Two weeks before Christmas we decided to take a last minute trip to the mountains. We have pretty much been homebound for the majority of 2020 and I would be having surgery right before the new year, so we thought a trip was what we needed to recharge.
First stop-Bryson City, North Carolina. The drive had some gorgeous views. I loved the train track on the side of a mountain.
If you guessed we were going to Bryson City for the Polar Express, you guessed right!
All the boys ready to ride the train and meet Santa
Punching our tickets in true covid style ;)
A glimpse of the North Pole out the train window. Jack is a skeptic so it better be pretty good or he’ll smell a rat ha!
Our Santa picture for 2020. This wasn’t what I had in mind for John’s first Santa experience but it will have to do. I’ve learned this year to let go of unnecessary things you want and be thankful for what you have.
All three of them received their punched tickets and a bell as souveneirs.
I bought the big kids Polar Express pajamas right after Christmas in 2018 on sale (I sized up). They wore them last year and could still wear them this year. I found the matching footed baby jammies for John on a resale Facebook page and my sibling Christmas pj dreams came true :)
They really enjoyed it. It was a neat experience and a memory we will always have! I don’t think we’ll make the drive for it again but I’m glad we did it once during their childhood to make Christmas a little more magical!
We stayed at an inexpensive lodge in Pigeon Forge. As much as we love staying in a mountain cabin, our trip was a quick one and we knew convenience would have to be a priority with a baby. This place met all our needs, was cheap and allowed us to spend more on other attractions.
A few pictures from our favorite restaurant at the Smoky Mountains, Five Oaks. It was delicious!
Sweet boy rolled with the punches the whole trip and was just happy to do whatever we did! I’m thankful for my easy baby number three.
A gorgeous restaurant that just makes you want to go buy a farm, build a farmhouse and raise chickens.
It’s not a trip to the mountains without visiting Cade’s Cove. We had mild weather and sunshine. Snow would have been nice but the weather we had made things much easier for traveling with a baby.
I love this tunnel we use to get to Cade’s Cove and finally got a picture this year!
Our bargain resort also had a pool and waterslide that the big kids LOVE.
Our mountain model! She loved wearing all her pretty winter clothes that hadn't got much wear this season due to covid (we stay home and live in pajamas lol).
Our night out to Old Mill. We love that place and seeing it all lit up for Christmas.
It was a 45 minute wait so we passed the time walking through the cute little village that's close by.
Brother bear loves his stroller! It usually puts him to sleep and he'll sleep for as long as you'll stroll him.
More modeling from our mountain mama
He despises pictures so when mom gets one that's not blurry, I feel like I've really accomplished something!
Taking a four month old on a trip four hours away during covid probably seems crazy to some but they haven't met this boy. Thank you Lord for an easy third baby.
Taking the ski lift to Anakeesta!
Daddy took this on top of Anakeesta while I was nursing John. I love it.
We loved all the Christmas displays in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Mom and daughter matchy-matchy <3
Our value resort that was perfect for us. Thank you Grand Smokies Resort Lodge for an awesome stay!
The beauty of a last minute trip is when you also score last minute reservations. We assume we probably bought the tickets from someone with covid misfortunes. I'm so thankful we got G to Dolly's Stampede! She loves her some Dolly.
Masks on to see the show. The kids were super disappointed they couldn't meet Dolly ha!
It had been 16 years since Marcus and I had been to the Stampede so it was just as much a treat for us as it was for the kids
Sis and her modeling poses :)
Our view for the week-so majestic! I have laughed about this so much.
Before leaving town, we stopped at the Apple Barn for breakfast. I love everything about this place.
We had a few last minute Christmas gifts to buy and Paula Deen helped us out! I would love for Georgia to meet some of her cooking icons someday.
Our Stampede family picture. I paid $20 to have the watermark removed so you know I must be proud of it :)
We had a great trip and it was a spontaneous decision I'm glad we said yes to. The mountains at Christmastime just put you in the spirit and helped me appreciate the simplicity of the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment