Spring Break part 1 - Gatlinburg (long post)

Spring break was a few weeks ago and we decided to meet Kristin and Neal down at a cabin in Gatlinburg for a few days. The pictures describe just how much fun we had! The cabin was so perfect for all of us and the view was incredible! Couldn't have asked for better (or more beautiful) accommodations. It was especially fun to meet baby Lucy for the first time! She was just such an angel! And so darn cute. And Marshall was a champ! He just tagged along and caught naps whenever he could get the chance. Ivy had a little bit of a hard time when we were at the cabin but when we were out and about, she was great! Anyways, there was only one day that was rainy/snowy but other than that, cool clear skies! We were able to get in some good hikes and sight seeing, and on the day that it rained, we went to our favorite indoor water park and stayed all day long. Thanks Kristin and Neal for driving your whole family out to visit us! We had a blast!

First hike- Laural Falls.. It was beautiful but a bit crowded... Seemed to be a popular tourist spot. Still super cool to see and a perfect hike for little kids:

After lunch we hit up downtown Gatlinburg and the Airtram up to Ober Gatlinburg ski resort:

Next morning, Neal and Sam went for a quick trail run in the park:

 

Wild Bear Falls Water Park! The kids had a blast while the mommy's hung out with the babies. ;)

 

The next day we did a little shopping in Pigeon Forge, then met up in the afternoon for one more beautiful hike in the park.. This one had a wide, flat trail so we decided to take the babies in the stroller. They were so warm and cozy and fell right to sleep within minutes! It was adorable. Marshall seems to like his cousin Lucy, so far. hehe:

Such a gorgeous place! Sam caught some amazing photos that really captured the beauty of our hike.. 

Family fun stuff

These are my three favorite people in the whole world. I love all the fun we have together. Especially when Daddy has days off from school! Sometimes the weeks can seem very long when tests come around but it is always rewarding to have him all to ourselves afterwards. About a month ago, we took just a day trip down to Gatlinburg to visit our favorite indoor waterpark. It was so nice to escape the winter weather we'd been having. Ivy had a blast having her dad all to herself the entire day and I had a relaxing time chilling with little dude. We took him in one of the warmer pools for a few minutes and he was a big fan.

A few weeks later, the weather started to warm up so we decided to take a little hike. Sam has become very familiar with all the different trails around the area so he took us along a shorter one to see some small water falls. Felt so good to be in the sun! And to feel the cool (very cold!) water on our toes. :) Can't wait for the trees to be green again! This will look like a very different hike, here in a couple weeks.