Pre-Christmas Festivities

This was the first Christmas in my life that I would not be spending it with my parents or siblings. Vince's work schedule did not allow us the time off to travel to Florida to be with them. We have done Christmas in Florida every other year for the past 10 years. In fact, that's where we were when we got engaged on Christmas week while on a cruise. I wanted to fix the traditional Christmas dinner so we had our dinner a week and a half before Christmas with Kim, Elise, my parents, and Barbara & Jerry. It turned out great. I cooked the turkey in the large roaster, and cooked the ham in the crock pot. Both were put on a table on the back porch so the boys wouldn't get to them. I fixed sweet potato soufflé, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, yeast rolls, fruit salad, and pumpkin pie. I also made divinity, cake pops, and cookies during the week.

We ran into Santa Claus during a few outings as well. Evan's therapy shop hosted activities and Santa one night, and both boys were able to participate.

 Our Down Syndrome support group (BUDS) hosted a Christmas dinner as well. They invited Mr. and Mrs. Claus to visit.

 The Piedmont Club hosted a family night and also invited Mr. & Mrs. Claus.

We had no shortages of Santa pictures this year! We saw him during Thanksgiving weekend as well.

Thanksgiving 2016

Our Thanksgiving was less than ideal, but we made the best of the situation. Evan and Alex both showed signs of sickness the day before we left for Gatlinburg. Evan tested positive for strep throat and Alex had an upper respiratory infection. Both got antibiotics and we were on our way. After a 2 1/2 hour drive, we opted to stop in Pigeon Forge for lunch and shopping before heading into Gatlinburg. As soon as we were seated in the restaurant to eat (after a 30 minute wait), Alex promptly vomited all over himself and high chair. That's when I realized his backpack still had shorts in it from the summer and not long pants for winter weather. So yes, Alex wore shorts for the next couple of hours until we got to the hotel. He was sick for 12 straight hours. I was soooo glad our condo had a washer/dryer since we used it continuously for towels and clothes.

I also thought I had packed an extra sheet for the two port a cribs and realized I didn't pack the original two, so I only had one sheet. Alex got to sleep on a towel.  The next day was Thanksgiving. We had reservations at 12 for our traditional lunch buffet at the Park Vista hotel. It was amazing and both boys seemed fine.  We spent Friday at the aquarium and had fun walking around Gatlinburg. Friday night was Evan's turn for the 12 hour stomach bug.

We love Gatlinburg and had fun, but boy I don't wish stomach bugs on anyone that has to travel. On Sunday we drove home and then learned on Monday that Gatlinburg homes burned. So much damage was done.

I don't think we will ever forget this Thanksgiving vacation. We are very thankful for so many things. It's been surreal.

Rides at Ober Gatlinburg. The boys loved the quarter rides, merry go rounds, and bears.

 Outdoor playground at Ober Gatlinburg.

The Festival of Trees at the Gatlinburg Convention Center had an amazing kids area set up this year for the boys to play.

Ready for Thanksgiving lunch.

We met Aunt Marie, Uncle Bobby, David, Ashley and their kiddos to celebrate David's birthday at The Greenbrier in Gatlinburg on Friday night.

The aquarium.

 My visit to the Paula Deen store downtown.

Trick or Treat 2016

Last weekend we attended the Euro Car Fest in Greenville. They had a great little photo op set up with hay & pumpkins. It's the first year I didn't have to take the boys to a pumpkin patch to get a fall photo. They loved the cars. It got us in the mood for driving a race car at Halloween.

Our neighbors host a wonderful party each Halloween at 5 pm. They have pizza, desserts, drinks, and a great play set in the backyard for the kids. All of the neighbors gather with their kids dressed up to eat before dark. We took the boys to the party and then came home to get their little red car. It's much nicer to trick-or-treat with a car than a stroller. Plus Darth Vader and Captain Phasma (head stormtrooper) need a cool ride.

 Our neighbors "booed" us and gave the boys light sabers (glow sticks). 

I ordered Vince's Chewbacca coat months ago. Needless to say, the 80 degree weather rendered it useless. We took our customary photos and then Vince ditched the jacket.

 I was R2D2.

 The boys did great in their costumes. Evan wore his mask for less than 1 second.  Alex loved wearing his every day but opted to not wear it at night because he couldn't see well out of it.

We were able to see lots of neighbors and rang many doorbells.  Evan took a nap after about 5 houses, so Alex and I collected the candy from the neighbors. Everyone was so generous. I prepackaged some bags of candy and left them on the front step with a sign to take one. I had to refill it only twice. We did not get our usual crowd of kids bused in from other areas, so we had tons of candy left over.  We had a very productive Halloween!