Who knew choking each other would earn us fastpasses?

[teedee]

I'm not all caught up yet, but I just had to post and tell you how happy and excited I am for you when I read the wonderful news! I know you're just over the moon about all this! I have to admit I got a little teary eyed myself.

I think you guys will like Pop. I was nervous about it when I first booked, but after all the great reviews I've read, I'm really looking forward to our first visit there next month!

When I was little my family always had our reunions in Cherokee. I loved going there, I haven't thought about that place in years and it's probably been about 30 years since I've been there. I do remember how beautiful it was. We used to go to Maggie Valley there. There was a small amusement park on top of a mountain called Ghost Town In The SKy. I have no idea if it's even still there but I loved it. They had swings that went out over the side of the mountain and I always thought it was totally cool. Kids today wouldn't think much of it, but it was a super thrill back then. I also remember going to see a play called "Onto These Hills", it was put on outside and a very moving story of the native americans in the area. What wonderful memores you've brought back for me, Thanks!!

Terri

 

[Believeinfairytales]

I enjoyed the pictures of the Smoky Mountains. I have taken that drive many times that you had taken and your pictures and descriptions of the drive just brought me back. Nothing makes me happier than viewing those mountains. Except for maybe...Disney!

Can't wait to hear all about Dollywood!

 

[nessz79]

Beautiful pics of GSM National Park area- I would love to do that vacation one day with the boys. Maybe when they're a little older and could participate in some of the more active things to do there.

 

[aprilisis]

Great photos!!! I have always wanted to drive through that park. I am going to have to find a way to work that in someday soon.

 

[MHTeacher]

Great pictures of your trip through the mountains. Looking forward to hearing about your trip to Dollywood!

 

[Mommy2BnB]

Beautiful pictures of the Smoky Mountains! My family loves to go there. But a word of advice to anyone considering going: Do not go on the weekend in the fall!!! All you will do is sit in traffic.

When I was little my family always had our reunions in Cherokee. I loved going there, I haven't thought about that place in years and it's probably been about 30 years since I've been there. I do remember how beautiful it was. We used to go to Maggie Valley there. There was a small amusement park on top of a mountain called Ghost Town In The SKy. I have no idea if it's even still there but I loved it. They had swings that went out over the side of the mountain and I always thought it was totally cool. Kids today wouldn't think much of it, but it was a super thrill back then. I also remember going to see a play called "Onto These Hills", it was put on outside and a very moving story of the native americans in the area. What wonderful memores you've brought back for me, Thanks!!

Terri

Ghost Town in the Sky is still there.

 

[racefanof88]

Great phots I think we are going to drive over to Panama City and go to Margaritaville. Tyler nor Dallas have ever been to one so I think it would be fun!! I was debating going to the one in New Orleans, but Dale likes Panama City.

I can't wait to hear more about your tirp. Please forgive me if my typing and spelling if off, I took my sleeping pill and I'm not kinds loopy......lol.

 

[Peter Pan Fan 22]

That's such exciting news about the engagement and Lacey moving back home!

I'm enjoying the mini-trip report! I'm sad I couldn't see any of the pictures of Helen because of the bandwidth deal, but you described everything so well I felt like I was seeing it. We may be taking a trip to Savannah over Thanksgiving. I may have to request a stop in Helen because it sounds so great!

 

[KatMark]

I don't know how I keep missing your updates by a day or two. I must be living under a rock. I love the Smokeys. It has been about 18 years since we've been there (I think Markie was 4 the last time we drove through the Smokeys when we used to drive to Disney instead of fly). Can't wait to see the next update and pictures of Dollywood.

 

[teedee]

Beautiful pictures of the Smoky Mountains! My family loves to go there. But a word of advice to anyone considering going: Do not go on the weekend in the fall!!! All you will do is sit in traffic.




Ghost Town in the Sky is still there.

I'm so glad to hear that. I'm going to have to take Carter there.

Terri

 

[Woth2982]

Congrats to your daughter and future son in law! Sounds like they are a very smart couple getting jobs, finishing their degrees, then getting married! Most young couples don't think that clearly! I am very excited for you and them! Sounds like some exciting things are going on in your house!

 

[mommytothreeboys]

Awesome pictures Lisa! What a beautiful drive!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hello to all of my Dis buddies! I want to thank each and every one of you for your congratulations and well wishes to Lacey and Jesse. And, for everybody saying congrats on Lacey moving home for a while. As you all can well imagine, we've been spending as much time as possible with Lacey. It's been really really nice to have her home.

We had our garage sale this weekend despite it raining off and on. We made $183.00 which wasn't too terribly bad considering the rain, the temps being in the high 90s and the fact that we only had the sale for 5 hours. There was a good bit of stuff left so we packed it up and said we'd try again in a month or two. Everything is already priced so all we'll have to do is set it back out.

