Our Get-Away: Nothing Like We Expected

Well our first family get-away on our own turned out nothing like we expected. It was full of changed plans, the sickies, lots of traffic and crowds, and some big time disappointment. Boo! However, even though absolutely nothing turned out like we hoped or planned, we still enjoyed a few highlights on this trip and made some fun memories. We loved the beautiful scenery, we shared some fun firsts, we were comfortable and cozy in the condo, and we were eventually able to laugh at how quickly our plans changed on this trip. We also learned some valuable lessons that we will most certainly be remembering for future get-aways. Oh, it was a wild one. =) 

***Long recap below***

Saturday morning after Austin's soccer game we came right home and started loading up. It officially took forever but we finally got on the road before lunchtime. We were pumped and super excited!

After making a stop at CFA (our most favorite place to stop and eat when we're going somewhere big), we set out for the road again. Unfortunately this is when we ran into our first little obstacle in the form of really heavy traffic. Sigh. Due to the heavy traffic and the sporadic down pours we encountered, we had to make a pit stop we weren't planning on for a bathroom break. Chick Fil A to the rescue again. Eventually we made our way into Cherokee, North Carolina and stopped at Dairy Queen for supper. Let's just say this is an experience we'd like to forget. Nothing terrible just nothing good either. Haha.

Anyway, we finally managed to get back on the road and the weather conditions were not our friend. It was rainy and foggy and getting darker and more difficult to see by the minute. And what happened next should have been a sign of what was to come the remainder of the trip... Garrison Cade got car sick. Bless his heart. It was terrible. He was miserable and there was nothing we could do to make it better. We made a couple of stops at those mountain pull over spots to let him get out and walk around and get fresh air. In the dark, rain, and cold I might add. And we were honestly hoping he would go ahead and throw up. Finally he did throw up... in a grocery bag in the car. It was the longest trip ever. I finally started praying out loud that we would get there soon! A trip that should've only taken us 5 and 1/2 to 6 hours ended up taking us 8. Ahhhhh. Somehow Terrell was able to unload half our house which was packed in the suburban almost totally on his own in the rain. Bless him. 

Thankfully everyone had a pretty good night and for the most part we all slept well. Other than me waking up to bad allergies (I'm seriously starting to think I'm allergic to Gatlinburg), we were all refreshed and excited about our 1st day in the mountains! We made cinnamon rolls for breakfast and had a pretty great morning watching Disney Jr and taking our time getting ready. =) The condo really was super comfy and cozy and we were extra thankful!!

This one of course begged for breakfast just like he does at home. Haha!

Our agenda for Sunday was a trip to Cade's Cove, a picnic lunch, and then a visit to the pumpkin patch. The whole fam was pretty excited and everyone had great attitudes and was so looking forward to seeing animals and making several stops around the Cove and exploring some new places. 

Unfortunately what should have been a 35 to 40 minute trip to Cade's Cove turned out to be an hour and a half trip. UGH. Layton was not happy and let us know about it sometime around the hour mark. Traffic was terrible and by the time we finally got to the 11 mile loop of Cade's Cove it was bumper to bumper. Thankfully everybody could unstrap and get out of their seats and we saw some animals right away. Horses and turkeys! I didn't get any pictures of them but my big boys were smitten and soo into our new experience. YAY. And Layton loved getting to ride in my lap. =)

One of the first fields we came to... Still super cloudy and foggy but very peaceful and pretty too.

One of the historic churches we saw and decided to stop and visit. 

We were still moving slow and bumper to bumper but the boys loved getting to look out the sun roof for a stretch!

We made another stop for pictures and to have a break from the long line of cars...

Shortly after our stop, we noticed the traffic had slowed to a crawl and we finally realized why... a bear was spotted! This was the best shot we got of the bear since it was on Terrell's side and he was driving. We also saw another bear later on too! I think the bear sightings made our trip! The boys were thrilled.

Once we finally completed the 11 mile loop we were all hungry and ready for our picnic! (Picnics were one of the things we were most looking forward to about our trip. What could be better than picnicking in the mountains in the Fall?!) But again, our plans fell through. The picnic area was jam-packed and there was no where to park. We rode through slowly searching and hoping we'd get a spot but we were once again in a line of cars and knew the chances were slim. We were right. And we were a loong way from any other safe picnic spot. We instead parked down the road a ways and had a picnic in the car. We turned on a movie for the big boys and they ate in their seats while Terrell and I stood and ate at the back of the suburban and Layton sat in the back where we were. Everybody got full and after an entire movie had ended and we still weren't back to the condo, Garrison started complaining with a bad headache. He was in tears and just pitiful. Meanwhile my allergies were getting worse and worse. I'm talking constantly blowing my nose, sneezing my head off, miserable. Plus there was no time to make it to the pumpkin patch. So sad. Even though nobody really felt like it, it was still a bummer.

