dollywood

Last Sunday/Monday we scooted up to Pigeon Forge, TN (3.5 hr drive). We had decided several weeks ago that we'd like to take Cade somewhere like Tweetie Railroad again, because he has talked about it every. day. since. Not an exaggeration. Knowing Dollywood also had a steam locomotive + plenty of other rides + beautiful Fall leaves + perfect size "theme park", made it an easy choice. We use to go all the time when we were little, so we booked a hotel room for the Sunday night before Columbus day, since Chad knew he would be off. Our schedules have been crazy lately. We also didn't purchase Dollywood tickets in advance, because we didn't know what could happen to his Uncle Timmy. Having all that happen that week of though, it was nice just to hit the open road and get away for even just the tiniest bit. We were in dire need of some quality family time,  just us three.

Dollywood hosts the Southern Gospel and Harvest Festival in October. Would have loved to go closer to Christmas to see all the lights (because Dolly goes all out), but no trips are really feasible for me around the holidays. Especially when drawing near the end of building a house. Whew, no. But note to everyone: go at Christmas if you can! I think they kick off the holiday season on Nov 11th. However in October, you still get to enjoy great temps, gorgeous leaves, and they ran a special if you bought a one day pass, you could enter the park the day before from 3-6pm FREE. That's what we did. Left early Sunday morning, got there around lunch, drug my boys to the outlets shopping (new kicks were necessities), had a late lunch, went to park (after a brief monsoon). 

Waiting to load up on the tram from the parking lot! This was actually Monday morning, these pics are all out of whack. Cade was sooo excited. 

Now these pics are from Sunday. He had a ball riding a few rides and main thing was the train ride. It lasts 30 minutes and leaves every hour I think. 3-6pm was perfect amount of time to ride train and few others. Cade particularly liked dancing around to all the music!

This was also the child's first time in a hotel. He kept saying "Mama we at our NEW HOUSE!" 

I was like "Um, no baby. Not quite"

Different bath tub, same shenanigans. He loves a bath!

and I love this sweet smile...

Monday the weather was perfect! The rain had moved out and it wasn't really crowded.

He rode lots of little rides, some multiple times in a row.

and he took his rides very seriously...

See what I mean!

Even though it did creep up into the high 80s that day (what the world), you can't beat the scenery in the mountains in October.

Needless to say, he had a ball and can't wait to go back. He was in awe of the huge rollercoasters and know that's going to be so fun when he can do all of that one day. He is fearless, no doubt.

We left the park around 3 or 4, made a quick pit stop by Bass Pro Shop (did you think Chad could be within 20 mile radius and not go?) and Cade had to pick out a few treats.

Never a dull moment. The best part was when we got back that night and stopped by Mimi/Papa's. They asked him what his favorite part of Dollywood was. He replied, very matter of fact, "Ummm, Dolly." We died.

 (he did sit through a show about Dolly so there ya go...we love us some Dolly)

 

 Fun, quick getaway before I'm full blast into the holiday (as in Halloween ... then Holiday Open House...Thanksgiving...Black Friday...CHRISTMAS) season. It flies by so fast. How is already Halloween next week? Baffling. 

Oh, and just wait until you hear what Cade wants to be for Halloween this year...