A few weeks ago, Jonathan, Ava and I met my parents and my sister, and her family, in Gatlinburg. We spent a week there. It was definitely one of the most relaxing vacations we've ever taken together. It was extra fun for Ava to be around her cousins all week.
Here is our cabin.
Jonathan and Ava looking out from the front deck.
One day, we went on a hike to see...
(It didn't take Ava long to fall fast asleep on daddy.)
this waterfall.
Mama and Papa with their three grandkids.
Another day, we drove through Cades Cove. It takes you through the Smokies. The whole time we were watching for bears. We saw plenty of deer and turkey, but we never saw a bear.
Here are some pictures of the Smokies.
We were still there to see the sunset. It was beautiful!
We also went to Dollywood one day. I was a little hesitant at first to go because it's not cheap, but I'm so glad we did because we all had so much fun. Ava rode so many rides and loved all of them. I think she would've rode the big kid rides too if she was allowed. She threw a fit after almost every ride because she didn't want to get off.
Ava was funny on the carousel because everytime she would come around to see her daddy, she would wave really big like she was big stuff riding on her horse.
On the train at Dollywood.
Riding on the ducks.
A long day for Ava. (I think this was actually her second nap at Dollywood.)
The last day we walked around Gatlinburg. Ava and Emma are taking a little break from walking.
After walking in Gatlinburg we drove to Pigeon Forge to play putt-putt golf. Here is my sister and her family. Speaking of my sister...she found out, while in Gatlinburg, that she's going to have another baby! (They are praying for twin boys!) Her due date is December 26. Maybe she'll have the third New Year's baby in our family. Wouldn't that be weird??!!
Ava trying to play putt-putt.
The whole gang.
We were so blessed to share a relaxing vacation with family!
Last week, one of my friends let me borrow a book called Treasuring God in our Traditions. There was a chapter on Easter and it gave me some great ideas for next year. I want Ava to learn that Easter isn't about bunny's, eggs, chocolate, etc. It's Resurrection day! As Ava is getting older, it will be fun to start some traditions of our own. 
We have been loving this great weather, so we've been taking advantage by working in our yard. This is a first for us. We have no clue what we are doing when it comes to yard work, but we like to act like we do. (Any suggestions would be helpful.)
Ava enjoyed helping daddy and also playing with my shadow. 
And lastly, we have a porch swing!! I've always said that the first thing I want to buy when we bought our first home was a porch swing. I just love them. So, this past Christmas my in-laws gave me this swing. And better yet, my father-in-law made it. He did a fabulous job. Thanks, Benny! We love our swing-it's perfect!! 
Ava preferred daddy's shoulders.
Beautiful Tennessee!!
