Catching Up...

We've been super busy over the last few weeks that I truly haven't had time to post, I like to include pics, but that will have to come later.  Mason finished his baseball season with the Angels - his team did so much better than we expected, they made the playoffs which was a complete shocker.  Mason started pitching more at the end of the season and he was super fun to watch. 

For the 4th of July, we drove down to Jerry's brothers house which is near Cincinnati.  For many years, his family lived in WJ so every 4th we would go out to Grandpa George's house and DJ (Jerry's nephew) would set off lots of fireworks - I'm talking the big stuff, none of this piddly stuff.  We hadn't done that in a while because they moved south.  It was a lot of fun, especially seeing all of DJ's kids (4 boys and 1 girl).

At work, Ally ended up leaving me at work all alone.  I was sad, but tried not to focus on it.  Her last day was July 9, but was the day before we left for vacation so I thinks distracting me. I wish her the best, but hopes someday she'll regret leaving.

The Daylong's and the Grcic's left for vacation on Saturday, July 10 - we packed up the car and headed south to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN.  The trip down seemed long, but we met up with John's sister for dinner (she lives in Georgia); she drove up to meet us.  Once we checked into the hotel, we headed to get some ice cream and then the pool. 

On Sunday, we headed to Gatlinburg - the search was on for the Pancake House.  This place was recommended by Melissa's friend and said it was worth the wait in line and it was totally scrumptious!
On Monday, it rained all morning, which was a bummer because our plan was to go to Dollywood, but we stayed in Pigeon Forge and shopped at the Outlet Malls; I found an adorable pair of shoes.  The kids didn't find this very fun so by lunchtime they were ready to go back to the hotel.  Don was gracious enough to take the kids back to the hotel while Melissa, John and I went back to shopping.  John definitely is one of the girls when it comes to shopping - he bought himself an entire outfit.  Melissa and I found awesome Eclipse t-shirts and of course we had to buy them.  I was torn because I have a "Vampire Girl" shirt, A New Moon shirt, so I took the plunge and bought a Team Jacob shirt.  I know, I know, but I'll take either. 

On Tuesday, we went to Dollywood for the day - rode lots of roller coasters and then climbed on this obstacle course that was several feet above the ground - it was a lot of fun and the boys loved it.  That evening we headed to the Dixie Stampede.  I'm not sure if you've heard of the Dixie Stampede is a dinner and show - Zach loves this place and always has since he used to come quite a bit with my Mom.  For dinner you get soup, biscuit, a small whole chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob, potato and an apple turnover - oh, did I mention you don't get silverware - you can only use your fingers!  Very messy, but totally yummy!  Oh, I forgot the most important thing - Melissa got to participate in the show, she rode a horse...ok a horse on a stick!

On Wednesday, we headed home...it was super fun but I was definitely ready to come home and relax a bit before I went back to work.

Did I say relax?  On Thursday, Melissa and I took the kids to Zoombezi Bay for the day!  Oh, and on Friday, Don, Zach, Jerry, Patty and myself went the Cincinnati Reds game - we won 3-2 - awesome game.

On Saturday, Zach had 2 baseball games, we won both!  Go Cubbies!

Hopefully, I'll have time soon to post some pics!