February Fun (And a TON of Pictures!)

 February was full of action for the Thorne Family. 

Arnold Mill's Annual Bingo Night was a fun family outing with the boys. Maggie did not want to miss practice. While we did not win any rounds, we did come home with an amazing silent auction basket!

Maggie had her turn to celebrate Valentine's Day with her favorite Galentines! I organized an event for her gym team that included a bath bomb making class at Buff City Soap followed by hibachi for an early dinner. Both the moms and girls loved spending time outside of the gym together!

Daddy was in Miami for Valentine's Day, but the kids and I celebrated the day to the fullest! It makes me so sad that it is Maggie's last year bringing valentines to school, but she went out with a memorable design. She was able to share her love for rubber ducks with her class! :) Jacob opted for a football themed card and gift for his buddies. He also insisted on bringing a bouquet of flowers to his girlfriend and recited her an original poem: "Rose are red. Violets are blue. You are my gal. And my friend, too." 

Tuttle served everyone sparkling grape juice while we dined with heart shaped pizzas.

Maggie is halfway done with meet season for Level 6 and absolutely KILLING it. I am so proud of her dedication and drive. She is known for her consistency and focus.

While everyone was getting back into a routine after the holiday break, Cherokee County likes to mix things up with another full week break from school for "Winter Break" in February. Jay suggested we venture to Gatinburg, Tennessee for the first time on the back end of the vacation week. He visited several times as a kid and has so many specific memories. He wanted to recreate that magic for our three!

It really was the perfect mini vacation for everyone! We rented a cabin through Airbnb in the mountains with a log cabin feel. It had a hot tub, pool table, arcade, loft area, and a breathtaking view of the Great Smokey Mountains.

Our first day was spent at Ober Mountain. We went ice skating and snow tubing as well as rode the Mountain Coaster and raced on the Alpine Slide. Jay specifically spent time at Ober Mountain as a child, so we loved hearing his stories, and he assured us that nothing has changed!

Luckily we scheduled our outdoor activities for Friday because it rained constantly on Saturday. We visited Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum (a favorite!), competed for tickets at the arcade, grabbed snacks at a restaurant where the wait staff insults you (Tuttle's highlight of the trip!), and finished our mini vacation with the Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Show. 

The kids were pointing out many attractions that they want to check out on a return visit!

As soon as we arrived home, Tuttle had his first football practice. He has been interested in joining the uprising 8th grade team, and he made the commitment to the spring/summer training. Jay is convinced that Tuttle is going to mature and grow in just a few short months with his training.