The Caldwells: Pigeon Forge

The past couple of years we have made our way down to Pigeon Forge/Gatlingburg. Last year was the first time we took the kids. It is a fun time visiting Dollywood and the aquarium. This year we had planned on heading down on a Sunday but a hurricane decided to come through that weekend so we delayed a day to make sure the house did not lose power. We were headed out Monday morning when a warning light on the Pilot came on. Instead of heading South we headed North to Christiansburg to have the Pilot looked at. Ended up needing some work done and the anticipated time was 4 hours. Luckily it was done in 2 1/2 hours instead and we headed down the road.

We rented a 3 bedroom condo which was in a complex that had a couple pools and a playground. It was a great location and the kids loved swimming and playing. Barry and Loretta were also able to join us for a few days as well which was great.

On our way to breakfast at Dunkin Donuts one morning

Dollywood is definitely a favorite place to go. Going in the off season probably gives us a poor representation of how it can really be. We really do not have many lines and can get a lot of riding done. They have a great area of kids rides and Hunter loved the ducks. He requested to go back to them later in the day. He also loves a ride that drops and bounces. And the pigs. The park is also nice in that you can leave and come back and not have to pay parking again. I was able to leave with the kids for lunch and nap then return for a few more hours of riding. Hunter was able to ride his first roller coaster and LOVED it! He laughed the whole way. The people in front of us said that his laughing made the ride so much better because he was enjoying it so much. We also convinced Hannah to go on the log ride. She enjoyed it until we went down the big "slide." Chad lost his hat on the way down. We also went on a water ride that we could all ride and of course we got soaked. We rode that one twice!

On our way there

Excited!

On the train. She was pretending.

A soaked family picture

We are about to get wet!

They got wet!

After the roller coaster. Hunter loved it!

We also love going to the aquarium. They kids love all aquariums but this one has a tunnel and the sharks can swim over you. There are also the penguins which are always a favorite.

You can get up close and personal with the penguins

Hunter giving a high five to the diver

The condo we rented was great. It had enough space for us all. We did try to have Hannah and Hunter sleep in the same room the first night but that still does not work. Hunter did not want to sleep and then when he did settle down, he was being to loud for Hannah's liking. Some day they will hopefully be able to sleep in the same area. Hannah ended up in the room with us on a mattress and Hunter got the room to himself. It worked out and they both slept fairly well after that.