Semester Ovah - Holiday Break

Holiday break...  5 work days and counting!

My first full semester of grad school is finally over... thank goodness, because my brain was on freaking overload for the past few months.  Whoever decided that going back to school, with two boys under the age of three and working a full time job, must be insane.  Well, anyways, I am done for now and happy to report, still in honors standing no less.  This is a nice little break before classes start back again January 12, 2012.  Now on to more important things; liking attemping my first prime rib for our Christmas Eve supper.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Smokey Mountains

The family took a little trip up to Gatlingburg during the Christmas season.  Chad went hiking with his high school buddy, Kyle Nolen and I decided that the Tanger Outlets would be a great place to accomplish some Christmas shopping so I enlisted the help of Yaya and Nana.

Chad, Noal, Nana, Trace, Yaya @ Dixie Stampede

Our fam @ Dixie Stampede

We took the boys to the Dixie Stampede and they absolutely loved it, especially Noal.  I expected Trace to be the one who enjoyed it the most, but Noal never moved the entire show.  He didn't even look down to get his food, which for those of you who have seen the kid eat, know is a BIG deal!  Trace enjoyed it too, but was ready to go for those last 15 minutes, he 3 year old hiney had set all it could set I guess.  Nana really enjoyed it as well and I was glad she got to experience that with the boys.

It rained the entire time we were there, and one night we even got to see a little bit of snow.  The shopping was a little hindered, because between the rain and the massive double stroller I couldn't get as much accomplished as I had planned, but it was still a great time.  We ate at the Chop House while we were there and it was delish...  Noal was passed out though so he wasn't able to enjoy it like the rest of us!

Noal asleep in the stroller @ the Chop House.

Trace liked it, crayons and pizza, he was one happy kiddo.  Well, after a minor episode that landed him a trip to the bathroom with Mommy!

Chad hiked out of the mountains on Wednesday and that night we went to our favorite place to eat in the mountains, Park Grille.  It was excellent as always, if you have never been while in Gatlinburg, it is a must visit for me!  Then we took the boys to the aquarium, since Trace is fascinated with isch and shaawks right now.  The both really enjoyed it and so did Mommy and Daddy.

Yaya and Trace watching the sharks at the aquarium.

Gatlingburg was a fun quick trip for us, but I love any kind of trip.  I am glad to say that my boys are excellent travelers too.  Traveling is something that Chad and I both enjoy and share a passion for and it is nice that our boys have always been excellent passengers along the way.  Both of them have traveled from the time they were born and I wouldn't have it any other way.