Coming soon....

I know I know.....I need to update. Have patience with me; a new post will be coming sooner than later!

Katy

What's goin on?!

Ok Family (and friends who read this too)...I hope you have a drink on hand cause this post seems to be long but loaded with fun info.......


So I have had quite a few people ask how things are going up here. So I thought I would just do a post on this. Here is a list of what new has been happening.......
1) We are living in a house and we have room!!! Hayden runs everywhere! Including the yard!
2)We bought a new car and we love it!



3)We have new friends who have welcomed us with open arms so well (only one picture though) At Chickfila with Andrew and Ella.



4)Dollywood is up and running and Joey is preaching on Sundays. Hayden and I enjoy playtime up there as well; sometimes we just go up there to see a show and go back home.


5)Hayden has a new pediatrician so he gets a new patient physical done next week. Makes me feel at ease knowing we have a doctor now.
6)Hayden is growing up! He talks soooo well and we can have 2 year old conversations.
7)Hayden is at the last stages of potty training! Joey told him if he goes 5 days without an accident we are going to go ride on the trolley that passes our house everyday! He gets excited every time he sees one.
8)Easter services; Ober Gatlinburg hosted the Easter Sunrise Service and this year there were about 900 people in attendance. How awesome is that! Joey was one of 2 (I think) speakers.
9) Joey, Hayden, and I were able to take two internationals (they are on their "summer break" from college working here) from Philippines to get some ice cream and get to know them better and their culture. This Tuesday Joey and I are having a few (hoping about 5) over for dinner. Joey is really hoping to get to know the performers at Dollywood (Internationals in for Festival of Nations) but right now there is a language barrier because a lot of them do not know English.
10) Invention of SKYPE. I think that one reason I am having such an easy transition to life in TN is because of SKYPE. Because of SKYPE we are able to video chat with my parents, Joey's parents, and a few friends. Yet I do still miss them all this has really helped for us to adjust to life here knowing that we are still able to talk and see them on computer.
11) This one is more of a personal one; We have recently joined the gym and I am so proud to say I'm running 3 1/2 miles no problem. Joey and I will be running at 5K on May 1st so I'm pleased to say I'll be ready for it. (running with a stroller may change some things though) Maybe this time I can continue to increase my mileage.

This isn't something that is really new with us but this is something I'm super excited about that I found out this morning and I have to share. Pigeon Forge just had their grand opening for the Titanic Museum today. We were going to go to it because Regis Philbin was there but it was crazy crowded and it has been raining all day. (we went to old navy instead) But while driving in the car it was announced that Neal McCoy is going to be here on Saturday doing a free concert for the Grand Opening ceremonies for the weekend. Not only is he one of my favorite singers; he's a great entertainer and he's from Longview. You know where I will be.
So there it is....that is whats going on with us. There is a lot going on and I'm sure I missed something. Enjoy! We would love to hear back from all of you!

Love,
Katy

Dolly Parton Spotting!!!

So we are home from our adventure from Dollywood for the day. I probably should take a nap cause I'm exhausted but there is lots of excitement going on and I want to share! This morning at Dollywood it was "Sneak Peak" for all Season Pass Holders and Dependent Passes (me). Dollywood's actual season starts tomorrow. Let me tell you; today was wet and cold. I had intentions of letting Hayden ride some or us seeing a show but it was really cold and drizzly and we got hungry to say the least. When we got on park we called Joey's Director Bill Black. There was a show that was going to be happening to welcome everyone to Dollywood for their 25th Anniversary. Bill and Cindy were so kind enough to save Hayden and I a seat like 5 rows from the front. WOW!! We had heard that Dolly was going to be making an appearance here and that this would be a great time to meet a lot of local faces and see the faces of higher authority for the Dollywood Park. One of these people who also is the most important one is Ken Bell, President of Dollywood. Yes that's right; I shook his hand. Luckily, Bill is not going to be quizzing me over this. These people also wouldn't be wearing the same clothes the next time I saw them which makes it hard.

So the show stars and it gets really dark and flashing lights and Hayden is sitting watching so well (and of course very excited too)!!! If there is action going on you will not have to worry about Hayden. His eyes are glued. We were able to get a "sneak peak" of one of the shows that will be going on for the next couple of months for the Festival of Nations as well as THE lady herself....Dolly Parton! Hayden waved at her but I don't think she saw him. Ok so I'll stop chatting and let you see the pictures.....




She had lots of wonderful things to say including a special show of some sorts where she is trying to get Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus to do it with her. As most of you know (hahaha) Dolly is Aunt Dolly on Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) and I just read this week that Dolly Parton is Miley Cyrus' godmother. Little bit of extra info for you.

Joey unfortunately missed the show but I'm hoping he was able to go again later. Rumor was it was happening at 12:30 as well. So after this show the plan was for Joey and I to eat lunch real quick and Hayden and I were going to go see "Kingdom Heirs." Some of you probably have no clue who they are. I prolly couldn't point them out if I saw them but about 15 years ago I saw this same group at Dollywood and I remember loving their show. So I thought I'm going! Well lunch ran a little longer and I didn't get to go to the show. So since it was rainy and cold Hayden and I started our journey to the car to come on home. Tomorrow the forecast says its sunshine and 65. I'm going to be brave and toughen the crowd tomorrow. Its the first official day so it will be crowded. Our goal may be to ride 1 ride and watch 1 show.

I'll close with this. A lot of you are familiar with Undercover Boss. Well this Sunday evening the President and CEO of the Herschend Family Entertainment, Joel Manby will be featured. HFE is part owner for Dollywood along with Dolly Parton. He will be working at Silver Dollar City and "Ride the Ducks" in Branson, MO. Keep watch for that this Sunday March 28th.
We'll have to get a family to record it around here; we don't have cable yet.

Love you all,
Katy