Our Trip to Pigeon Forge!

 

A week ago we took the kids away to Pigeon Forge for a quick vacation. We would have loved to stay longer, but we made it short due to Brooke needing to be back to start her cheer practices. It was probably a good thing, because everything there is SO expensive and I think poor Arnold was in shock! ;)

We left early on that Friday morning and got there around noon. The first place we went was called Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden. A friend had recommended it. At first I worried it might be geared more to younger kids, but I was very impressed! All our kids loved it. You walked around the beautiful gardens and looked at all the birds. Some were in cages and some were right out in the open for you to look at. We found some right away that would talk to us. Some said "hello" and some said "I love you" and some even whistled! And they were all gorgeous, I took so many pictures. We went into a little area where they gave us each little cups of food and told us the birds would come to us. I don't think we were prepared for how quickly and how many! Four of them immediately landed on Rachel and she FLIPPED out. She was so scared, I felt bad. A few hung out on Arnold and one even stayed on top of his head. I think they really liked him ;) The last stop in the park was the baby bird nursery where you could go in and actually hold some in your hand. Caleb held several birds and joked around that he wanted one as a pet. You could actually adopt one if you wanted! Arnold said no way, no more pets. I was agreeing with Caleb until one pooped on me! Anyway, we had a great time and I would recommend it to anyone, of any ages. 

The next place we went was totally silly and tacky but I thought itd be fun. The Hollywood Wax Museum. Arnold and I went to one in Nashville with music stars, so we thought the kids would like this one with movie stars. We all went around and took pics with our favorite celebrities. I think caleb loved it the most. He got a hilarious picture with the Men in Black crew. They had a little hallway off to the side where you could go see horror movie characters and everyone went but me... I am NOT into scary stuff at all! They made fun of me but I don't care! 

After the museum it was about time to check into our hotel, so we went over there. We went in and put all our stuff away and changed since we had gotten kinda hot and sweaty. That evening we went to a place called The Island, it was one of Brookes top choices. It was a cool area where you walked around and there were shops, restaurants, rides, and even fountains that lit up. I don't think I was expecting it to be so packed! We stopped into a few shops and bought souvenirs, candy, and even found my dad a nice cigar for Father's day. Then we wanted to eat dinner at Margaritaville but there was a long wait, so we put our name in and sat outside in some lounging chairs. While Brooke had Caleb take pictures of her for instagram ;) The restaurant ended up being really cool, a cool floor that looked like water, stuff hanging from the ceiling, and lots of tvs up playing music videos. After dinner we went over to the huge Ferris wheel called the skywheel. We loaded onto it and it was amazing.. each seating area was a little pod, and it was closed in and air conditioned! Caleb doesn't like heights that much but he was trying t be brave. But when we got up to the top it was HIGH and he freaked out and wouldnt look out the doors at the view. I felt so bad for him. But the rest of us enjoyed it, it had beautiful views and it was fun. At night the light the wheel up and its so pretty to look at.

The next morning we got up, got ready, and went to brunch at a placed called The Old Mill. It kindof reminded me of Murrays Mill near us. It was a big beautiful place with restaurants and shops. We ate at their restaurant and it was like a very fancy cracker barrel. Then we went into town and did an escape room. It was our first time doing one and it was Caleb's suggestion! There were a few kinds to choose from, and we did the diamond heist. We were locked into a bank room and had to figure out clues to lead us to the back vault thing which was in the dark and then figure out more clues to get to the diamond. The guys took it very seriously and didn't listen much to us girls! Funny considering Brooke and I were the ones who figured out the first clue! ;) We had to do a few math equations which isnt really our thing, but overall the experience was really fun. We all worked together and the time was counting down so you felt kinda anxious. What I liked about this place is it was very family-friendly. Not scary at all, and they gave you more clues if you asked for them, because they want everyone to succeed. Id definitely be up to trying another escape room someday!

That afternoon we went to a few shops and a cupcake bakery. I had heard of a place called The Christmas Place, and wanted to go. I am BIG on Christmas, decor, ornaments, and all that. The outside was all decorated and when I walked inside I thought I was in heaven! Just rooms and rooms of very decorated areas, selling every theme and kind of Christmas decor you could think of! I could have made a whole vacation just in there! The place even smelled and sounded like Christmas! I looked around, tried to be respectful of time so Arnold and Caleb wouldnt go nuts, haha. I found just a FEW things to take home. They had an area where you could pick ornaments due to family size, and we found one with 5 bears to commemorate our trip this year! They had an area where ladies personalized them for free (they ask for tips!) and it just turned out beautiful! I WILL have to go back someday to visit this magical place again, maybe this time with some girls ;) And I HIGHLY recommend the place if you are someone who likes Christmas even a little bit! ;) 

That afternoon we rested and the kids went to the pool. There was an indoor AND outdoor pool and a hottub at our hotel, so it was really nice. That evening we went out and put our name down on the waiting list for a restaurant called Harpoon Harry's Crab House. I like to have seafood on every trip we take. The wait was an hour and a half (!) but we were able to leave and they texted us. So we went down the street to a popular place called The Three Bears General store. It was two stories and it was HUGE! They sold every kind of souvenir, tshirt, figurine, and decor you could think of. They even had a baked goods counter and the girls got some goodies. After awhile we went back to the restaurant and ate dinner. I had crab legs which I LOVE and Arnold got steak, and the kids got shrimp. Arnold said the steak was one of the best hed ever had (which is HUGE coming from Arnold!) So the wait ended up being long and the prices were high, but overall the food was amazing and it was worth the trip!! After dinner we found a place that stayed open til midnight.. it was called a Fun Zone or something. They had go kart tracks, a big arcade, and all that. Arnold took B And C to ride go karts and play blacklight mini golf, and Rachel and I played games in the arcade. Finally we went back to our hotel and it was already around 11pm so we were all tired. 

The next morning sadly we had to pack up our things and check out of the hotel. Vacations always fly by so quick! We wanted to eat a late breakfast/brunch so we went down the road to a place and I got an AMAZING Belgian waffle. The guys got western omelets. Everything was so good. After eating we thought about staying in town awhile longer and doing something else, but it was starting to rain, so we started the drive home. We got stuck in a lot of traffic and it took longer than expected, but we were so glad to get back home to our pets and our own beds! This was Sheldon's first time being boarded and he did great, although he didn't eat very much. We were able to board him with our vet, Mountain View Animal Hospital. They are so sweet there and the prices were very reasonable, and id do it again!