Smoky Mountain Vacation - Days 2 and 3

We rented a cabin in a resort, which means we do have neighbors, but also means we have access to a weight room and a pool.  Our first full day at the cabin we slept in, explored the resort, took naps, and the kids worked out in the weight room and then went swimming.  It was a super relaxing day!  Hubby and I had coffee and talked on the deck for a long time.  What a way to start the morning!

Our view from the deck.

The view from the pool!

One of those roofs you see down there is our cabin.

The outside front of our cabin.

We had a family meeting the evening of our first day and gave the kids 3 options of "big" things we could do.  They chose to visit the theme park "Dollywood" in Pigeon Forge.  So off to Dollywood we went!

I have to say, as theme parks go...Dollywood was quite impressive!  This was the first ride the family (minus me) rode called "Lightning Rod."  It was themed as a 1950's car shop, and the ride itself was rated as "high thrill."  Even our roller coaster crazed older boys were impressed with this ride!  I was really thankful for this, as I had been hoping they would not think the rides were lame and regret their choice to go here.

Silly pics!

Every so often we'd come across some type of band giving a concert.  This one had an aMAZing banjo picker!  Another one was country western without the twang.  The impromptu music all over the place was fun!

I do not know the history of this little church, but we wondered if it was one Dolly Parton's family attended when she was growing up?  There were several little historic buildings scattered throughout the park.

And there was even an eagle preserve inside the park!

Old school house.  I *love* old school houses!

The entrance to an eagle-themed ride...

All four of our boys rode the drop line.  200 feet straight down!  You can see them sitting in the far right seats.

A very interesting drinking fountain!

My view from the ferris wheel!

It was a fun, fun day.