At least we had some gorgeous views once we finally made it back. AND, we watched the amazing 4th quarter of the Falcons game and saw our team come back to WIN! This was another favorite highlight of our trip! We cheered and sat on the edge of our seats and loved watching our Falcons pull off the win in overtime! It's one of my favorite memories ever with my boys. All 4 of them were cheering and clapping and hollering just about the whole 4th quarter. Even Layton. =)

 As soon as the Falcons game ended we decided we would head into town and go out to eat. We were looking forward to a good meal and wrapping up our day on a high note. Texas Roadhouse sure did sound delish.

But, alas, it wasn't meant to be. Just writing this I am cracking up at how NOTHING went according to plan on this trip. Hahaha!

We got down the mountain to the very first red light in downtown Gatlinburg and we sat and watched it turn green 3 different times before getting under it ourselves. The crowds and traffic were awful. Even though it was only around 5:00 we quickly realized our plans would need to be changed yet again. There was no parking, no getting anywhere fast, and no chance we were waiting an hour plus with 3 kiddos for a seat at a restaurant. Plus our gas light had just come on so we needed gas... and meds for me. Mama was desperate and miserable. 

We finally decided to head for Pigeon Forge and eventually made it there, but wouldn't you know, Garrison's terrible headache came back and this time he was freezing cold. Little man clearly had a fever. =( We scarfed down our supper at Arby's, waited in line at Krispy Kreme for what we hoped would cheer everybody up, took the bypass back to the condo to avoid the nightmare of traffic, confirmed that our firstborn had a fever of 101.5, gave him Motrin, got everybody in bed, and then Terrell and I decided to cut our losses. Ha!

Overall, the trip had been a bust and it was time to call it quits. We weren't sure if Garrison had strep or what was going on with him. We weren't sure we'd be able to visit the train and railroad museum and local parks the next day as planned. We honestly weren't even sure we were up for trying. We were spent and we were over it. And then we sort of laughed about it. Haha. How crazy could one short get-away turn out?! Super crazy apparently. 

Thankfully the boys were ready to head out and get home just like we were. Garrison woke up with another fever but we loaded up and got on the road in record time. The best part was the drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee. It was gorgeous. It made the trip worth it just to be able to enjoy the beauty of the mountains as we drove. God's creation is just stunning. 

And you know we had to stop just once for a few pictures. =)

Before we got back in the car, Garrison wanted us to read the historical facts to him and hear about who the mountain is named after. I snapped a picture of the moment... Garrison is engrossed in the history of it all while Austin and Layton just decided to stand and pose. =) 

Thankfully we had a MUCH better trip home than our trip up and as soon as we got unpacked and settled we knew we'd made the right decision. It just felt so good to be home after all the craziness we'd experienced over the past 48-60 hours. Plus we got a bonus day at home with daddy since we'd cut our trip short. =) It was a wild, unpredictable, full of interrupted plans and lots of the unexpected get-away, but I guarantee it's one Terrell and I won't ever forget. Ha!

Here are a few lessons learned from our get-away:

*Don't visit Gatlinburg (or any other popular mountain destination) in the Fall. For real. It was waaaay more crowded than we ever expected and the traffic interrupted every. single. plan. we made. IF you must visit in the Fall, stay in downtown Gburg and walk everywhere you go... preferably without your bundles of joy. We saw very few people walking the streets with young kids. It was just so crowded and busy it wasn't kid-friendly at all.

*If possible, go to the beach. Haha! For us and our kiddos, the beach is easier. The beach is our sole entertainment and occupies everyone for hours and doesn't cost a thing. No "plans" needed. =)

*Never eat a meal and then get on winding, curving roads immediately following. Someone will more than likely get car sick. It never crossed our minds that eating at DQ in Cherokee would be a big mistake. Ha.

*Always pack plenty of medicine when traveling. When in doubt, pack it. Take medicine even before you start the trip. Especially if you're prone to seasonal allergies and have a proven track record of having allergy attacks year after year in Gburg.

