Christmas is a special time for families.  It’s a time to make memories that will last a lifetime.  This year Jason and I decided to make memories with just the five of us.  I was skeptical at first.  I haven’t missed spending the night at Mama’s in 32 years.  This would be the first.  How would we carry everything?  What if the roads were icy?  Many questions passed through my mind.  I decided this was something we needed to do before they were to old to enjoy it.

While I worked Christmas Eve Jason packed the Explorer with all the plastic totes and suitcases.  He packed a small cooler with snacks and drinks. When I got home they were ready to go.  We loaded the last few necessities and headed out to the snowy city of Sevierville, TN (only a few miles from Gatlinburg).  The drive was fun.  The kids were excited about the arrival of Santa.  We watched as Christmas lights danced in the distance.  We sang silly songs about traveling. We played Car BINGO.  Then finally after many hours we saw the lights of Sevierville, TN .

We checked in.  When we finally found a parking spot, much too far from the door, we started to unload.  Jason decided it was too cold for the kids.  We went up to the room.  Actually we went up to two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a living room with a balcony!  Beautiful can’t begin to describe it!

I made a few trips down to get everything out.  Outside Christmas music could be heard.  Lights were twinkling.  The cold wind chilled me all the way through.  Finally, everything was inside.  We settled in for the night and waited for Santa. 

Part II coming soon.  Hopefully with some pictures!