Just Treats No Tricks

We are so happy to be back in school, but for more than the obvious reasons.  One of the kids, well girls now, favorite things to do is treat their teachers and friends at the holidays.  And you know I am all about it.  Any excuse to get creative.

When I saw these Halloween themed lotto tickets I just knew we had to use them somehow.  I mean, who doesn't love a scratch off? I know I would never buy one for myself and assumed most of our teachers wouldn't, so it seemed like the perfect gift to give.

I packaged up three tickets per teacher, designed a quick tag and tied it all together with a bow.

Ghoul Luck Teachers!

I even got a few "orders" to whip some together for some other mamas and kids.

As for friends & classmates, this year we are going with an old trusty.  Since I don't get out much these days I didn't spot anything that triggered any new ideas.  We all know Bugs & Kisses are always a hit.

 We can't wait to TREAT all our friends and teachers this week!

Dazed In The Maze

We decided to vere off of our regular Fall pumpkin patch tradition this year.  Why not it is 2020 and nothing else seems to being going as planned.

Instead we opted for a Fall weekend at the lake house with a stop at the largest corn maze in the state.  I allowed each of my kiddos to choose a friend and somehow, Jack got away with two.  7 kids in tow, 2 parents, and a large dog and we were off.

Although our destination is known for it's incredibly difficult corn maze, it did offer a few other things.  One of which was a pumpkin patch.  Which worked out well for the carving we have planned next week.

Long gone are the days of matching outfits and pumpkin pictures.  These days it's t-shirts and a picture of whatever kid I can find.  And that's a heads up that Jack was off with his buddies during our pumpkin choosing.

Oh look, there he is.  He made a quick appearance and was off again.

These sweet girls actually hung around with me quite a bit.  Lucy chose her bestie and Maggie chose a new friend from her new school.  Without all knowing each other, they became a quick foursome.

Enough of the fun now it's time for this maze!

Oh my!  What a maze that was.  Even with clue cards, a compass, and a map the girls and I could not complete the 12 stations.  We got four out of twelve after a good hour and half in the corn.  We were pretty much a hot mess in there.

We called it a "good shot" and will give it another go next year.  We are aiming for six out of twelve in 2021.

Now these boys pulled it off without a hitch. Two hours in and they made it out with all twelve stations punched.  If only they had let us girls tag along.

We spent the remainder of the weekend at the lake house enjoying the Fall foliage.  We even got in a little fall party with our lake neighbors.  Good times withe good friends!

Pandemic In Pidgeon Forge

Please don't judge me.  One, for taking my kids to Pigeon Forge in a pandemic and two, just for taking my kids to Pigeon Forge.  We HAD to get out.  And although this wasn't on my bucket list of must do vacations, we had a great time.  Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Basically it goes a little something like this, my kids have a four day weekend looming on the calendar, I  haven't left the house in nearly two months due to virtual schooling, and I could't stand the thought of my kids spending a long weekend on more screens.  So what does a mama do, but a plan a quick get away to the nearest kid friendly town she can find.  Oh, and make sure big brother has a friend to tag along.

I can't say anyone was especially looking forward to it {especially my hubby} until we arrived.  And even at that point, Clay and I gave each other a questioning look.  But, the kids were beyond excited!  Everywhere we turned there was another tourist shop, ride, or restaurant.  A kid's paradise.  Here we go.

We managed to squeeze a lot into our little stay.  The good news and bad news was that our hotel was right in the middle of everything.  So walking up and down the strip was extremely easy.  

We spent a lot of time at the "Island" which is Jimmy Buffet's claim in the mountains.  We rode rides, ate a few meals there and shopped around.

  

After the evening before and almost an entire day of roaming the strip, Clay and I needed some peace.  So we loaded up the kids, to their chagrin, and took a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains.  It was an absolute beautiful change of scenery to see all the fall leaves as opposed to neon flashing lights everywhere.

Did I mention Shelton tagged along for this vacation? We bring that boy anywhere we can get him in.  My fourth child and as Lucy admits, "the baby of the family".

After our brief jaunt in the wilderness, we headed back to the action to complete another evening on the strip.  It included a fun 50's style diner dinner and a trip to the Upside Down Museum.

Anyone else tired yet?  Well this crew wasn't.  Well into late evening we continued on with an assortment of fair type rides.  And yes, we full body sanitized after each one, wore masks and were seated every other seat.

Back to the hotel we finally went.  And just when I thought it was time to call it a day, a loooooong day, these kiddos wanted to take a night swim.  I got what I asked for, huh?, a screen free weekend.

Okay, seriously it's time for bed now.

On day two and a half, we desperately slept in a bit {which is a necessity with teenage boys} and headed to Paula Deen's for a family style brunch.  Yum, can you say fried chicken and sweet tea? This country girl at heart was in heaven.

Per an overwhelming majoritie's request we spent the rest of the day at Goats On The Roof and riding Alpine roller coasters.  So, I've fed goats before, but I have never experienced an alpine roller coaster until this trip.  I am the first to admit roller coasters are not my thing...they scare the bejeezus out of me.  But, this was truly fun.  Not to mention I was in charge of the brake each ride, having control over the situation changed everything for me.

 So folks, there you have it.  That's how you do Pigeon Forge in a pandemic. 

And by the way, we are all well and safe.  Germ free...hallelujah!  {I waited two weeks after to write this post just so I could say that.}

Cemetery Reunion

Happy October!  There aren't too many better ways to welcome this month of spooks and scares in than with a visit to the cemetery.  Am I right or am I right?

I wanted to reunite these two baby besties and I racked my brain on how to do that.  Jack and Sophia have known each other since they were in diapers.  Best friends immediately and straight through toddlerhood to pre-school days.  Then time caught up with us, they started growing up and going to big kid school and before I knew it, they were teenagers.  One thing has never changed though, as soon as they are reunited it's just like the old days {as long as none of Jack's guy pals are around-gotta stay cool}. It's a friendship that I know will carry them well in to their adulthood.  And though it needs to be fostered on occasion, it is one worth holding on to.

So keeping in mind that October was upon us, I started a bit of research.  Basically I googled, "cool ways  to entertain teenagers" and all the while a cemetery visit was looming in my mind. We just happen to have a very historical and incredibly intriguing cemetery right here in town. 

Next thing I knew I had found Clue Town Books and bingo the reunion was scheduled.  If you aren't familiar with Clue Town, it's time to familiarize yourself.  So much fun for families, friends, and adults.  We plan on knocking out all of the books at some point.  Each is packaged with a clue book, a pencil, and a compass. 

Let the adventure begin!

The great thing about doing this with teens is that they do it all on their own.  I just lingered back and enjoyed a beautiful Fall day outside while observing some amazing historical sites on the way.

I seriously could not get enough of this particular gravesite.  Home to the author of my most favorite read of all times, Gone With The Wind.  I am convinced no other book could ever take the place of this #1 on my list.  Rest In Peace Margaret Mitchell and thank you for sharing your talent with the world. 

  

Once the  Clue Town book was completed, there was a small treat at the end to reward the kiddos for their success.  The best part was the sense of accomplishment and hanging with a bestie while doing it.

We celebrated our hardwork with dinner at one of Jack's favorite seafood joints, Six Feet Under.  Perfectly fitting for a day at the cemetery.

We are eying the Tech Clue Town book next.  Can't wait.

{And I just realized I'm saying hello to October without ever documenting September.  Hmmm...sign of the times.  I'm thinking I spent last month virtual schooling, trying to put my house back to together after construction and more virtual schooling.  Who really knows?}