Chattanooga Vacation Day 3: Hangin' Around

This day was a day of just playing and relaxing.  Audrey and Mae and so much fun playing together especially with the Nativity Set that plays music; we heard music from that about half the day.  Watching those two was one of our favorite parts of the trip.  We took a walk down to the creek which was a disappointment because there was a big landing down there but you couldn't get to it.  So it was just a quick walk down a very steep hill, look at the dirty creek, and then go back up the steep hill.  It was good exercise for the day though.  We also played games, got in the hot tub, and went to the park.

Many of us didn't even know what the other side of the Nativity Set looked like until much later in the day because it was always being used

Our view down to the creek

This landing was fenced off so we couldn't run around and play down there

This was about as much space as we had to roam around next to the creek

Mae with the cabin way up there

Audrey did find a big stick to play with

Throwing sticks into the creek

A steep trip back

Grandpa kept telling them not to push the button to the music  again and when they did he would have this reaction

This is Audrey and Mae getting ready to initiate the Grandpa reaction

They loved it!

A little Jenga anyone?

It looks like everyone is doing their own thing

Game on!

Good job, Mae!

She was forced to do this - I'm not sure who was more upset about it - Mae or her mother

It all worked out fine though

A ride in the park

Aunt Kylee spinning with Mae

Madilyn and Uncle Ryan doing the running man

Again, Anna was just happy to be there

Disappointed it's dark - they loved chasing each other on the porch

Chattanooga Vacation Day 1: Drive Faster!

After 30+ years of life, I went on my first winter vacation.  Every other year it has been basketball season so although not a vacation, that was always fun.  Life moves on and I was happy to go on my first one with my girls.  We headed to Chattanooga, TN, although we actually stayed just across the border in Ringgold, GA, at a nice cabin there.  Grandma and Grandpa planned the trip, and we got to spend it with, Jackie, Kylee, Ryan, Amie, Madilyn, and Audrey.  The drive was a little stressful - mainly on Anna.  Well, that's a lie, mainly on Lindsey and me because of Anna.  Mae traveled really well.  Once we got there, things got better. -T

Right before we left, we couldn't find Mae.  After searching the house(and Lindsey went outside), we found her playing Hide and Seek.  She didn't tell the rest of us the game was being played.  We have to admit though, this was her best hiding spot she's ever come up with.

Ready to go!

Happy...for the moment.

Getting stretched out during a stop

We played in the rain

Playing Hide and Seek with Mom in the car

After lots of crying and stress...we made it!  It kind of looks haunted, doesn't it?

Mom and Anna - and did someone say haunted?  Behind them would suggest just that.

Mae in the loft

Mae and Madilyn - kind of missed Maddie though behind the beam

Putting up Christmas Decorations

We put up Christmas decorations and enjoyed the family time together.  Lindsey did most of the work this year which was just great! -T

Anna's ready to be entertained

Tree's done!

Just playin', but like I said Mom (and Mae) did most of the work 

Anna hanging (dropping) her first ornament

Good job, Anna!

Mae helping

Thanksgiving

So, we really didn't take many pictures of Thanksgiving.  We had a full day though. I went on my annual last run of the year, we put up Christmas lights, we cooked food, we went to Beth's, we ate food, and we hung out with family...and we got pictures of none of that.  It was a great day though! -T

Thanksgiving Morning

Anna on her first Thanksgiving

Cameron takes Mae for a drive to burn off those Thanksgiving calories

Back at home in the evening

I would love to say she loves gravy, but I don't think this is what that was

Arrive at Five (Months)

Anna hit her 5 month mark.  The months just keep rolling along.  We wished every month was as easy as 5 months was.  The smiles just kept on coming! -T

Umm...we didn't get this blanket out for you.

Let the smiles begin!

Mae was doing a really good job getting Anna to smile - sometimes a little TOO good.

We really liked 5 months as we got so many smiles!

Apparently we need to be more specific when we say, "Mae, hold the sign." 

That's better, but now we have to get Anna to smile on our own.

This one's a keeper

As is this one if we can just get DAD out of the way!

Anna:  "Help!"

Okay so this was taken 2 days later, so 5 months-ish for this one.  Anna wearing the "Maeflower" costume.