This is a funny story. I was taking Micah and Zeke home by myself when everyone else was going grocery shopping. When I looked over to my left I thought I had seen Bears. I started screaming... BEARS!! I see Bears!! So I pulled off the road and turned around only to find out they were Bison. They looked big and fury and brown and since they were laying in the grass I couldn't tell what they were. Anyways. It was a running joke overtime we passed these Bison...we said look at the bears! haha
Monday morning we started our day off right... with a popsicle and yes naked.
On the top of the highest mountain.
I love this photo of Uncle Mark and all the kids.
They were all pooped out after the climb
Downtown
I took a pic of the Dixie Stampede pic they tried to sell us for 30 bucks. Micah has a sad face in it.
Celebrating M's bday...again!!
Found some butterflies
Pool day!
Tuckaleechee Cavern
Micah loved taking a bath with Hannah and Zeke
Exotic zoo animals
this is the dinosaur boat ride. Micah wasn't too sure.
What a week we had in Gatlinburg. Such a great time with family and celebrating lots of new changes soon. I would like to tell you all about it. On the way home Craig and I went through each day and remembered everything we did. I wanted to include it all!!
Saturday we started driving around 11 a.m to the cabin in Sevierville. We stopped for lunch and Micah had a short nap before we arrived. We were the first ones to arrive and it was a gorgeous, big, spacious, with an awesome porch and a great view. The Hooker's were supposed to arrive the same time as us but they got stuck in a traffic jam and came about and hour and a half later. Micah was so excited to see everyone. We had been telling him for awhile he was going to see Grandma and Grandpa and he was getting anxious. Also, when you vacation with the Hooker's you can only expect the best meals and planned out to a tee. The first night we had beef sandwiches. YUM
Sunday was a day Craig and I had been waiting a long time for. We found out we were pregnant mid April and had been waiting to tell the Hooker's in person on vacation. In the morning we put Micah in a "Big brother" shirt and waited to see who would figure it out. First Tammi saw him and took her a little bit to read the shirt. Grandpa didn't even notice until Hannah read the shirt to him. When Grandma saw it she was so happy and gave me the biggest hug. She then told me she had a feeling we might have a surprise like that to tell them. Not only did we tell them we were pregnant, but we also knew the gender. At 10 weeks there is a test you can do to check for down syndrome and also X or Y chromosomes. They can tell you the gender that early now!! So I decided to let Craig find out the gender and have him go buy a little outfit that would reveal the gender for me and everyone else. He couldn't wait for me to open it. I was so nervous. I didn't want to open it. I felt I could wait awhile. haha.
Watch the video.
IT"S A GIRL!!!! God is so good. I am so blessed. I still can't believe it. We started off vacation just right!! I was so excited and stunned.
So after I calmed down and we all got ready to see the sights in downtown Gatlinburg. We walked around downtown and all of us except Micah and Tammi did the skylift. It was pretty scary at first but when you are at the top it's so worth it. It was like a ski lift and took you to the top of the mountain. Then we did moonshine tasting (not me) and Micah took a nap in Craig's arms. We got baby girl some cute socks and Micah got a little bear. That night we had stuffed shells...mmmmm.
On Monday we decided to take a trip to the top of the mountain and climb a half a mile hike to the highest point of the mountain called Clingman's cove. It was a very steep climb, but not too bad once you got half way.
Here is a video of the top.
That night Craig, Tammi, Aunt Pam, Gary, Blair and Mark all went on a night time fishing boat and Grandma Kim, Zeke, Hannah, Micah and I want to a place called Big Daddy's Arcade and pizza. We played games and ate dinner together. Then when we got home we all has POPSICLES!
As I suspected the one person who was not into fishing caught the most fish. Blair came out ahead of everyone. haha That's always how it goes.
On Tuesday most of the clan went Zip lining (something I couldn't do). We got to do a fun little ride in Gatlinburg with everyone before they left for zip lining. I took Micah home and he slept for about 2 and a half hours. That night we went to dinner and a show called Dixie Stampede. It was similar to Medieval Times with horses and tricks. They also had pigs, and bison, and even mini horses. Micah sat and watched it the whole entire time. He even ate the food really good. Grandma held him most the time so Craig and I got to enjoy the show and eating.
Wednesday we found a little stream in the mountain and let the kids play in it. Afterwards everyone did their own hiking trails. Craig, Blair and Mark did an extreme trail that took 5 hours and Gary and Tammi did one that was 5 miles. Kim, the kids and I decided we needed a pool day. We found a community pool with a splash park and had a great time relaxing and cooling off from the hot sun.
Micah didn't nap that day until around 5 p.m. when we got back from the pool. That night we had burgers and brats for dinner and Micah ate more that night than I have seen in awhile. He loved the cheeseburger!! That night we also celebrated Micah's birthday again!!! He got an awesome cake and lots of cool presents. He got an awesome little tent, playdo, baseball game and doodle pads. He really likes the play dough.
