Girls' Trip 2012

For the past ten or more years we've been scheduling a Girls' Trip every summer or early fall.  It's become a tradition that myself, my mom, and my sister all look forward to.  We've been to a lot of great places, and each year we rotate who gets to choose our destination.  This year was my sister's pick...Pigeon Forge, TN!

We packed up the van with our gear and the babies, and hit the road for a week...

Nat just loves vacation (and Minnie got to come, too!)

One afternoon we visited Smoky Mountain National Park and picnicked in Cades Cove

Cades Cove scenery

Natalie hated her infant seat, but she sure does love Jack's!

taking a much-needed break from shopping one afternoon

Me and Nat before heading to the aquarium (Tennessee got the same heat wave we've been having at home, so we took advantage of the air conditioning!)

We went to dinner at the Dixie Stampede one night...

to say that Natalie loved the dinner show, with all the fancy costumes and horses, might be an understatement!

she was even all hopped up on this sugary drink before-hand!

Grandma with both her grandbabies

the day Natalie discovered cheese puffs!

Here are some things I learned about being on vacation with a toddler:

1. It is MUCH easier than being on vacation with an infant.  (No bottles, no baby food, less equipment, etc)
2. Vacation will probably never be "fun" with kids until they learn to sleep better somewhere that isn't their own bed.
3. Road trips with a car sick kid are down right rotten.  (I'm hoping this improves once Natalie is able to face forward in the car.  I'd puke if I had to ride backwards, too.)
4. Just like at home, doing anything at the last minute is pretty much out of the question, as is planning anything too tightly.  Everything is up in the air when a little mind is concerned.
5. Always ask ahead of time when food allergies are involved.  (HUGE thanks to the Dixie Stampede staff for making us an entire new plate on the spot!!)