saying goodbye to Doby

This morning when I woke up I found that we had lost one of our pets. Our hedgehog, Doby, had passed away during the night.

So this afternoon we had a burial service for Dobster. We found him a box, wrapped him in his favorite pouch and tucked him inside.


Matt wanted to help Dad dig the hole.


After we put the box inside Matt was ready to fill it back in with dirt.





We tried to explain to him that Doby was in the box and that he had died. We explained that when you die it means that you stop breathing. He just said ok. I don't think he has any idea what has happened and what we were doing digging a hole for a box in the back yard. One of these days I expect him to ask where Doby is and then we will explain it to him again.

We placed a huge rock on top RIP Doby 8/24/05 - 3/31/10

another hockey game!

Tuesday we were back to work and school for us all. Jeff and I decided through the day that we wanted to go to the hockey game since the Preds were playing at home again. So when Matt and I got home, we called the Preds office and got some tickets! We headed to Nashville after Jeff got home!

Matt and Dad with Nashville in the background!


I just love the reflection of the buildings in the river. I took the same picture last Tuesday!


gotta love self portraits!


checking out the fountain


time for some hockey! the view from our seats up top





matt tried some dipping dots. he liked them but was cautious as he wasnt too sure about them!


he spent the 2nd period laying on my lap!











he had to see the fountain again on the way to the car


matt and dad checking out the moon!


walking the pedestrian bridge


Unfortunately the Preds lost this game also but we had fun! Maybe next time we go they will win!

time to come home

Monday morning we woke to some more clouds.


We got our stuff gathered up and upon coming in from loading the car we find Matt gazing out the window. Guess he was done with his jammies and ready to get dressed!



Ready to lock the door. The doors have keypads that lock and unlock them and he loved locking the door when we left to go someplace


Checking out the view off the little porch one last time


helping himself to a snack on the ride home


after unpacking, we went to get Oz. he was so glad to be home. he ran around the yard like a wild man then came in to nap!

relaxing rainy Sunday

Sunday morning the sun came out then was followed shortly by some clouds and rain.






the guys ate some donuts and watched Ice Age downstairs for the millionth time.


I went upstairs to watch TV and came back down to find them like this:
Matt watching his movie


and Dad watching TV in the bedroom





We ventured out late afternoon and ate at Duffs. Gotta love some chocolate chip cookies dipped in ice cream for dessert


We also did some shopping (more looking than buying) at the local outlet stores. Then we checked out the old train just off the main road.


Matt liked this old engine that we named "Dolly" but was quite confused as to where his face was. Seems that due to Thomas the train, all trains must have a face!





We made our way back to the cabin for our last night. Jeff spent some time online doing his draft for his fantasy baseball team, then we got on Skype and talked to my mom who was also out of town for the weekend, then it was time for bed!

saturday was play day!!

Saturday morning we woke to such gorgeous sunshine and the clouds burning from in the valley. What a super neat view from the balcony.






After Jeff and I were ready for the day we had to wake up sleepy head to join us!


The we rode into Pigeon Forge, got our tickets for that evenings Dixie Stampede show and then headed to the national park to see the sights. We were going to hike to the dome but the rode is closed until end of May so we were out of luck! We did stop at the Gap to get out, and take pictures, and do a little mini hike!

















Matt on his mini hike on the Appalachian Trail!





Then as we headed back to town and back through the park we stopped to play in the snow at one pull off area.





One of 4 tunnels we went through that Matthew loved!


We made another stop at a cute little water fall for a picture!


Once we were back in town we stopped at a racetrack/mini golf place that had kid rides cause Matt had seen the train and wanted so bad to ride it.














he really liked it!





Next was to ride the airplanes








This was the 2nd ride in a row, he wanted to try the backseat of the same plane!


Then he went to check out the boat ride.








These 2 pictures were taken by the girl working the ride, she asked if I wanted her to take a couple pictures of him up close since it was hard to get one from the side of the ride!








And of all the rides there, he found himself a coin operated thomas the train ride!





Then it was back in line to ride the train again





Our last ride was on the carousel and this time mom rode with him!








Then it was back to the cabin to rest and change before the dinner show


love the view





When we went back to town we drove down the main rode the other direction and saw the WonderWorks building! It's so neat!


We also found the new Titanic museum which is supposed to open in a couple weeks. On the other side of the ship is an iceberg!


Enjoying a drink before the show





Checking out the arena


Us before dinner


The view of the arena after the show as we were heading out.


We had such a blast at the Dixie Stampede! Matt sat in awe watching every thing that went on. He cheered and just had so much fun! We will certainly have to go back again! Good food and awesome entertainment! What fun!

After such a full day we were ready to hit the hay when we got back to the cabin!