Tennessee Mountain Trip - Part 2

Posted on Dec. 4, 2009 at 7:49 AM - Post Comment

The next day was Friday, which was Grady's birthday.  Eric slept in the morning since he wasn't feeling well, but he was totally fine by afternoon - very odd. Anyway, we started the day by opening gifts. We brought a few from us and then some gifts from Gaga and Grandpa. It was funny because the cabin was already all decorated for Christmas, so we opened them by the tree. I got him "Merry Madagascar" and a Christmas Gloria - he loves that fat little hippo.

SUCH joy over her!

opening the movie

Opening the Buzz Lightyear he wanted (also from us)

opening the Little People alphabet zoo (from Gaga and Grandpa)

opening some books and boxer briefs (so funny - he far prefers them to regular undies)

That morning we headed out to Dollywood. Our cabin was seriously about 1 mile from the entrance to the park.  There was just a little mountain road that went up a mountain, and that was where our cabin was. Parking was very easy since we were some of the first people there. I was so impressed with the park from the very beginning - the Christmas decorations were incredible! And it was a much larger park than I had imagined. It was also spotlessly clean. They had one area of the park that was all 1950's. It was so darn cute! They had a big section of classic cars, which G loved

There was an awesome retro gas station

Riding the merry-go-round

Then we hit Santa's Workshop, this big building filled with trees and decorations (like giant toys). There was barely a line yet for Santa so we waited to meet him!

Too enamored with the trees to look while I take a picture

I got a pretty good picture but also bought a set of the professional ones since we won't be going to the mall now (Thank goodness! That is always insane!)

The other thing that was way better than the mall is that they didn't rush you at all. Santa totally hung out and chatted with Grady, which he loved. I mean, it always seems sad to me when they rush the kids through and all they care about is getting the picture. Meanwhile, the child is like "Wait! I want to visit with Santa!"

Then we went on the ferris wheel - Grady's first time on one. The view from the top:

An attempt to get a picture of him on it

The weather was actually quite nice that day and every day we were there (highs in the low 60's and sunny). Of course, it got chilly at night, being in the mountains. After a nap at the cabin we returned to the park with Eric. First we stopped in the biggest candy shop I have ever seen. There were all these areas to watch ladies making candy and get free samples. And Grady was enamored with this candy machine that talked to you. He would have stayed there all day.

We went on the Dollywood Express, a real steam engine, which apparently doesn't always work because it is so old. Our 4PM ride was the first one that actually went all day. Lucky us!

Trying to get a picture of the engine as we rounded a corner. It was neat because it went all over, even through the woods.

Later Eric took G on several more rides. His favorite (of course) was the kid roller coaster. Even with an adult riding, he was BARELY tall enough for it. I am so glad he made it because there was actually quite a long line for that one. You can't see Grady well, but you actually can see his little face if you look carefully. He loved it so much that as it went by, you could distincly hear Grady laughing hysterically.

We ate dinner at the park and they surprised Grady with some cake and all sang to him. I was surprised too because we didn't request it. They just overheard us saying it was his birthday. Our waiter was great!

Eating his special cake

We timed it just right so that as we finished dinner the Carol of the Trees was starting (right in the area of the park where the restaurant was). All of the trees that are around this lake are lit up and then the lights move and flash in time with the Christmas music they play. It was fun and a great way to end G's birthday. Here he is watching the lights

Saturday we decided to go back to Dollywood in the morning since we got the season passes (good for the rest of 2009 and all of 2010) for only $25 more than our admission from Friday. That evening we went to the Black Bear Jamboree. It is a classic, and their Christmas show was fantastic. It was so funny though because the night we got back Eric was watching the new Simpsons episode where they go to "hill country" and mention the Black Bear Jamboree :)

Some better shots of the view - from our huge deck

Grady and Eric with one of the Christmas trees at Dollywood

So we got there early, and they actually started letting people in about 20 minutes before it officially opens. We knew where most of the small kids rides were from the day before, so we headed right to that part of the park. That way we were able to ride about 7-8 rides in a row with no lines. Grady and Eric were the only ones on a few rides! A little nervous?

No way!

The Scrambler - here is where I got jealous (I couldn't go on since I am pregnant) - it's my favorite!

There is a little section of the park done up to look like an old time County Fair. They have a section that is all farm themed kiddie rides.

It cracked us up because Grady just LOVES rides - scary ones, tame ones, whatever.

Got to love a good "flying elephant" ride

We all went on the merry-go-round together

wishing in a well in the more cultural area of the park - there weren't many rides there but there was yummy local type food and you could watch people making local crafts and things

Back in 1950's land - we ate at this cute diner

And G went on the cars with Eric this time

Bye bye!

That night we hit the dinner show, which Grady LOVED! He *almost* cried when it was over! This was just the opening live music act that played while you ate. The actual show was amazing - great singing and dancing - but you couldn't take pictures.

Grady went on stage for this little thing the kids did. I think he was definitely the littlest one up there and was totally in shock. But he REALLY wanted to go up there! He's in the front with the beige sweater

What a way to end vacation - a big chocolate pudding!

The next day we ate at a great place for breakfast (the Apple Barn - came highly recommeneded) and then did a cheesy attraction before heading out. It was an Epcot-like Jurrasic Jungle boat ride with anamatronic dinosaurs. It was actually well done but quite random. Grady, of course, loved it. So it was a great trip and very different from what we normally do. I am sure we will make it back there since it is under 3 hours from here. Maybe we can even get back next fall and use our season passes again!

A few videos from our trip and just before... playing with his register

LOVING the big tub

The aquarium