Thanksgiving in Tennessee

We spent Thanksgiving in Tennesse with Edward's parents, brother, and his family.  Our weather temps were all over the place, but that didn't keep us from getting outside.

 

The kids enjoyed the local park, a favorite spot during any visit.

 

They all love to climb to the top of this.

Since five of the six grandkids (Knox is still too little) played soccer this past Fall, it seemed like an appropriate activity.

This is pretty much what Alex did during the normal soccer season too.

Luke, waiting patiently at the goal.

Ready for action...even in a dress.

Friday, the temps dropped considerably from the 65 degree day on Thanksgiving.  The high was around 50, plus we added in some rain in the afternoon.  We still weren't deterred from going to Dollywood.  Here, Madison and Kaitlann had to have their picture taken with the nutcracker.

 



Alex joined in too.

Reading the map (I wouldn't trust his directional sense).

The scrambler was Alex's favorite ride.

Aunt Erika with Luke and Mackenzie

Pop, Nana, Kait, and Madison

We discovered Madison is 49 inches tall, just tall enough to finally ride some of the bigger rides and roller coasters.  She rode in her first bumper car solo here.

Now, we didn't get a picture of Madison, Mackenzie's, and my favorite ride-the Tennesse Tornado.  That was a great roller coaster that I took the girls on.  Madison and Mackenzie rode in front of me, and we just had a blast.  It is one that goes upside down several times. I'm sure that when the other kids are tall enough, they will enjoy it too.

Dolllywood train-When it started raining, Nana, Pop, Aunt Erika, Uncle Jason, Knox, and Luke went back to the house.  Edward, Madison, Alex, Mackenzie, Kaitlann, and I stayed another few hours, and during that, we rode the train.  The train was so much fun, as we ended up riding it in the dark.  Dollywood was decorated for Christmas, so we got to see all of the beautiful Christmas lights throughout the park.

A long train

Kait, back on the carousel

Leaves....they are just fun.

Saturday morning, I busted out some crafts I brought along, and they turned out to be a huge hit with the four older kids.

 The enjoyed making Santa and a snowman.

Concentrating...it amazes me how much Kait and Madison look alike and act alike.  They really enjoy each other.  All of the girls have a great time together, and the boys are finally getting old enough to start enjoying each other's company too.