Thursday we went to the Tuckaleechee Cavern and toured the caves. It was all underground and very cold down there. Pretty awesome view.
Micah really enjoyed it too. Afterwards Kim and Aunt Pam took Micah and let Craig and I go do something by ourselves. We went and floated the river on a tube with Gary, Tammi and the kids. It was a lot of fun. Tammi wasn't so sure about it, but I think overall she liked it. Some parts were a little like rapids and you had to dodge rocks and sometimes it would be hard if you got stuck. Then we stopped at a little store and got some ice cream before riding a fun little coaster. It was like a sled that you road down the hill. I knew it would be fine if I did it. It was a lot of fun. That night was steak and fish (that they caught) for dinner.
Friday everyone wanted to go horse back riding so we went to a stable that had an exotic petting zoo too. Half of us went horse back riding and half went to the zoo. (of course another thing I couldn't do) So Micah and I fed deer, goats, zebra, camels, emu, donkey and a zonkey, pigs and much more. He even got to ride a little pony names Little Joe and then got a little horse figurine from Aunt Pam. He really loves it.
We all split up to go do our last minute things we all had on our lists. Hannah and Zeke went to Ripley's believe it or not. Craig, Micah and I went with Kim and Pam and Gary to the Christmas store. It was so magical. Even seeing it in the summer!!
After that we saw a little boat ride in Pigeon Forge and stopped to do something as a family. It was a dinosaur (jurassic park type) of ride. Micah liked it, but was pretty scared through out the ride. I'm not going to lie...I was too. haha I was scared he may have some nightmares.
That night I got to make Chicken Tacos in the crockpot and dinner was ready right when we got home.
Mark and Blair went out for a romantic dinner and the rest of us stayed home and watched the movie "Bolt." I've seen it once before but I still cried at the end. It's such a sweet movie and Micah pretty much watched the whole thing.
Micah loved playing with Hannah and Zeke. I think that may have been his favorite part about the trip. When we left he said he missed Hannah and Zeke. He is talked in almost full sentences now. I feel like he progressed just over the week we were there.
We had such a wonderful time with the family. It flew by...especially when your pregnant and are tired a lot and go to bed early. haha
Praying for Kim today because on the last day she came down with a horrible cold. Really hope she feels better soon. :(
Next blog I will post all the pictures to this fun family vacation!!
Right now M is obsessed with popsicles. I bought them a few weeks ago for when he was really sick and now all the sudden every hour he wants a popsicle. I told you all the other day he had his first semi tantrum about it. So when he asks for it now I will say you can have one after lunch or when we get back home. So yesterday we went to visit our friend Leslie's new house. Before we left he asked for a popsicle and I told him he could have one when we get back home. We didn't take any photos yesterday and I'm not sure why. I just totally forgot. I was having some much fun looking at the new house and enjoying the company that it slipped away from me.
We were on our way home and got stuck in some traffic so took us about 20 minutes to get home. Right as I was pulling in the driveway I hear Micah in the back say, "mom popsicle" ...like what? This kid is ridiculous. I barely even pull into our house and he remembers he gets a popsicle. It's like ingrained in his brain. The crazy thing is when he has lunchables he'll forget about the cookie. Sometimes I'll just throw it away. But he never forgets about the popsicles. So we may need to buy some in TN.
So after dinner last night he wanted another one and I invited the neighbors over for some messy popsicle time too. Micah ended up double fisting it since one girl didn't want hers. Haha
This two year old is got a good memory for sure!!
Also on Tuesday we went to food trucks and there was a fire truck that the kids could get into. Micah kept looking at the firefighter like "why are you touching me?" Haha
The other picture is not set up. Micah was in the garage and likes to sit in the back on his big 4 wheeler. I decided to take it for a spin with him. I wasn't sure if it would go with both of us on there but surprisingly we rode it all the way down the hill and back up. Right as we were pulling in the garage it died. I was still impressed on how much it could hold.
He can't quite reach the gas pedal so he has the small one from the Hooker's to practice.
We got to celebrate the newest addition coming soon to our neighborhood on Saturday. I alone with two other neighbors hosted the shower for Lindsay. She is having a little boy at the end of July. I feel like she just told me she was pregnant yesterday. She is a crazy workout prego person. She is still walking with me in the mornings and even goes to Orange Theory. I went to a class with her and almost died the next day from being sore. haha I think I pushed myself a little too hard. When your working out next to a 8 month pregnant person you feel the need to push yourself a little more. LOL
Here are all the girls. Left to right. Natalie, Lindsay, Maggie, Kristi, Betsy, Leslie, and me. Everyone is a neighbor except Leslie, but she's still in our neighborhood group since she just moved. She is still part of us! Lindsay's mom came too and took this pic for us.
This is the banner I made. I tried to make it myself and not go through Etsy this time.
Here's the diaper cake I made. It's a little hard to see, but love the elephant on top. His name is Lil Benny.
