Pods-n-El & The Love Bug(S)- September 24-29th,2010 at AKV Concierge! Updates 11/30

[CRdisMom]

i see an adventure in our plans..where is tony, and doug not drew hunt. LOL.

Loved the photos and hope that the trip to TN was pleseant.

 

[podsnel]

We left last Tuesday a little after 5pm for our trip to Pigeon Forge, TN. It took about 35 minutes to get Sean in the car once he was off the school bus- he really, really did NOT want to go. I think a big part of the reason why was that he had a cold coming on- whenever he is getting sick, the 10 days before are miserable for him- it really effects his whole system, and so he was in a bad funk from the get-go.

We stopped in Harrisonburg, VA, at a Hampton Inn, South (which I would HIGHLY recommend- we had a huge room, and the roll away for Sean was a real bed- very comfy!) after about 6 hours. We were up early to finish the rest of the 6 hour drive- we only hit a little traffic, pretty good for the day before Thanksgiving! On the way, traveling on Rte. 81, there was a lot to see-Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, Appalachian Mountains to the west- a wonderful ride-

In Tennessee-

I had rented tables and chairs for dinner for all of us from A&A party rentals in Sevierville- and the wonderful woman who rented them to me, Stacey, also gave me directions to get to Pigeon Forge and avoid the 4 hour traffic- THANK-YOU STACEY!!!!! The cabin was really cool- if not as spacious as we would have liked. It was on 3 floors. The main floor (and my SIL, Mariana)

There were 2 master bedrooms on that floor. Upstairs (where we stayed) there were 2 more bedrooms and a game room with a queen bunkbed-

Sean stayed in that upstairs bedroom with Pods & I, he slept without complaint on an air mattress- which we are very happy about, because that means we can stay in a 1 bdrm at BCV (rather than a 2 bdrm, which is more points) next November, and just put Sean on the air mattress. YAY!

Downstairs, there was another game room, and 4 more bedrooms (and 2 jack and jill bathrooms)

Eventually, others arrived, and enjoyed the porch and its view-

Mariana and I made dinner- marinated skirt steak & buffalo shrimp (me), roast potatoes, salad & veggies (Mariana)

My SIL, Danya, supplied lots of yummy desserts-

We did a little cooking for Thanksgiving, and then fell into bed. It took Sean 4 hours to get out of our van- screaming the whole time- and when he finally came inside, he ran right upstairs and into our room. He barely left that upstairs floor the whole time we were there, unfortunately. He just was not himself because of his cold. Oh well.

Next- Thanksgiving in Tennessee!

 

[podsnel]

I have to say, it was an awfully cool thing to be spending Thanksgiving in a log cabin...especially the one we were in. Our was called Rising Eagle Lodge, and it was filled with alll kinds of Native American stuff. It was perfect in that respect. What was NOT so perfect, however, was the size of the kitchen and the contents of said kitchen. A regular oven with only two racks, a regular refrigerator, no real serving bowls- it was pretty limited for a cabin that slept 30 people! But we had all brought assorted stuff to have our holiday, so it all worked out (even if it was a pretty big challenge). Eaphie & Helene were making appetizers, Mariana was doing a turkey, a ham, and 3 side dishes, Helene & Danya & eaphie were in charge of dessert, and I was doing another turkey and the rest. There was a lot of shuffling around in that little oven! Fortunately, 2 families brought roasters so that is where the ham and 2nd turkey both went. Mariana was able to go on a hike with most of the rest of the family in the National Park to a waterfall, while the rest of the women stayed behind and cooked and got ready-

Our youngest niece (who is also our Goddaughter)

And youngest nephew-

My SIL Helene's thing that is sooooo yummy- cream cheese, caramel topping, and granola- for dipping apples. Yummy!

One turkey was done, the other one wasn't even close, so we waited outside- it was such a gorgeous day!

Finally! Time to eat!

Thank goodness a few of us thought to bring aluminum pans- no way would we have been able to cook everything much less serve everything without them!

Cont'd next post-

 

[podsnel]

The eldest brother, Warren, said the blessing and we ate!

The brothers who cleaned everything up for us-

Dessert!

Downstairs for some pool-

And then off to bed! Thanksgiving is EXHAUSTING!!!!!!!

 

[podsnel]

Friday morning, Helene & Alan were making breakfast for the masses- Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese sandwiches (it's a NJ thing- Taylor ham. Practically lived on it in college!), waffles, lots of different pancakes....delicious!!

As we ate breakfast, you could see the clouds rolling into the valley-

The warm, sunny weather was gone- of course, now it was my turn to get out of the cabin! Some of the boys had a morning tub before we left-

And Eaphie's doggies came out to play-

Then it was time to go!

