Chritmas in the Smokies

Two days after the Parays left Auntie Susie arrived to travel with us to Dollywood in Tennessee.

We had planned this trip over a year ago, long before the idea of moving had materialized.  Being that we were barely settled into our house we thought about canceling but since Auntie Susie was coming and our GC needed some time to do stinky kitchen repairs without us under foot we decided to shorten the trip but still go and I'm sooooooo glad we did.

Ironically, the only trepidation the boys had when we made the plans originally was that it was a 12 hour drive from Florida.  Our move cut the trip to only six hours, a big bonus for my car sick prone boys.  We made the journey without incident and even had a very successful stop at Panera half way for a late lunch.

We had booked one of the Dollywood cabins because of the perk of admission to the park the whole time you stay for the only the cost of one day, and since Dollywood at Christmas was the main reason for the vacation, it only made sense.

We checked in at the main office and got directions to our cabin (Dollywood manages a bunch of privately owned cabins, so they are in various location within a few miles of Dollywood).  I had chosen the cabin for its three rooms and gorgeous views of the Smokies.  What we didn't know was that we'd be taking our lives into our hands every time we came and went.  After our poor mini van made it up the rather narrow and steep road, we had to ascend a "driveway" that was at the maximum grade for any car to go up without falling over backward.  Thankfully there was a flat turn-about at the top.  

After taking deep breaths and prayers of thanks for making it up we entered the cabin.  The views were just as advertised, we were basically at the top of a small mountain looking at the Smoky Mountains in the distance.   The boys went exploring and quickly found the Air Hockey and Foosball tables downstairs.  We old people enjoyed the view from the upper deck.

Then we waited for the rest of party to arrive; our friend Brandy and her three boys.  Chris decided the safest thing to do was to meet them at the check in and lead them up the mountain.  When they arrived a few hours later we had a wonderfully full house.  The boys were excited to see each other again and we girls began talking up a storm.

The next day began the Dollywood marathon.  I know of no other theme park that does up Christmas better than Dollywood, especially from an unapologetic Christian perspective.  The lights, the songs, the shows, the craftspeople; its just magical.

The first night we saw my favorite show/musical  "Christmas in the Smokies", the singing is so beautiful it brought me to gentle tears and all the kids/adults sat spell bound, though little Levi did fall sweetly asleep on Lance's shoulder.

In addition to the shows are all the kid-friendly rides the boys had a blast riding.  The cars are always on the top of the list, and little miss pushed me away to ride the carousal by herself.  Lance and Jared rode their first Ferris Wheel.  Chris was kept busy being Titus and Levi's ride Buddy and lumber jack climbing champion.   But the favorite for everyone is always the real steam engine ride that takes you on a three mile loop, playing old time Christmas carols the whole way, needless to say many from Dolly Parton but also a good mix of Elvis and the like.

Our friends could only stay through Thursday evening.  It was suppose to rain all day Friday so we decided to take a break from Dollywood and go to The Aquarium of the Smokies.  This is, hands down, my favorite aquarium in the country.  I was so pleased that it showed no signs of age or ware since our last visit three years ago.  This was Susies' first visit and so I got to play a little teacher/tour guide discussing the occupants of the tanks. Marine biology is still one of my favorite subjects.

Then we went one more time to Dollywood to catch the shows we missed, ride our favorite rides eat more kettle corn and yummy Cinnamon yeast rolls.  The highlight on the return trip was Auntie Susie taking the boys to make Christmas candles.  You should of seen the look of total delight on Titus' face when he first finishing dipping his candle.  I was so busy enjoying the moment I forgot to take photos.  The boys all made beautiful candles for themselves and others.  We also enjoyed introducing the boys to Dickens "A Christmas Carol", in Dolly's incredible yet gentle rendition.

In addition to all the fun we had at the park it was great to hang out and talk at the cabin.  Auntie Susie even taught the boys Sudoku and reintroduced me to the game.  We always have such a great time vacationing with Susie.  Thanks for everything Auntie Susie!

Love ya Susie!