We played the game where you melt a chocolate bar in a diaper and smell it to figure out what it is. I pretty much was super grossed out and couldn't deal with it. hah
We had some fun little apps. Lindsay's favs. Hummus, spinach artichoke dip, naan bread, crackers, fruit skewers, brie and jalapeño pepper jelly. And yes...baby punch.
It was a great time. I really enjoyed being with everyone. Afterwards we went to the pool and had a cookout. I just can't believe how lucky I am to have all these great people in walking distance! It's amazing. Also, I can't wait to hold this little baby!! So excited.
Micah and I went to the park the other day and I put him in one of his outfits we got for our vacations. He looks like a little surfer boy. Blonde hair blue eyes. Oh my. What a heart breaker.
So this morning we had our first 2 year old meltdown. It was pretty funny. After breakfast M decided he wanted a popsicle. I mean he just thought of it himself. I didn't even open the fridge. He took my hand and lead me to the fridge and asked me for a popsicle. I wouldn't have minded but it was raining outside and we had no where to eat it. I told him we would have one later and he cried for about 7 or 8 minutes straight. I was laughing a bit, but it was a real cry. He had tears and everything. He loves popsicles now. Maybe too much.
We are getting so excited of our vacation in TN this weekend. It's lovely to have so much to look forward too. I'm so excited for M to see the Hooker's and play with Hannah and Zeke. It's going to be amazing to all be in one house and see each other all the time!!
So I have a quick funny story. A few weeks ago our pastor was talking about Gomer and her husband who loved her even though she was a Hooker. And that's the word he used. So I thought this was a great opportunity to introduce myself to the pastor after church. Well...I tried to make a joke and tell him I was grateful he spoke about hooker's today because I am one of them. The next thing I said was I married into it and it's my last name. I didn't get a laugh or anything. He kinda just starred at me and asked me about my family..... Ok so I told Craig about it and I said I don't think this pastor thought I was very funny. Sometimes I come off too strong.
On Saturday, my friend Betsy who invited me to church told me that the pastor asked her about her friend, "The Hooker." She explained to him that Hooker was my last name and I guess he never heard that part. He was so much in shock that I said I was a hooker he totally blocked out everything else. He told her many of the deacons even prayed for me that week. OH MY Goodness!! I really hope I can talk to him again soon and see if we can laugh about all of this. haha whoops.
I want to throw a shout out to my parents celebrating 36 years of marriage today!! Can't believe it. So glad Craig and I have great examples of marriage and even when times get tough to stick it out and love one another even more. Being selfish cannot be involved in a lasting marriage. Living for our number one -God and loving our spouse the way he loves us is the only way to get it. I pray everyday we can love one another through anything that comes our way! Happy Anniversary MOM and DAD! We love you.
First of all this is a picture from a year ago. Oh MY! He is just too cute. And still looks like a little baby. Now he's all grown up.
We definitely celebrated Micah's birthday all week and weekend long! We had a perfect day on Sunday for a pool party. It was hot and sunny and the pool felt amazing. We set up in the shade under the pavilion and everything fit perfectly. There were a few other parties there but it was fun. Our neighbor dropped off the tables and also gave us chicken fingers and corn dogs, slushies and they were a hit. The food from Costco was relish (like always) and kids loved the Foodles. The cake was cute and actually tasted way better than it looked. There was fresh strawberries in the middle and made it very refreshing and not too heavy. Micah got a little car that was on the cake and decided to use it as a fork. He kept dipping it in the cake and eating all the icing. I think he may have just had cake for dinner that night. He deserved it. Turning 2 is hard work right? haha
I was so incredibly happy everything turned out great and the kids had a blast in the pool. I love our pool so much. The fact that they can get in the water and run around is so nice. Even without wearing a flotation device. We stayed there until around 7:30 p.m. and got home and chilled out. We played with some toys and watched some Lion Guard and went to bed. We were all exhausted and satisfied.
We got a picture with all the kids wearing the Mickey Mouse ears. I was so surprised that they were all in it and actually happy.
My friend Betsy was behind me acting crazy and got most of the kids to smile. Even Leslie got a kick out of it.
Also the big Mickey Mouse balloon was a hit. We got it on Saturday and I was scared Micah was going to love on it too much that it wouldn't last. haha He would take it around the house by the hand and feed Mickey and hug him. It was adorable.
Here's all the cousin's.
And of course the sisters:
The decorations were just enough. I really enjoyed the banner. I am going to keep the part that says "Micah" and put hang it in the basement.
Thank you all for the presents. Micah is enjoying every single one of them!!!
In other news, I'm about to get ready to go to church and try out for the choir. Wish me luck! I haven't sang in church in over 2 years. I miss it so much and I pray this is the right step for me. I'm really excited to have this opportunity again.
I will try my best to post more frequently again. I have one more party this weekend I am throwing and then I should be stress free for awhile! haha.