*If possible try to make 1 stop and 1 stop only on the way up. We had to make 3 stops on Saturday, 5 if you count our two 5 minute stops to help Garrison feel better when he was car sick. The more stops you make the longer the trip and the more antsy your passengers become. Especially if you're traveling with little ones. Especially then. 

*Day trips to the mountains in the Fall are the way to go! Even though Terrell and I have never attempted this with our family before, next year may be the year! Growing up my family did this quite a bit. We rode 2 or 3 hours up to the mountains and enjoyed the scenery and the leaves and made several stops at small, country grocery stores or roadside places and I have some great memories from those little day trips. 

*Traveling with your kiddos and no extra family or grandparents will probably always be an adventure. It's an adventure even with the grandparents! Ha! It will be even crazier when you're out-numbered. And even crazier still when one of your babies is 20 months old and still very high maintenance. Hahaha. Craziness and all, I still thought our get-away was pretty special since it was just us. That made us totally relaxed and extremely comfortable with doing whatever we felt was best. I'm hoping for another get-away for our party of 5 in the future... but maybe to the beach. =)

Such a wild and very memorable trip and kick off to our Fall Break! God definitely has a sense of humor. =)

Friday Favorites: It's Been a Long One

Whew! This week has been a long one. Reeally long. It's possible that Friday and the start of Fall Break have never looked so good. I am worn out from a crazy week flying solo. And every single day felt like it should be the next day. You know, Tuesday felt like Wednesday and then on Wednesday I thought it was Thursday all day, etc. Ugh, not my favorite. HOWEVER, I'm soooooo happy to report my hubby is home!!! It was a later arrival than we expected last night but we are just beyond THANKFUL to have him home!!

Here are my favorites from our longest week ever... =)

*Going way back to last Friday, I washed some clothes for my sister to help with baby prep and I must say it was pretty sweet having a laundry basket full of pink for the first time ever. Piper Caroline will be here before we know it!

*My birthday weekend was super fun and the highlight of the month so far. =) My littlest man was the cutest bulldog ever!

*Everyone singing to me and help from all my little men blowing out the candles was the best!! They looove celebrating birthdays and make them so fun. I hope they enjoy them this much for a long, long time. The big boys are already in deep discussions over whose birthday will be next, Piper or Papa. Haha! Papa's birthday isn't until October 30th, and after Anna's doctor's appointment on yesterday it looks like Piper might be next!

*Monday was long and tough. Terrell woke up and prepared to get on the road but received an email pretty early that the start time of his training had been delayed due to weather conditions in South Carolina. So he ended up going into work for half a day and then leaving Monday afternoon. We were so sad. Garrison took it the hardest and cried and cried. We all cried. For some reason we just all struggled with it big time. Finally we pulled ourselves together and prayed together for daddy and then decided on a game of chutes and ladders to help cheer us up. It didn't help a whole lot but at least it was a distraction.

*Soccer practice was cancelled on Monday night due to really wet fields so we made it an early night. An after bath train of the Selph boys put a smile on everybody's face. =)

*The main reason I've survived this week is thanks to this right here. Oh so thankful for God's grace! This has made a HUGE difference in our afternoons and evenings this week. HUGE I tell you. Thank you Jesus.

*My sweet boys made my birthday pretty special. I loved their adorable cards (Austin asked me to draw the hearts all over his for him to color =)) and I loved getting to celebrate with my parents, sister, and brother-in-law Tuesday night. It made the day fun even though Terrell couldn't be here.

*Superheroes before breakfast! 

*After my mom picked Garrison up for school and Layton woke up he decided to take over Batman's role. Love my superheroes!!

*The rain finally stopped! We were beginning to wonder when we'd ever see the sun again. Haha. So I loaded up the babies and Austin grabbed Bailey's leash and we walked around the neighborhood. It was so good to get out!

*Favorite not-pictured moment: Terrell arriving at the soccer fields last night during the 1st half of Garrison's game! We were all so happy to see him and so thankful for his safe trip!! Yesterday turned out totally crazy and I seriously thought I was going to just fall apart more than once. Thankfully my sweet mother-in-law came to my rescue and I survived all the craziness and unexpected twists and turns of the day without having a meltdown and full blown pity party. My knight in shining armor making it home last night was the best! 

I'm still pretty exhausted from the week but soo grateful to my boys' grandparents who all helped in some way or another while Terrell was out of town. They kept me sane this week and made sure my babies got to and from where they needed to be while I was working. My first 5 day work week in a year. Haha. Thanks so much Granna, Papa, Nana, and Pops!!

