Dollywood with the Tomlinson's

We had the opportunity to take some friends to Dollywood for free but we had to do it before the end of September. We had put it off until the last minute because we couldn't get a weekend when everyone was here and could go. Finally we went this weekend. Taylor wanted to bring a friend so Kaleigh came up from Cleveland to go with us. Her sister, Cassie, also came up. We had a great time walking around the park and letting the kids play. It was a beautiful day to go...sunny but cool with a nice breeze. We got there when they opened at 10 and didn't leave until they closed at 6. We were busy every minute of that time.

Caleb loves driving the cars


Aaron and Clara driving the cars


The view from the back of the train where we were sitting


Taylor and Kaleigh


Posing by the locomotive


The boys (Matt and Aaron) shooting people riding River Battle :)


Trying for a cute picture in the eagle's nest


The little kids love the Lumberjack playground area

Pops 74th Birthday!

Sunday night we celebrated Pops 74th birthday. His actual birthday was on the 7th but not everyone was here so we had to postpone his celebration. We gathered at Hope and Chris's to grill out. After dinner we had yummy birthday cake and Pops opened his presents. We had such a good time. I am so proud to have Pops as my dad! He is a really special guy and I hope we get to enjoy many more birthdays with him :)

Pops with his checkerboard birthday cake!


Pops, Taylor and Caleb


Opening gifts....he got new UT lounge pants!


And a new Tennesse t-shirt so he can support his team in style and comfort :)


Caleb being silly and giving Pops bunny ears!


Madison trying to give Pops bunny ears, notice she is holding 4 fingers up.


The kids being silly and Taylor giving Pops reindeer antlers :)


Me and my sweet little boy!

Caleb's 1st Boy Scout Meeting

Last night Caleb attended his first Boy Scout meeting. He was so excited! He got off the school bus and was ready to go....he had to wait a few hours though! This is the only extracurricular activity that he has shown any interest in and he has talked about nothing else for months :) He was really excited when he found out that he would be a Tiger Cub!

Matt was especially excited as he was very involved in scouting growing up....he is an Eagle Scout. I am looking for a picture of him in his uniform and am going to post it but haven't found one yet.

The Boy Scouts are a little different than the Girl Scouts so there are new things so learn. He starts off his journey with a fund raiser that starts on Monday so if you live in Knoxville and want to buy popcorn just let us know :) LOL

Here he is looking very cute in his uniform!


Here I am with my "Tiger Cub"!

Shark Boy

This summer Caleb used some of his money to buy this shark fin/goggle set for the pool. He loved it and wore it everyday in the pool! He wanted to be called "shark boy" :) This is one shark I wouldn't mind seeing in the water!

Madison helping clean out the fridge!

Last month NaNa and Madison cleaned out the fridge one day while I was working and NaNa was watching Madison. Of course, Madison wanted to help. She can be helpful when she is in the mood :)

Cleaning off the shelves


Stopping for a quick photo!


I love how she is standing on her tip-toe to reach the top shelf :)

This is the way we wash our clothes,

wash our clothes, wash our clothes, this is the way we wash our clothes early in the morning!

Madison's 1st Day of Preschool

Today was Madison's 1st day of preschool this year. She was so excited that she was dressed and had eaten her breakfast in record time. I love that she enjoys school so much....hope that will continue next year when she goes to Kindergarten :)

Ready to go


She had the biggest smile on her face


Walking into school


Since I was working today Madison had to sit in my room for a little bit until her teachers had their room ready. She asked every couple of minutes if it was time to go. As soon as it was time she was headed across the hall, not even waiting on me.

Walking into her classroom


I did get a kiss and hug once we got to her room. I saw her once during the day on the playground and was met with a "hi mom" and that was it.

I am so glad that she loves school and is so comfortable no matter where she is.