There's No Place Like the Smokies!

Excuse me for the lack of posts. My family and I have been on vacation at the Smokey Mountains (one of my favorite places) for the last week. Our Grandparents and our aunt and uncle joined us and we had a very enjoyable time. We were able to do much Christmas shopping and have a lot of fun with the family.

We went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium on Tuesday. I love that place and in my opinion it's way better than the Georgia Aquarium, even though Georgia's claims to be one of the best in the world.

I find it fascinating to be able to view thousand of sea animals from all over the world in one place. It's very educational and entertaining.

Each of the creatures are so intricately designed. They're complex, unique, distinct, and astounding in their own personal way. How can you observe them without acknowledging their Creator? It baffles my mind how one could not do so and believe they "occurred" by chance. Who else could have imagined such detail and created such wonder? Not only is each creature amazing in their design, but they fit so perfectly in their ecosystem that even if one is missing or over-population occurs all the rest suffer. Only God can create such splendour!

We were able to go out to eat on different occasions. I found it humorous that one place offered a choice of dessert titled "Lydia's Chocolate Suicide." How ironic. ;) So good it's worth to die for, right? Or perhaps it's so fattening it's a killer? (lol)

On one occasion we were leaving and Jeremy (my three year old brother) stopped a waitress and told her she was beautiful! He's never done anything like that before so it was cute and quite hilarious. The woman was in her late 50's or 60's and apparently he found her attractive. She had to bend down to hear him speak and didn't understand him at first. She understood the second time and she was evidently flattered. :)

During the trip Grandma taught me how to make her homemade turkey and dressing. It's a recipe I always wanted to know how to cook so I am very appreciative that she took the time to teach me (it's so delicious!!). Grandma also surprised me with a turkey roaster after we returned from shopping. Now I can cook turkey and chicken in half the time. How thoughtful of her :) I am looking forward to using it.

We were also able to spend the day at Dollywood before we left. The park was absolutely stunning and glowing in Christmas lights. It was a lot of fun (click here to see some pictures from my sister's blog.)

We are now preparing and looking forward to Christmas. I still have Christmas shopping to be done among other things. Autumn had a nasty temperature of 103 degrees yesterday. Thankfully she is much better today.

I have lots to be done so I must leave. I had to update though---2 weeks absent from posting is not acceptable in the blogging sphere! ;)

Blessings to all!