Now we are looking forward to kicking off Fall Break this afternoon and gearing up for our first ever family get-away on our own! I know our little trip won't be super relaxing or restful but I think getting away as a family and having a couple of extra days with daddy will be pretty special and memorable. And don't forget needed after this crazy week! So, so, soooo thankful for a break from the daily grind and normal routine...that kicks off this afternoon!! Happy Friday!!

Currently

Currently we are missing daddy! Terrell had to leave to go out of town yesterday and it made the start to our week super tough. We've been emotional and sad and just a hot mess around here. The goodbye yesterday was our hardest yet. Whew. We're just hoping the week goes by fast and that he gets to come home on Thursday! 

At least we had a great weekend though! Today is my birthday and we celebrated lots over the weekend. It was wonderful. We all had so much fun together and laughed hard! Despite a terrible game by our Bulldogs I had the best birthday weekend. =) My family and my boys made it super special and I am so thankful for them!

Anyway, here's a little update on life currently...

*Eating... Last night the boys and I had leftover chili and tonight my parents invited us over to eat for my birthday. They're grilling hamburgers for us. Yum. Wednesday night will either be frozen pizza or take-out and Thursday night we may have to eat fast food at the soccer fields for the 2nd Thursday in a row. It's just one of those weeks. I have to keep things as simple as possible when Terrell's out of town plus manage to get everybody fed on a night when we're at the soccer fields for 2 hours. Thankfully this isn't the norm!

*Planning... Currently we're planning a little Fall Break get-away! Our Fall Break is coming up next week and we're planning to head out of town for few days... just us... the Selph 5... for the first time ever. Ha! We were originally planning to go to Savannah or somewhere near a beach and use our Marriott Reward points that were given to us after our crazy anniversary weekend experience... but it's just not ideal for a family of 5 and probably wouldn't have been the best experience. So we scratched that idea. But, because we (by we I mainly mean I) have wanted to have a little get-away for our family of 5 and because I'd gotten attached to the idea of the mini-trip, we're still making it happen... we're just going to the mountains instead. (Thanks to Nana and Pops for letting us use their condo!) Which I'm really excited about since it's Fall. =) And we're planning on doing everything and anything we can for free. First get-away without the grandparents and first get-away on a super tight budget should make for a really interesting get-away. Haha! I'm still really, really looking forward to this first for our family. =)

*Loving... FALL! Even though we've had rain for days and days and days, I'm loving all things Fall. The mums (thanks mama!), pumpkins, changing leaves, cooler weather, decor, Halloween prep, everything. This season is my fave!

*Not Loving... Terrell being out of town (waaaahhh!) and feeling a little bit of a sore throat coming on (noooooo!!!!).

*Watching... Right now we're watching quite a bit. Yay for our favorite shows being back and yay for a new favorite too! The usuals are Blue Bloods, Hawaii 5-O, Scorpion, and Survivor, and the new fave is Blindspot. Watching shows together is like the main way Terrell and I hang out and unwind. It's one of my favorite things. =)

*Reading... Currently I'm reading Ever After and it has been one of the best books I've ever read. It's definitely the best "Christian Living" book I've ever read unless I'm forgetting a great one of the past. It is soo good. So funny and honest and encouraging and real. Mamas should read this. It's a light read but still FULL of truth. I'm almost finished and it has been the most relatable book ever for me. I know this is one of those books I'll read more than once. (Speaking of reading something more than once, before starting Ever After I read Sparkly Green Earrings again. =)) Once I finish Ever After I'm starting on Jep and Jessica Robertson's book. Both of these were birthday presents that I know I'll enjoy lots. 

*Trying... The biggest thing I'm currently trying... or wanting to try... is something for more a little more energy each day. I've had stretches of days when I am so tired and low on energy I just feel like I'm in slow motion all day. And it's driving me crazy and making me feel lazy and worn out. Ugh. I've tried *Spark* and decided it's not for me so my next idea is a vitamin. Plus I'm working to go to bed earlier (although this hasn't proven to make a huge difference lately I know it's good for me and that it does help some). I'm also working on a bigger, better breakfast. I think I feel better when I start the day with more than just a granola bar. Plus I've noticed that healthier snacks and meals make a difference too. Which sometimes this is super challenging and just not happening. However, the little things I can do that may help I'm trying because mama is desperate! 

