Spring Break Fun

During our much awaited Spring Break, we took the kids for a few days to Gatlinburg/Pigeon

Forge. We were able to enjoy some Spring weather in one of our favorite places:

The Great Smoky Mountains. We spent our first day at Dollywood riding as many rides as the kids could squeeze in. Each of us has our favorite ride, and favorite food. Even though it looks like Gretchen was our only rider, I swear the boys rode tons. Their rides are usually too fast for pictures and I was on those with them. :) We were able to go back a 2nd day with our fun friends, the Christans and ride some more and eat some more and even see a show: Cirque de Soliel. After we were completely theme park exhausted we decided to take a little hike up in Gatlinburg on Richard's favorite trail: the Roaring Fork DRIVING trail. Yep, you read it correctly. We are hiking cheaters. It was overcast, drizzly and they have an awesome driving trail that winds all through the mountains with several beautiful overlooks and branch of trails where, if you were ambitious you could hike to waterfalls. We loved it, and by the time we were done hiking it was sunny and warm. So, we headed down into Gatlinburg for some taffy, and people watching....one of my favorite hobbies! ;) On our way back home we made a stop at our old ward for the Easter egg hunt & some visits with friends. It was a great week, and gave us that extra boost to make it to SUMMER BREAK!!! Only 18 1/2 days to go.....

Dallin being a great big brother and riding the Veggie Tales coaster

with his little sister. How sweet!

A thrilling ride on the bumper cars for Richard and Gretchen.

Richard & Gretchen ready for take off on the Skyrider.

All aboard the Dollywood Express!

My favorite ride in the park: a nice, quiet 20 minute ride through

the mountains pulled by an original steam locomotive while enjoying a fresh bag of kettle corn.

Maya & Gretchen taking a spin around on the carousel

and around and around...

Maya, Gretchen, Mason and one really squished Jenny

buzzing around on the bees.

Anyone want a ride?

The boys having a little fun in the hotel pool.

What's better than a big brother who gives you

piggy back rides across the pool?

Taking a little break on the rocks before our "special hike" in Gatlinburg.

Gretchen and her new teddy bear.

Parker's new trick he taught himself:

our big guy on his little bike without training wheels.

Guess what he wants for his birthday?