Pigeon Forge Fun

We fit in a lot of fun over our weekend including enjoying some of small stores of the Great Smokey Mountains.  We also fit in a hike to an old school house where we made sure the kids got in a little education on their vacation.

In Pigeon Forge we played mini-golf and drove go-karts...

Played laser tag and went on the ropes course...

And caught a Pirate dinner show.

Winter Break in Pigeon Forge

For Winter Break, we were fortunate that the kid's school schedules aligned so we took advantage and planned a long weekend in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee with some friends.  We rented a large house to fit our clan of 23 and spent time enjoying the outdoors, fellowship and excitement of the city.  

Our time around the house included games, too many kids in a hot tub, roasting s'mores, a "secret Buc'ees" exchange, lots of drinks and lots of chips.

Colin got pajama pants in the Buc'ee exchange.  Mom got jerky.

Vacations are hard

January

January brought the possibility of snow but ultimately left little more than a dusting.  We spent more time around the house as Parker came down with Covid, Avery's class did virtual learning for a bit and Carter had some winter bug.  Thankfully everything passed quickly and we were still able to fit in some fun.

The snow storm that wasn't

Avery (7 years, 5 months) - Avery continues to be a happy child who loves school and participating in every activity.  Her class had a Covid outbreak so she had a week of virtual school which she didn't mind.  But she was very happy to be able to go back to school to celebrate their 100th day of school.  Her favorite post-school activity has become playing Roblox with friends so we are ready for some warmer weather to get her back outside more.

Carrying her friends' book bags home

Avery is in purple in the middle

Enjoying the pinewood derby

Ready for "Covid School"

Someone caught a shirt at the Georgia Tech Basketball game

Parker (10 years, 2 months) - Parker unfortunately got Covid this month but thankfully it was very mild and he was able to do virtual school for a few days.  He was lucky the time worked so he was still able to participate in his first field trip in over 2 years and his last Pinewood Derby.  He came in second for the Webelos Scouts.  

All ready for the snowstorm that wasn't

Field trip to the High Museum

Lots of video games during his quarantine

His last Pinewood Derby

Carter (11 years, 8 months) - Carter finished up his Wrestling season with 4 meets plus the Middle School Conference Championship.  Lovett won the Championship for the 6th consecutive year.  Carter really enjoyed trying a new sport and playing for a school team.  He says he wants to do it again next year! 

Carter with the pin

Siblings - With Parker in quarantine for a bit the kids didn't get to interact quite as much as usual for a while and they were so sad.  It is sweet to see how much they like to be together despite their daily bickering.

Dance party!