Driving through Pigeon Forge on the way to Gatlinburg-

What was nice was that Mariana was riding with me, and my boys were riding with Uncle Steve & their cousins...so I didn't have to hear them begging to go into every laser tag, mini-golf, arcade place we passed on that strip! We parked in Gatlinburg, and went for a walk-

 

[Wicket's Mom]

It looks like a great time was had by all! I hope that you got to do some outlet shopping or at least got to walk around Gatlinburg.

 

[dallastxcpa]

It looks like your family had a fabulous time. I really love some of the creative things that were done with the food. The butternut squash turkey is really awesome. What a feast you had.

I am sorry to hear about Sean's cold. What a terrible time for that to come on.

 

[podsnel]

On this walk, Tyler complained incessantly. In his mind, we had passed by all this cool, great stuff to do what...window shop??? Why not just kill him instead?? When were we going to do something fun?

And we wouldn't even let them buy any guns that day!! What awful, awful parents!!

They seem to sell the same thing over and over in every store in Gatlinburg, Guns, purses, crap made in China, and more crap made in China! Fortunately for my kids, (and for the headache I had from Tyler ragging) they also sell candy-

After which, all the boys made a u-turn and went back to the cars and off to some field somewhere to play football (and they had a blast!), and we girls stayed to shop-



Bye bye, boys-

Helene & I were looking to buy a Christmas ornament...and were not finding any (well, except some ugly ones made in China). There was a craft fair at the convention center, so we decided to have a look and were all very happy to find some MADE IN TENNESSEE items- how nice! Back outside-

The boutique-fashion and more- Purses downstairs, guns and assorted violence toys and hookah pipes upstairs-

We found a cute little bunch of shops, and posed in a sled-

And walked back to our car- they were finally turning on some lights!!

We went home for dinner, and game night! After we reheated all the leftovers, we all (well all of us who were there- some went to a comedy show) played bunco (I was paired up with my nephew Drew- we ROCKED!!), twister, and pictionary. It was hilarious, we had such a great night!!

Somehow, Pods won- which make no sense at all. because Pods is as flexible as a rock. But his younger brother, Steven, had a good time knocking him over in his glory moment!

 

[podsnel]

Next was Pictionary-

It was a great night......The next day, we were all going in different directions- well, in groups in different directions. Some people went to a morning showing of the Dixie Stampede, then came back, then went to the Go Karts & Mini golf....well, that's what my family did, except for me & Sean- we stayed in the cabin. Other families went to a 1pm show at dixie Stampede. They all then met at Ober Gatlinburg, and rode the cable car (after a 1 1/2 hour wait) to the mountain top, after which they got right back on line & waited an hour to reboard and go back down the mountain. Fun. I personally watched Alice in Wonderland on my computer and the sunset from the porch one last time. Lucky ME!

In between all the stuff, those who were home took a photo-

Sean hung out upstairs-

And i enjoyed the Smoky view one last night-

I put dinner in the oven (Danya & Kimmer had made some delicious stratas for breakfast for dinner- yum!), we all packed up, and in the morning headed home. THE END!

 

[rndmr2]

Friday morning, Helene & Alan were making breakfast for the masses- Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese sandwiches (it's a NJ thing- Taylor ham. Practically lived on it in college!), waffles, lots of different pancakes....delicious!!

Mmmm... Taylor Ham ! (or Pork roll as we sometimes called it) is a Philly thing too! It's my favorite, I buy some every time I go back to Philly to visit my family to take home with me so I can have my Fix! LOL (Although recently they have occasionally had it at Wegman's here )

Looks like you guys had a nice Thanksgiving, that cabin is beautiful.

Really enjoyed your TR and hearing about your trip! Can't wait for the next one!

 

[anewmac]

the thanksgiving pics look awesome. love all the food porn pics!

 

[CRdisMom]

thank goodness that you had extra tables. that cabin looked awesome. It reminds me of being up in northern minnesota. glad sean found a place to retreat

 

[podsnel]

Ok everyone!!! I just made my first post on the new Cruise TR!! Here's a link-

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39110594#post39110594

I hope to see you there!!

 

[karajeboo]

So what DID Brown do for you???

 

[dvc4life]

Ellen - loved your Thanksgiving Photos. How much fun that must have been with so many family members there, and who get along . The cabin and area you were in looked just fantastic. So rustic. If you ever need a long lost cousin from Iowa, we are readily available. And we have 2 girls to try to even it out with all the boys.

 

[Mysteria]

Hey Sally! Are you caught up yet? How was your trip?

I am caught up to this comment now. Can't wait to hear the rest and about the cruise! Sorry about being mia. We were in a car accident the day after I got home. Totaled the car. We're fine but it's been a little crazy around here.

Trip was a rollercoaster ride in itself. Mostly ups though. I have learned a little more about travelling with certain family who take strong meds My phone was not working right at all which is why I couldn't text you.

We'll have to have a lunch date in the new year and I can fill you in more. I wish I could do trip reports like you but i'd pale so bad in comparison it would be embarassing.

Off to keep reading.

