Weekend Getaway

Since we went to Florida in May this year we felt like we didn't have a lot to look forward to travel-wise this summer.  We had thrown around the idea of going to Florida again around Labor Day but after checking to see if the family condo was available and finding out it wasn't, we started brainstorming some short trips that are closer to home that would give us a little break to look forward to without the expense and planning that is required for a complete second vacation.

So months ago, we booked a weekend trip to Gatlinburg.  We figured there is a ton of stuff for Brianna and it would be relaxing to visit the mountains as the leaves start to turn for fall.  Then my Dad got sick.  He was stable, able to communicate with me by using a pen to spell out on a board what he wanted to say, and while I felt a lot of anxiety about leaving him... I knew it was OK.  And Brianna has been missing her Mommy so it was much needed quality time.

So we swam in the pool, had family time in our bathing suits in the huge jacuzzi tub in our cabin, went to the Dixie Stampede, Aquarium, shopped, ate, ate and ate lots of yummy food and it was nice.  Brianna had been having some sleep regression before the trip and that only got worse so she was a little,  okay, A LOT, more cranky than normal but we managed.  Here are a few pictures of our time in Gatlinburg.

It was a nice little trip but we were happy to get home- especially so that I could get back to the hospital with Dad.  But the good news is that we have implemented strict afternoon naps for Brianna since we returned.  Life has been so much better now that the two year old is getting enough sleep!