Gatlinburg Air

Day three, time to breathe in some clean Gatlinburg air and ride the newly opened Skylift.

Putt Putt

That moment when your eight year old says "you've never taken me to Putt Putt."  Really?  Surely, we have.  I can't be sure (I'll have to check the blog) but just in case, Putt Putt was checked off the bucket list.  For the record, Daddy won but Isabella had the most fun.

Uno by the Pool

Back to the hotel, time for some post dinner Uno by the rooftop pool.  Isabella is our family card shark but Mommy and Daddy won the night.

Midnight Arcade

Well, it happens.  Isabella and I went for a late night stroll around The Island. We discovered an Arcade that keeps late hours and hung out to midnight.  We cashed in close to 3,000 tickets and won some pretty good loot.

Can't think of a better way to cap a mountain vacation.  Good thing we can sleep in tomorrow.

Margaritaville

Day two of our mountain getaway, time to kick back at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville resort and relax.  A great stay in the shadow of The Island.

Poolside

Fun in the Sun.  We spent all day at the pool enjoying the R&R - no schedule.

5 O'Clock Somewhere

Yes, you get hungry sitting around the pool.  Downstairs to the restaurant for some dinner.

Resort Fun

We soon learned you don't just go to dinner at a Jimmy Buffett resort.  There is always entertainment, like the balloon man on stilts.

And More Fun

Summer at Dollywood

An early morning  drive to Dollywood for a day of summer fun.  Sunday, Funday for the family. Isabella and I were all smiles getting ready to ride the Firechaser.

A Daddy's Tale

This is why you don't mess with Daddy's girl. Isabella walked up to one of the shooting games in the mid-way to try to win herself a stuffed animal.  Two older boys saw her and thought, "we can beat her. Let's jump in."  They rushed to lay their money down and join the game.

Not so fast.  I wasn't going to let a couple of older boys to ruin her day.  I quickly slapped my money down, joined the game and promptly won her the stuffed animal she wanted.

Now a note to all future boy challengers.  Play fair or you'll answer to Daddy. This is a Daddy's girl and Daddy will always be looking over your shoulder.

Look Who's Back

Look who is back from obedience school, being adorable and (sometimes) obeying. Still spoiled to the core.

Window Clings

When Daddy finds July 4th window clings.  Isabella carefully and precisely placed each piece. This is how you raise a little girl.

Father's Day 2017

An intentionally quiet Father's Day after weeks of travel, we did manage to dress for our traditional Sunday brunch.  The first photo from today, the second one from last month - they both bring a smile to my face.  Isabella loves to ride in the middle seat next to me when we are in a pick-up.

It speaks volumes, she enjoys sitting next to me even when no one else is in the cab of the truck.  I count my blessings, I'm one lucky man.

Big Boots to Fill

Trying to wear Daddy's medical boot.  The smile says "I'm having fun" and should be the first clue that she isn't wearing it for real.  No one with foot pain smiles that pretty.

Cafe Du Monde

Because you can't come to N'leans without eating a Beignet or ten. #cafedumonde  #midnightbeignets  #partnerincrime

Second Line

LFDA put on a wonderful show for their Installation Banquet.  We especially enjoyed the second line (marching through the streets behind the brass band) to the banquet hall.

Note to Deborah Cain, this is how I want my procession when I go on to my reward. #whenthesaintsgomarching  #waveahankeyforme