Trunk or Treat

Gabe got to take part in Trunk or Treat at FUMC in Laurel Wednesday night.

Halloween Costume

Introducing "Jeff Dordon" (translate that Jeff Gordon....)

Package from Tula

Gabe also got a package of Halloween goodies from Nana, Grandaddy and Lindsay this week. He loves getting mail, and was REALLY excited to get a package. Thanks Nana, Grandaddy and Lindsay!!!!

Hattiesburg Zoo

Gabe took time out from his Halloween stuff on Wednesday to take his Mimi and Daddy Bob to the zoo in Hattiesburg. A good time was had by all.

The Puppy Pumpkin

After seeing his daddy carve the big pumpkin, Gabe just couldn't stand for his little pumpkin not to be decorated. Hence we have the "puppy pumpkin". Think Mr. Potatohead, but with live pumpkins...

Halloween Cookies

On Tuesday night, we made Halloween Cookies. Gabe really enjoyed helping roll and cut out the cookies, but especially enjoyed eating them.

Pumpkin Carving

Halloween is here, and we began our festivities by carving the Jack-O-Lantern. If anyone is interested, pumpkins have "seeds and guts" according to Gabe....

Last Trolley Ride

The last thing we did tonight (our last night in Gatlinburg) was to take one final ride on the trolley. Gabe has REALLY enjoyed hopping on and off of these!!!

Dixie Stampede

We also managed to find the time to visit the Dixie Stampede. While there, Gabe enjoyed meandering about the grounds. He also got a CD and a hug and autograph from the lead singer of Mountain Ruckus (who waved at him during the show), and got to talk to one of the cowgirls, and pet a horse. And incidentally, the South won!! YEEEEE-HHHHHAAAAWW!

Picnic in the Park 2

More of the same

Picnic in the Park

The National Park, that is. We followed an old family tradition and head up the mountain to the chimneys and had a picnic. Gabe had a great time toasting marshmallows, eating hot dogs, and mostly playing on the big rocks. He even managed to fall in the water once.

Ice Skating

While at Ober Gatlinburg, we took the opportunity to let Gabe try ice skating. Sure, there were some falls, but for a two year old who had never done anything even close to skating, he did a great job. Way to go, Gabe!!

Bears!!!!

We finally found some bears at Ober Gatlinburg's Municipal Bear Habitat. Gabe was most excited, as he's been planning to see bears since he first learned he might visit the mountains.

The Tram

We got up first thing this morning, and hustled down the hill from our hotel to catch the first tram of the morning heading to Ober Gatlinburg. Gabe really loved "flying", and almost couldn't wait for the ride back down.

First Trolley Ride

Gabe took his first ride on a trolley tonight, something he's been looking forward to for quite sometime. We tried to get a good picture, but frankly, he was just too busy. :)

Gatlinburg, Day 1

We arrived in Gatlinburg about 4:30 this afternoon, and spent the rest of the day walking around town. Gabe enjoyed the shops (mostly the idea of being out of the car a few days!), but really enjoyed watching these ducks, and spending time on the "big, big bridge."

The "Bear Center"

We arrived in the Smokies this afternoon, and stopped shortly after getting off the interstate at a welcome center in search of coupons. Gabe has anxiously been waiting for a chance to see a bear, and after seeing the big bear statue, the welcome center immediately became the bear center. Welcome to the Smokies, Gabe!!

Back in Kentucky

After the wedding, we headed back into Kentucky to spend the night on our way to Gatlinburg. This is the Kentucky Artisan Center where we stopped for a brief respite from the car. On to the mountains tomorrow, but we're all looking forward to a night of sleep first!

Aunt Berni's Wedding

We married Aunt Berni off in the big event of the day! It was a beautiful wedding and great party, even with Gabe's encounter with a bee. Afterwards, Berni and Gabe managed to find time for a quick wrestling match. Congrats, Aunt Berni and Uncle Thomas!!!

Playing around in the hotel

Gabe always finds something fun (and usually rambunctious) to do no matter where we are. Today it was riding on the luggage cart at our hotel, a skill he picked up this summer while we were practically living in one. Everyone should have so much fun!!!

Churchill Downs

On our way to Aunt Berni's wedding in Indiana, we took the opportunity to see Churchill Downs in Louisville. We even got to see a racehorse who was living in retirement on the grounds. Although we didn't have enough time to tour the Kentucky Derby Museum, everyone enjoyed the stop immensely!!