 

[podsnel]

I for one...absolutely LOVE that last picture! It sums it up for all of us now doesn't it?!!
Would love to see some pictures of Pigeon Forge....did you go to Dollywood? I have seen on the Travel Channel that they have pretty awesome park food
Okay no more shopping in DTD with Pods...that is just depressing with all of the sighs and all
I don't understand the angst of people and their planes either....well I know everyone wants to get somewhere....basically why we are all there right? But when people complain about deicing in the winter etc...ummmm I don't want to fall out of the sky, okay? I guess maybe we are just more experienced fliers?

Tracy

Thanks! And the last pic DOES sum it up for all of us, I think, too!

No- we did not get to Dollywood- it was so packed in Pigeon Forge we never would have enjoyed it, all of us. Since we had such a small amount of time there, and it WAS so crowded, we didn't get to do a lot of the things I was planning to do in the summer. As it was, I barely left that cabin at all- just part of one day. The only person who spent more time in the cabin was Sean!

And I'm with you- I want that plane de-iced but GOOD!!

I would love to see some Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving photos.

Well I hope you're happy now. Happy Hanaukkah!

i see an adventure in our plans..where is tony, and doug not drew hunt. LOL.

Loved the photos and hope that the trip to TN was pleseant.

I like that adventure- sounds good to me!

It looks like a great time was had by all! I hope that you got to do some outlet shopping or at least got to walk around Gatlinburg.

Well, that is the one thing I got to do! Walk around Gatlinburg!!

It looks like your family had a fabulous time. I really love some of the creative things that were done with the food. The butternut squash turkey is really awesome. What a feast you had.

I am sorry to hear about Sean's cold. What a terrible time for that to come on.

My SIL Eaphie was very busy making all those turkeys- it took her a loooooong time! She did a great job. The pinecones (which were cheese balls) were done by her daughter- Brooke- who is SEVEN....how amazing is THAT?

Mmmm... Taylor Ham ! (or Pork roll as we sometimes called it) is a Philly thing too! It's my favorite, I buy some every time I go back to Philly to visit my family to take home with me so I can have my Fix! LOL (Although recently they have occasionally had it at Wegman's here )

Looks like you guys had a nice Thanksgiving, that cabin is beautiful.

Really enjoyed your TR and hearing about your trip! Can't wait for the next one!

I went to Rider College- loads of Philly people there- and we all knew about pork roll!! That's interesting that it's now being carried out of the area- although you're really not that far away. Hmmm...If NJ is no longer known as the pork roll state, what will we be known for??????

the thanksgiving pics look awesome. love all the food porn pics!

Yea, yea- don't ya wanna know where the kahlua bottle was at that breakfast?

 

[podsnel]

thank goodness that you had extra tables. that cabin looked awesome. It reminds me of being up in northern minnesota. glad sean found a place to retreat

It was a really awesome thing to be in that cabin- especially because we all had king size beds AND our own bathrooms! Is that what Northern Minnesota is like? It must be nice!

So what DID Brown do for you???

Well, it sure didn't get me to the airport any faster, i can tell ya that!

Ellen - loved your Thanksgiving Photos. How much fun that must have been with so many family members there, and who get along . The cabin and area you were in looked just fantastic. So rustic. If you ever need a long lost cousin from Iowa, we are readily available. And we have 2 girls to try to even it out with all the boys.

It was fun- and LOUD!!! The boys got out of hand a few times, but I attribute that to the fact that there really was nowhere for them to run around outside. The girls were fine. Boys are nuts!

You can be my cousin-you're IN! And we can always use a couple more girls- they are a rare commodity in my husband's family. Nothin but girls in mine (all cousins, though- I'm an only child).

I am caught up to this comment now. Can't wait to hear the rest and about the cruise! Sorry about being mia. We were in a car accident the day after I got home. Totaled the car. We're fine but it's been a little crazy around here.

Trip was a rollercoaster ride in itself. Mostly ups though. I have learned a little more about travelling with certain family who take strong meds My phone was not working right at all which is why I couldn't text you.

We'll have to have a lunch date in the new year and I can fill you in more. I wish I could do trip reports like you but i'd pale so bad in comparison it would be embarassing.

Off to keep reading.

Are you all ok????? Are you able to work at Macy's?

I was wondering why I didn't hear from you- and I couldn't remember if you were already there, or coming as I was leaving. We will have to go out and catch up in January- sounds like a plan!

Oh- and I don't agree AT ALL with your assessment of your writing abilities! You are sooooooooo funny, you always have a witty comment, you would write an EXCELLENT TR- and I bet you would LOVE doing it once you got past your fear of it. I vote YES on a Myst TR.

 

[anewmac]

Yea, yea- don't ya wanna know where the kahlua bottle was at that breakfast?

DUH it was at my house.. i was finishing it off for you LOL

 

[CRdisMom]

A trip to northern minnesota is a TR all by itself. I will have to take photos next summer for you.