*Hoping... I'm hoping to meet my niece soon!! The nursery is ready. The baby gear is ready. Mama and Daddy are ready. And we think Baby Girl is just about ready too! Anna's official due date is November 5th, however, we're wondering if she might come sooner... either totally on her own or with a little help if needed. We're praying for a smooth and safe delivery for mama and baby and that the end of this pregnancy won't be torture on Anna. I think it's safe to say she's reached the miserable stage. At least we know it'll all be worth it soon!

*Wanting...  A fairly easy and low key week while I'm flying solo, the rain to stay away for a while (I can currently see the sun shining, wooohooo!!), my sore throat to go away and everyone to stay healthy through our get-away, opportunities for extra rest, and my wonderful hubby to get to come home Thursday... specifically Thursday afternoon in time for soccer pictures since we have to be at the fields from approximately 5:30 to 7:30. 

*Needing... Wisdom and direction when it comes to my future job/career (another post for another day) and clarity when it comes to our final decisions about putting in a pool. These are both biggies for several different reasons but what they both have in common is financial significance. Big time. I'm anxious to have a plan for both and to feel confident and at peace about each of them. 

And that's a look at life currently. =) Today I hope to enjoy turning 32 and celebrating with my sweet boys and family. We miss daddy something serious but thankfully we've already been able to talk to him more than once and he's cheered us up and made us smile. He's the best. 

Have a happy Tuesday!! 

Friday Favorites: Rain, Rain Go Away

This week has been rainy, dreary, cloudy, and pretty much totally gray. But we've had a good one! Other than being reeeally tired of the rain and overcast weather we've all enjoyed this week lots. I had a bonus day off, soccer was cancelled on Monday (a bonus night off), we've enjoyed the book fair all week, and Terrell and I have loved watching our shows every night! So despite the rain we've all had a good week. =) Here's a look at my favorite moments...

*This little man loves wearing anything from his big brothers' dress up box. Construction worker Layton was the cutest ever!

*On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the days Austin doesn't have school, I've started back with some "school time" of our own. Handwriting practice has been top priority this week. He's doing great learning to write his name by himself and we're practicing some other letters that aren't in his name too.  

*I pulled out all of our Halloween books this week! This has been a big time favorite for my big boys, and there's even a few board books for Layton too. I love our little collection.

*Speaking of books... I'm currently reading this one and LOVE it. I can relate to almost every single word of it and I love the mix of humor and wisdom throughout every page. She points back to God's Word and His leadership over our homes, marriages, and families. She devotes an entire chapter to prioritizing our marriages and putting our husband before our children. It's just been so, so good.

*Garrison's school had Literacy Night on Tuesday night so I took the big boys to that while Terrell and Layton stayed home. We all had a great night! (I think Layton loved his one on one time with daddy. =)) I enjoyed hearing all about Garrison's progress and success from his teacher and the boys loved visiting the book fair. They seriously could've put the book fair out of business they were so thrilled with all the books. We were frequent customers this week thanks to Granna giving them some book fair money to spend plus them spending some of their very own money. 

I caught this one still sound asleep one afternoon when I went in to wake him up from his nap so we could leave to pick Garrison up. Normally he wakes up the second I open his door so this was a treat to watch him sleep for a minute. =)

 My handsome 1st grader's school pictures!

Garrison made an Austin a paper "Sofia the 1st". Austin really likes the show and Garrison is such a gift giver and crafty little man he decided to make Sofia for Austin. Presh. 

*Layton LOVES the basement since so many of his toys are down there and riding this little car has become a most favorite basement activity lately. =)

*Another school time activity... sorting uppercase and lowercase letters to make a "Fall tree". I can't believe I did this with him last year after he'd just turned 3! Maybe I got ahead of myself. Haha! This time we focused lots on letter sounds and it was a great review of lowercase letters since some of those are still tricky for him to remember. Love that this little tree and letter leaves are laminated now! Hopefully Austin and I can continue with some school time even though Layton doesn't nap every morning now. We'll see how it goes. 

*These 3...

*My favorite little guys ever! My heart times 3. =)

*Favorite not-pictured moment: Watching my middle man play soccer last night! He had a make-up game in the cold and misting rain and he was so fun to watch. He scored 2 more goals and the game ended up tied 3-3. It was a good one! 

This weekend is my birthday weekend! I'm turning 32 on Tuesday and my family is taking me out on Saturday to celebrate. Plus I'm kicking things off tonight with a girls night with 2 of my besties. =) Hopefully the sun will come out eventually too! We've missed it!! Happy October and Happy Friday!!