Gatlinburg Weekend Getaway... FINALLY!!

On Sunday, May 27th, we FINALLY made it to the cabin in Gatlinburg that Grammy rented for the weekend!  Poor Carter and Camden had been to the doctor a combined FIVE TIMES during the week!!  Camden had croup, then still more croup, and lastly ear infections while Carter had croup which then turned into bronchitus and then it turned into an ear infection!  Our poor babies!  We were planning on going to the cabin when everyone else did on Friday but with sick kiddos, plans had to change.  Fortunately we got to spend one day enjoying the nice views, hot tub, and yummy meals (cooked by Grammy)!  On Monday morning, we all went to Pancake Pantry for some delicious breakfast!  We ended up having a nice time and are so glad we were able to make it for one night!

 Our spectacular view!

 Carter loved being in the hot tub with all his cousins!

 Grammy brought a pinata for all the kids to bust!

 Carter loved trying to break it open! 

 Aunt Susie and Grammy posing with Camden and Carter before heading to breakfast!

 Joe made Carter a "pancake hat" (as Carter called it since it was from his pancake menu)!

 Carter (mouth full) enjoyed his bear pancakes, eggs, AND bacon!  Our little piggy!

 Camden enjoyed her 1st trip to Pancake Pantry, too! She had pancakes and eggs! 

 After breakfast, we strolled along the streets of downtown Gatlinburg and made our tradtional stop at the candy store for a little treat!

When Courtney was little, her parents took a picture of her on this same horse! 

Of course we had to take one with Carter on it!

The Splash Pad is Open!

We couldn't wait until the New Harvest Splash Pad finally opened!  We waited a few days after it officially opened to let the crowd die down and then we suited up!  On Wednesday, May 16th, Courtney took Carter and Camden for some morning water-play fun!  Carter LOVES playing at Splash Pads so it was the perfect way for him to burn off some energy!  Camden wasn't too sure of the water at first... since the water was cold instead of warm like a bath!  She quickly learned that Splash Pads are fun!  Basically we had the place to ourselves!  That's one of the many perks of being able to do things like this during the school day!  We're sure we'll be visiting the Splash Pad more often!

 Carter ran as fast as he could to dodge the water!

 Splishing and Splashing!

 Everyone better stay back when Carter is shooting the water gun!

 This was Camden's favorite spot... the ENTIRE time!

 Unfortunately this was the best brother/sister picture I could get!  YIKES!

Camden preferred to be left alone with her toys and the sprinkling water!

Walking!

Our baby girl took her 1st real steps on Monday, May 14th!  We are so proud of you, Camden Emery!  We love you oh so very much! 

 She was so proud to be mobile!

 Pausing for applause!

 Cheering for herself!

"This walking wears me out!"

Happy Mother's Day 2012

For Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13th, Joe was a little under-the-weather so he stayed home with the kiddos while I went to church with my mom.  It was nice to visit with such a great group of people and hear my mom playing traditional songs on the piano.  Since the weather was absolutely dreadful the rest of the day, our little family stayed around the house.  For family dinner that night, all of us helped out with the cooking by having a Mother's Day Cookout!  It was so nice getting to celebrate with some of THE BEST mothers... my mom and sisters!  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such great examples of mothers!  Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mother-in-laws, Shamra and Diane and to my sister-in-law, Elizabeth!  We love you all!        

Jeni, Becky, Courtney, and Mandi (along with Woody Dog)

 

These two make my heart smile each and every day! 

I'm so lucky and blessed that God chose me to be their mommy!

These shoes were made for walking!

On Saturday, May 12th, Camden FINALLY started walking with the walking toy!  She has been standing up for a long time now but she just wouldn't try walking!  We now know that it's just a matter of time before our baby girl starts walking all around the house on her own!  It's bittersweet to think that she's growing up so fast but it's also so wonderful to watch her reach each new milestone!  We love you, Pretty Girl, and are so proud of you! 

 She's so proud of herself!

 YIPPEE!!

Learning how to turn!

"Thanks Carter for letting me have your baby walking toy!"