The Adamson's: Adamson visit/Gatlinburg

We are truly blessed to have family that makes the effort to visit even though it's not easy. This time only Mom and Dad Adamson were able to come for the week but we had so much fun. We jam packed everything into their short visit. They arrived on Saturday, November 22, and went straight to my parents house for Thanksgiving. They were pretty brave because all the extended family was there as well. Elijah was so excited to see them that he ran to greet them! Just a few short hours later we blessed Nolan, he got his own blessing post, and then immediately after we celebrated Elijah's 3rd birthday. He wanted a rocketship party and I tried my best to make it happen. The party was orginally suppose to be at our house but plans changed and so here it is. He got lots of fun presents and loved opening them this year. Mimi and grandpa got him Bucky (jake's pirate ship) and some other Jake stuff. Nana and papa got him a batmobile. Farrell's got him a cup and a ninja turtle. Dilgard's got him a ninja turtle. Eaton's (James and Kara) got him a razor scooter. Stubb's got him a rocket blaster. Julie got him a train whistle, conductor hat, and book. Papaw, Bryant, and Grandma Janopaul gave cards with money. Raab's got him a truck. Kristin and Chrystal got him a toy. He was a very lucky boy!

Party set up.

Elijah blowing out the candles.

The next day was Sunday and was stake conference. Since it is 2 hours away and way hard for the kids we stayed home. We decorated for Christmas and relaxed.

Elijah and Maddie "helping" daddy

Maddie really wanted to eat the popcorn (that I strung last year!)

Our elf, Candy Cane, made her appearance

We decided we would celebrate Christmas on Friday with the Adamsons before they left to go home. The kids were super excited to have the tree up.

Monday, Brent worked and the rest of us hung out. Elijah convinced Mimi and Grandpa to go to Walmart. Of course the kids got even more surprises that day. Then he convinced them to go to chips and cheese at his favorite Mexican restaurant. That boy! When we got home from all that I started getting ready for my hot date with my very charming husband! We were more than a little giddy to have a date night. It was an absolutely perfect evening. Until in the middle of the night Elijah woke up throwing up!

On Tuesday Brent had to work until 2 and the rest of us busily got ready for our trip. We were leaving to go to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge as soon as Brent got off. It always frustrates me that Elijah seems to get sick when we have fun things planned. He did throw up in the car on the way there. And on the way back Thursday. And then he had diarrhea the in between days. We went straight to our hotel on Tuesday and just hung out and went to bed. On Wednesday we woke up and went to the Ripley's believe it or not Aquarium. The kids loved it and the adults liked it too. It's a pretty great aquarium for kids. The hardest part was keeping up with Maddie who currently loves to run off! That girl!

After the aquarium we attempted to walk around Gatlinburg but it didn't happen. Instead we drove up the mountains to give the kids an opportunity to nap. We went back to the hotel to regroup and decided to have an early dinner at the Ole Mill. It was delicious and there was so much food. We will definitely be going back! After we went and looked at lights and Mimi bought the kids a toy from the toy store. She's a sucker for a cute kid! The lights were awesome! The kids were pretty exhausted. We went back and they all fell asleep quickly.

Thursday was Thanksgiving and I hadn't thought that a lot of places would be closed! But it was still a great day. We started by going to The Inn at Christmas Place. It's my favorite place to stay. I tried getting us a room there but they were booked months and months ahead of time.

Proud Grandparents

Can you tell that Maddie is a little pistol

Everyone is all smiles here.

After we left there we went to the Hollywood wax museum. We all really enjoyed it. Hanging out with our favorite celebs.

You'll see there is probably a kid in every picture ruining it but we wouldn't trade them.

Nacho Libra

My heart will go on and on

All the single ladies

Grandpa and one of his icons.

Life, and kids, are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.

Brent blocking and if you look Elijah is on the bench in the back.

Maddie has her Charlie's Angels face on. Kick.

My big strong sexy husband.

When we finished there we went over to a mirror maze. I wasn't sure if I would really like it or not. But I did! I thought it was a lot of fun! Well all except the part where Maddie escaped us and we saw like 7 of her and who knew which one was real! Mild panic attack for this momma. But we found her.

Our big plans for the day was the Dixie Stampede. I was a little nervous that people wouldn't like it as much as I had and would think what a waste. Lucky for me they loved it as much as I always have! There weren't any pictures allowed but we all had a good time. As a mother I've learned one of my favorite things is seeing the sheer joy on my children's faces. And with both Maddie and Elijah there were moments during it that I saw it. When the show ended it was time to go home. It was an exciting trip but all good things must come to an end.

Friday we celebrated Christmas. Elijah thought he should be able to open everyone's gifts! That little booger!