Tennessee 2006

We finally made it to one of Jack's family reunion's in Gaitlinburg, TN!! We stayed at a beautiful placed called Middle Creek Valley Chalets. It's at the top of a mountain. In addition to meeting the entire Bartley clan (almost) we had a lot of fun. Thursday was kind of a meet and greet and we had Kaitlin's party. Friday we got up early and went over to Dollywood. Ryan had a blast! Every time he got off of a ride he said it was the best one ever. The first ride was a SpongeBob motion simulater ride - he got a kick out of that. Then he and daddy went and got wet w/ Uncle Bob on a water ride. He went on just about everything and some of them twice. Kaitlin went on a few too but was a little hesitant. Since school had already started in that area there wasn't much of a crowd so the wait for rides was short. Saturday Chris went out golfing w/ Jack's son Jimmy while the rest of us (me, Kaity, Mom, Stacey and Meagan) went into Pigeon Forge for some shopping at the outlets and the quilt shop. Through out the day more and more people were gathering at the house. More names to remember! We had a huge dinner that night at the local Golden Corral. That night we packed up our things and just hung out. Chris played poker (like he had every night), and we played w/ the kids. Ryan also enjoyed learning how to play fooseball with some of the other kids his age. We can't wait until next year.

The pictures above are of our Chalet and the view from the front porch.

Kaitlin Turns 2!!

This past Thursday, August 17th Kaitlin turned 2 years old. Although she entered the "terrible two's" about 4 months ago when she started saying "NO". She celebrated most of her special day in the car :( . We were driving to TN for a family reunion in Gaitlinburg. Once we got the the Chalets she was met by Nonnie and Jack as well as Aunt Stacey, Uncle Bob and her cousin Meagan!! After dinner that night we opened tons of presents and had cake. This year she really understood the concept of tearing the paper right off! Only problem was after discovering what was inside she wanted to open up the toy and play with it right then, not see what was in the next package! When we came home on Sunday we opened everything up. Her favorites so far are her high heels that came w/ a princess dress up set, her shopping cart, her baby that goes pee pee, and her Jo Jo doll.

I dressed myself

This morning Kaitlin wanted to pick out her own clothes, so we let her. But then she decided to put on part of her pajamas as well. All day she had on ther denim dress with pj pants on!! She didn't care and we weren't going anywhere so it didn't matter. Here's the outfit.

Cooling off with Bomb Pops

Tuesday night we let the kids have nice cold Bomb Pops!! They made a mess but it was worth it. Kaitlin had never had one before and I think she liked it. Her mouth was all red and then purple. They got very sticky so it was bath time next! They melted so fast since it was so hot out. I'm not sure how much actually got in their mouths.

Cousin's Play

Kaitlin and Meagan had lots of fun playing together this past week. They only thing they like to share are snacks!! If Kaitlin had a toy Meagan wanted it and vice versa. They enjoyed watching "Pat Pat" (Little Einstein's) in the mornings and the Wiggles. Everytime one of the kids left the room Meagan wanted to know "where Ryrie Katie at?" Kaitlin finally called Meagan "Meaggie". She had been calling her baby for the longest time.

Road Trip

Kaitlin, Meagan and Ryan spent a lot of time in the car this week. While visiting in NOVA we went to see Pop Pop and G-ma Gail, Nonnie, Gi Gi along with shopping and going to playdates. All in all the girls did well. Just a little bit of complaining about no movies for Kaitlin and bordom from Ryan. Oh yeah and the heat of the car was an issue too. Everytime we had to get in it was soooo hot! But they (and we) got through it.

A Visit From the Firemen

While visiting Aunt Stacey, Uncle Bob and Cousin Meagan this past week one Friday Uncle Bob surprised us w/ a visit from the Ashburn Vol. Fire Dept. He is a volunteer himself. We were going to go to the firehouse but while we were finishing dinner we heard a loud horn outside and there they were!