub, etc. We would highly recommend it and cant wait to go back next year.
Above is the kitchen and below are all pretty much the main room on main floor. I didnt take any pics upstairs and downstairs really...
even our bedroom had a huge vaulted ceiling (Left below)!
and a table for 10+ 4 chairs at the bar..it was perfect!

First things first, we got there Monday afternoon, got unpacked, ate some yummy bbq pulled pork sammies (if i do say so myself:) and settled in for the long awaited BACHELOR FINALE & AFTER THE FINAL ROSE:) ...I was sad not ALL the girls I watch with weekly were there but we had a good time ...

this is in the downstairs tv/pool/air hockey room..

During Bach the men entertained themselves playing pool and watching funny YouTube...I didn't even have to watch the video to get a good laugh:)

Driving through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, it was obvious that it was a super fun vacation spot with tons of arcades, amusement parks, Dollywood, yummy restaurants, put put golf, go carts, bumper cars, museums, zip lining, bike riding, etc. etc. things to do lining the streets on both sides.

Tuesday we decided to go into town for a few hours and look around. We ended up splurging on Ripley's Aquarium for Ben because we had heard good things. It was a splurge (why is everything so dang $$?) but it was worth it! BEN LOVED IT!! The whole time he was pointing and saying "wow" and "whoa"...so cute!
petting rays above and checking out sharks below with daddy



Ben loved his nightly tubs in the huge jacuzzi tub. He thought he was in a pool.
The last night we filled a tub all the way up and threw all the kids in there and they had a blast...eventually:)

checking out the view of the smokies from the deck with daddy


a little too big for the bumbo but it was easier to pack than the high chair :)




Wednesday we went into the National Park and went for a "hike"/walk:) It was a ton of fun and BEAUTIFUL!!
the caravan up to the trail:)


and the coolest part...we saw a BLACK BEAR...in the wild..just roaming around! AWESOME!
we hiked up to this pretty waterfall:)

some scenic shots from the trip:



Thursday we just packed up and hit the road:) after some st. patty's day treats of course:)





The crew (minus the Sonicos who had already hit the road) on the deck:)



Above and Beyond Cabin :)

I officially have the sweetest boy...he does AWESOME on drives:) totally entertains himself:)

home sweet home!
we had such a great time and cant wait for next year!