July 16 & 17 photos

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July 17, 2012

Today we were off for a roaring good time. We headed to Circle G Ranch in Strawberry Plains. It is a drive thru safari - where you can actually feed the animals. As a matter of fact many of the animals had their heads in our truck! One even tried to lick Kathy's Dolly Parton parts (if you know what I mean). There was lots of giggling and some of the cutest baby piglets I ever saw. The deer seemed to be very afraid of Andy (I don't know why) I even heard talk of him being the one they saw on a wanted poster somewhere. One disappointing note......the Circle G Ranch abuts Donald Sutherland's property. Kathy was hoping that she would catch a glimpse of Kiefer visiting his dad.....but their were no sightings of any Sutherlands! :( Next we made a stop at the Bass Pro Shop. Marble Stone Creamery gave us a delicious lunch break. Finally Lid'l Dollies gave us a few photo ops. Nice hat Zack! Next it was off to the Tennessee Shindig. We saw their award-winning quartet The Soundsations and outstanding cast that will kept us entertained with a fast paced variety of hits from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. We enjoyed Classic Country, Oldies, Southern Gospel, Motown, & Bluegrass. The show features family-friendly comedian Uncle Bud, Ray Charles Raelette Paula Michelle, Tennessee State Banjo Champion Blake Hopper, American Idol Finalist Ryan Morris as well as spectacular tributes to Elvis, Marilyn, The Blues Brothers, and many more. Finally a snack at Sonic. Only glitch they lost Andy's trucks order......so we waited and waited and waited......we finally got it and it was FREE! Yeah!

July 16, 2012

So we had a slight snafu today. We had no hot water - so Kathy was the only one to brave a COLD COLD Shower. So by the time they came to fic the hot water we did not reach Dollywood til around 2pm. However - it was sooooooooo HOT that was probably a good thing. Nick, Mimi, and Mel took to the rollercoasters, while Mom, Dad, Kat, Andy and Zack took in some shows. Kat, Andy and Zack went on a water ride - and were soaked the rest of the day! We had a pizza, pasta, salad all you can eat buffeet - which had a gourmet pasta bar - YUMMY We left the park around 730 and headed back for a quiet night after the heat of the day. (Pictures will be uploaded later)

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July 15, 2012

After a delicious breakfast of fried bread dough - we pack up the troops and head through the Great Smokey Mountains to Pigeon Forge. Our first stop has everyone EXTREMELY excited. Andy, Nick, Mimi, Mel and Zack went indoor skydiving. Sorry the pictures were blurry. Next after a quick lunch we headed to have an Old Time Photo done......with the guys posing as ornery cowboys and the girls as saloon girls. So much fun. Especially when we got to point our weapons at whoever we wanted! :)A couple of gift shops. Finally we jump on the trolley to Dollywood. Its 97 out so Mom, Dad, Kat, Andy and Zack had the the stunt dog show - hoping to learn a few tricks to teach Shadow when we get home. Andy even bought Shadow one of the light up frisbees which he got to throw to one of the stunt dogs! Next another show - 50s/60s music. Hey the shows were inside air conditioned buildings! We took a ride in the old time cars. Next we got a tour of Dolly's bus - I want to drive that bus. Finally a ride on the Great Smokey adventure ride simulator. Meanwhile, Nick, Mel and Mimi took to some higher adventure rides.....but after the heat decided they were done for the day around 730 We headed home to chicken patty sandwiches. Nick was presented with a present - he'll never be The kids jumped in the hot tub. Then the adults. Boy I wonder why everyone slept so well! Quiz for the day.....the attached photo is from a restaurant we ate at - What restaurant chain do you think it is?

And to make up for the missing quiz the first day - What is the name of Dolly Parton's best friend and manager? They have been friends for over 59 years!!!!! Good luck and keep watching!

July 14

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July 14, 2012

Well after a hardy breakfast at the Hampton Inn (consisting of these YUMMY breakfast pizzas) we head back to the vehicles. We fuel up and its back onto the open road. After a few hours we stop to have lunch consisting of hot dogs Kathy cooked in her 12v crockpot! Finally we arrive at our destination - Gatlinburg, TN! We are staying at the White Oak Lodge - we were upgraded to a 3 bedroom log cabin! We have all decided they are going to have to evict us because we are all moving in! After unpacking we head to downtown Gatlingburg. We are dining at Dick's Last Stand - and we are told it is going to be a wild time....The waiter comes to the table and tells us they serve Coke products. When Kathy orders a water - whe's tld that is NOT a Coke product. Next he brings 8 glasses no tray carrying them all in his hands at one time. He then throws the straws at us. Someone comes and ties bibs on all of us. They throw silverware at us. More straws are thrown. Finally we devise a plan - we gather up all the straws and when the waiter comes back to the table - Mel throws them at him.....The look on his face was priceless. The food is served in metal buckets. Mimi and Mel got Chicken Caesar Salad, Kat, Andy, Mom and Nick had Fish and Chips, Zack got chicken and ribs....and Dad got "the Dolly" Food was great. As we ate they came and put hats on each of us. After Mel got her hat all these boys were trying to read hers and trying to take her picture through the restaurant window! We walked around Gatlingburg for a short time before heading back. Dad, Andy, Mel, Mimi and Nick headed directly back, while Kat, Zack and Mom did the grocery shopping. After unpacking it was straight to bed. Question of the day - What did Dad had "the Dolly" for supper.....what did he have?