Rocky Top Tennessee

A couple of weeks ago we took the kids out of school for few days and rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge, TN right next to the Smoky Mountain National Forest.  This is the third time we've been there, and we loved every minute of it.

The first day we went miniature golfing, ate some good southern food for lunch, took a ski lift up a mountain and rode the slides down, and went to the Christmas shops. Then we went back to the cabin and made S'mores and played games. The kids and Jeff had fun in the jaccuzzi. (I hate them personally).

Here's Jeff and me at the top of mountain by the ski lift. So beautiful there. 

The next day we went to do some hiking in the national forest. It was perfect weather. A gorgeous day. 

We hiked on this trail for 1.5 miles up to a water fall where we ate some lunch.

I think the other hikers were jealous they didn't think about bringing lunch too. After the  hike, we drove to the highest point of the National Park and enjoyed a gorgeous scenery. 

As we were leaving the park, we saw this cute little guy up in the tree. No trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete with out seeing a black bear. 

That night we took the kids to a dinner comedy show with Christmas music. It was a lot of fun.  It was a perfect, beautiful, much needed vacation. 

This week we had a great Thanksgiving. Jeff's sister Holly and family came into town. We had a great time with them at the zoo, shopping and of course turkey day.  So blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Halloween and Race for the Cure

    

I cannot figure out this new formatting for the life of me. Sorry for the mess.  This Halloween was busy.  Halloween morning I got to participate in my 2nd Race for the Cure for breast cancer. Once again...an amazing experience. This is my team, Postively Pink, above.

I got to race with my friend Nicole Rees (left) who was an awesome run/walking partner and see my friend Mary Berry (right) as well as lots of other women I love to death.

The neighborhood that we run in is so amazing. A lot of the neighbors decorate their homes to participate and support.       

         

Here is an example of some of the homes that decorated. 

It is such an emotional and empowering experience to see so many people come out in support, see the survivors and see the names of those who didn't survive.  In all, Memphis had 16,000 participants in the race.  And of course, my thoughts were with my favorite survivors Elizabeth Cluff and Cheri Sharp who have been such an example of strength and courage to me.

Brooke and Jadyn dressed up as pirates. Regan was a cute witch. Brennan was the candy passer outer. We told him he was too old this year.  But, he did a great job.

The church put on a trunk or treat on the 30th. They had a chili cook-off and games and a costume parade. The kids had so much fun. Regan won a costume contest for her age group. They said she won for "Prettiest Purple Witch."  I thought that was so cute.

Regan's preschool also had a party.  Nothing cuter than a bunch of 4/5 year olds dressed up for Halloween. She loved it.  It was a great Halloween.