Lacey and I did a little wedding shopping this weekend too. Actually, I should have said "wedding idea shopping". She has her colors picked out and knows that she wants something very simple. We went to Hobby Lobby and Michael's to check out their wedding items. Hobby Lobby items are too "fru-fru" for her. Michael's had a book that had a couple of "themes" that she liked. She's now thinking maybe a beachy type theme. Not over-the-top beach theme but a slight theme. Jesse proposed which they were in Panama City Beach, Florida so the beach theme would definitely work.

We have a bit of an unusual circumstance in that: 1) they are getting married in Georgia; 2) all of Lacey's family lives in Louisiana; 3) all of Jesse's family lives in Tennessee. We know that there are relatives on both side of the family that can't (insert "won't" for some of them) travel to Georgia for the wedding. So, they will be getting married in Georgia and then going to Tennessee for a reception hosted by his family and over to Louisiana for a reception hosted by John and I. Once the receptions are done, they want to go to Walt Disney World for their honeymoon.

I think I may start a blog about her wedding plans. I don't know if anybody would be interested though. I'll keep thinking about it. If you guys thought you would read along, I'd probably do it.

John and I are celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary tomorrow. We got married when we were just 18 years old and we're still going strong. Being that we were just 18, we didn't have a bunch of money so we honeymooned in Hot Springs, Arkansas and then went up to Petit Jean State Park and stayed in the lodge there. I think John and I are going to take a walk down memory lane this weekend and head up to Arkansas.

We are still pondering which Disney resort to stay in next year. You would know that we'd still be undecided on the date the 2011 rates came out. I had a look around the All Stars Music thread and picture thread and it looks really cool. What to do? What to do!

Anyway, you can see why I haven't posted much over the last week or so. I've uploaded my Dollywood pictures to photobucket since I exceeded the bandwidth on another photobucket account. The boss has somebody with him right now so I think I'll try and post a Dollywood update.

In the meantime, here's what John and Hunter were doing a few days ago:

 

[mickeystoontown]

Oh and I forgot to mention that I am starting a new business.......DisneyDesigns. I've sold items on ebay for years and years. I thought why not combine my love for Disney and love for crafting/sewing? So, I'm going to start selling Disney themed items....aprons, totes, drawstring backpacks, shopping cart covers, etc. It'll take me a little while to get the items made and ready for sale. Like I've always said.....a extra dollar made is another dollar I have to put towards my Disney vacation.

 

[MissLiz]

Congrats to you for getting to have Lacey home for a while and to Lacey on graduation and wedding! How exciting!

I feel your pain with the wedding in another state. When Michael and I got married, we lived in Chicago, the wedding was in Iowa (where I grew up) and his family was in Michigan. We had quite a few Michigan folks who *couldn't* make the wedding.

At least it kept our cost down since it meant a smaller wedding.

I tried to get the whole Disney World honeymoon since we got engaged there, but that was a no-go.

Hope you have a fantastic anniversary trip this weekend!!!! Congrats!!!

 

[KatMark]

My, my, my. Busy, busy, busy you've been. I'm glad you've had some time to spend with Lacey. I love the photos of Hunter and John in the pool -- they look like they are having a blast.

You know that the 2011 package rates are out, don't you (new themed rooms a possibility down the road at the moderates, preferred rooms at POR and CSR, etc.).

 

[mickeystoontown]

My, my, my. Busy, busy, busy you've been. I'm glad you've had some time to spend with Lacey. I love the photos of Hunter and John in the pool -- they look like they are having a blast.

You know that the 2011 package rates are out, don't you (new themed rooms a possibility down the road at the moderates, preferred rooms at POR and CSR, etc.).

I know I have been super busy!

I saw that the rates came out yesterday morning. Of course, that's when I started doubting the resort choice. I read the thread about the possibility of more themed rooms. I wouldn't mind staying in a themed room but I have problems shelling out more money for them. Call it the cheapskate in me.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Congrats to you for getting to have Lacey home for a while and to Lacey on graduation and wedding! How exciting!

I feel your pain with the wedding in another state. When Michael and I got married, we lived in Chicago, the wedding was in Iowa (where I grew up) and his family was in Michigan. We had quite a few Michigan folks who *couldn't* make the wedding.

At least it kept our cost down since it meant a smaller wedding.

I tried to get the whole Disney World honeymoon since we got engaged there, but that was a no-go.

Hope you have a fantastic anniversary trip this weekend!!!! Congrats!!!

It will be hard to plan three "weddings". We will definitely be reusing the decorations at our reception. I'm not sure what Jesse's parents want to do about a reception. If they want to use the same "theme" then we'll share the decorations with them too.

We won't be doing anything out-of-the-world for our anniversary but I'll be glad to just get away for a day or two.

 

[KatMark]

I know I have been super busy!

I saw that the rates came out yesterday morning. Of course, that's when I started doubting the resort choice. I read the thread about the possibility of more themed rooms. I wouldn't mind staying in a themed room but I have problems shelling out more money for them. Call it the cheapskate in me.

I think if they go with those themed rooms (which are neat looking, but not for me), they will be at the moderates.

I thought you had decided on Pop?

 

[shelbys mommy]

I would definitely follow along & I can't wait to see the link for your ebay store!