Carpooling Comeback

I am definitely not in the carpooling stage of motherhood yet, but I know some of you are. I read an article in my new Mothering magazine about this website. It's really neat. You choose the families that you want to invite to the carpool. The website organizes a calendar, and sends out email and text reminders all for free. This can also be used to organize carpools to work for family members working outside of the home.

Some More Vicarious Travel

You may remember my post about my friend, Elise, who is in graduate school in Australia. I love checking up on her adventures through her blog. Ashley and Jacob {friends of ours and my sister's roommate in Provo} just went on a family vacation to Peru. They have started to share some of their stories and pictures on their blog. You have to check out their adventures and Ashley's amazing photograhs!

More Critters

These guys were mesmerizing. I can see how Nemo's Daddy got in so much trouble!

And I thought I had a funny nose!

Aquarium Critters

Look at those teeth!

Ripley's Aquarium

One of our favorite activities from our vacation was the aquarium. I was impressed that Gatlinburg had such a nice aquarium! Henry loved watching the fish almost as much as we loved watching Henry.

This fish seemed to be particularly fond of Henry.

The aquarium had a long tunnel under the water. We saw sharks, sea turtles, stingray, and all sorts of fish. There were even some scratches on the glass with a plaque that said that there had been a shark attack {with no injuries}.

More Golf

Hillbilly Golf

While we were in Pigeon Forge {2 weeks ago!}, we took Henry for his first round of miniature golf. We found the best course. It was called Hillbilly Golf. It was a course in the woods on the side of a mountain. You rode this cart to the top and worked your way down on the course. We made the mistake of not bringing the carrier, so Henry spent most of the time on Mike's shoulders {which allowed me to beat them!}. Henry would help guide their shot by pulling on Mike's hair or ears :)

The view going up.

Henry liked hanging out on the tractors. They were part of the course.

They were both concentrating very hard!

Beauty and Beauty Sleep

The Smokey Mountain National Park was so green and beautiful. It looked a lot like home. I was so grateful to come home to something just as beautiful and even more peaceful {that area is very touristy}. I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and I definitely took it for granted. I remember wanting to leave in the valley so I could spend more time with my friends. Instead, I should have realized that my sister was my best friend. I should have realized that most girls don't get off the bus, hop on the horses, and ride for hours through the mountains. I should have realized that one day I would hope that my children would have those same childhood experiences.

Henry wasn't use to quite so much action. He doesn't fall asleep in our arms very often now, so we enjoyed it!

Henry spent most of this dinner zonked in his Dada's lap. Amazing!

More Water...

We are running from what is in the picture below!

Water Water Everywhere

Our second day was filled with waterpark fun. Henry is such a water bug, I love it. This was an indoor waterpark at a nearby resort. Henry wasn't too excited about a solo trip down the slide, but he'll go anywhere with Daddy!

The bucket on top would dump tons of water on everyone below.

The Smokey Mountains are filled with black bears...you always have to keep your eyes peeled :)

Dixie Stampede

We went on a family vacation to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee last week. This was our first vacation together without either of our families {except our honeymoon, of course}. The Smokey Mountains are so beautiful and there is a lot to do. The first night we were there we went to the Dixie Stampede. Mike had gone when he was younger and was excited to share the experience with us. The food was good {you had to eat it with your hands, and quickly!}, the horses were beautiful and Henry loved it!

We were split into two teams, the North and the South, depending on where we sat. There were many competitions and we cheered for our team. This was an ostrich race...those birds can move.

Henry couldn't decide which he liked better...the horse or the pretty girl.

Summer Bugs

It's time to re-enter the blogging world. We have had a full couple of weeks! Henry and I have been passing a virus between us. He ended up with goopy eyes and I with bronchitis. Summer vacation should not include colds and coughs!

Summer, here we come!

We took Henry to the public pool for the first time on Saturday {well, since he has been outside the tummy}. Papa came along and brought Henry this float for his 10 month birthday :) It was such a nice day. There was a thunderstorm earlier in the afternoon, so we had the pool almost all to ourselves. Henry really likes the water. He didn't even mind the chilly early summer water too much.

Mike enjoyed being able to relax with the family. It would have been a perfect day for him, except that he forgot his sun glasses :)

Henry was doing laps around the kiddi-pool. All he was missing was his friends...hint hint.

Pool Time