East Tennessee Christmas...

Thursday morning we, along with Gabby, drove to Sevierville to see my dad (Babbo) and Tammy. Dad works at the local paper and was able to get us LOTS of discounts (by this I mean mostly free admission) to local attractions thru the many contacts he's made there over the past 2 years. It was great to be able to see Dad and Tammy for more than one day (which is usually the case), but hate that we won't see them on Christmas. We all had a blast and it was a nice, relaxing trip!

Nico's first trolley ride. On our way to Dollywood!

Mommy and Nico on the trolley.

Another mother and son you might recognize...

Dad and Tammy, the happy couple. They recently celebrated their 1 year anniversary!

Some of the Mongers at Dollywood.

It was CHILLY, but Nico (and Babbo) was up for riding the antique cars despite the freezing temps!

The boys at Flapjacks. We had a grand plan going into our trip: The area is known for their abundance of pancake places. We were going to try to eat at a different pancake place every morning. That didn't happen. We actually only ate pancakes one morning. That's OK, my waistline appreciates it :)

The place we stayed had a nice playground and putt-putt course for the little ones to use. Nico is waiting at the top of the slide for Gabby to send one of his monster trucks up into his reach.

The playground was also for the kids at heart!

Nico has been fascinated with taking pictures lately. "Say cheese, Mommy!"

"Driving" the Dukes of Hazzard go-cart.

We made a trip to the aquarium in Gatlinburg. Here, Nico is inside the tube at the clown fish exhibit.

I love these two pictures (above and below). I love the wonder and amazement I captured while he was looking at these amazing animals.

I recently got a new computer and have been playing around with the photo software. I've had fun so far and it may become an addiction...

Nico spent a lot of time in tubes when we were at the aquarium. He's making his way to the penguin exhibit.

Leo.

Mommy and Nico inside the penguin exhibit.

Munchin' on some popcorn at the Dixie Stampede pre-show. They had a bluegrass band playing Christmas songs and such. Nico really got into it. There's a video at the end of this post. Too cute!

Waiting for the show to start at Dixie Stampede.

After the show we went down to pet the horses and visit with a special cowgirl Nico had his eye on.

Babbo, Tammy and Nico at Olive Garden. Happy birthday, Tammy!

The resort also arranged to have Santa stop by for a visit. He even brought along promotional photos of himself to autograph and give to the children.

Mesmerized by the mandolin!