Let's Go Out and Do Something

 

 

     It's amazing how much time can fly. Whether it's from behind a keyboard or just working too much... time doesn't stand still for anyone. I found myself behind this computer way too much. I was missing out on all the fun stuff. I needed to take a break and get away from the keyboard.

 

     During this time, we have traveled so much! We went out and saw so many things. Don't get me wrong, I love blogging and helping people save money but I am a one person blog. I don't have people that come in and write articles for me. To me, that takes away from MY blog.

 

     I will slowly start to come back and post here and there. I will not only be posting coupon deals but also recipes, crafts and review locations.

 

So since I last posting, in February, here is what we have been up to!

 

 

We absolutely love the Memphis Zoo!

 



 

Here at the Memphis Zoo, you can get up close and personal with the giraffes! We get to feed them by hand and admire their beauty.

 

 

Has anyone been to Wild Adventures? OMG! We loved it and can't wait to go back next year. We went in May and with this being our first time there... we were blown away. There were no lines and if the kids wanted to ride again, they were able to just stay on the ride. They didn't make them get out and walk all the way around again. The staff was kind and courteous and they made sure all their guests were having fun!

 

 

We went to our friends farm and had a blast! They rode 4-wheelers, fed the horses and donkeys, grilled, roasted marshmallows, shot a bow and arrow and BB gun for the first time.

 

 

Isn't he a beauty?

 

 

We made a trip to St George Island in Florida. We haven't been here in about 6 years. The waves were so rough (red flag) so we made sure to stay out with the kids and not go past our knees while holding their hands. After getting that workout (man those waves almost knocked me down) we went shell searching and found SO MANY shells! We filled up a bucket with shells and another with sand to take home.

 

 

Who doesn't like jumping in muddy puddles? My little girl does and I said... GO FOR IT! We had a huge down pour and when she saw that puddle... it was over!

 

 

Have you ever been to Discovery Park of America? WOW!!! This place was a location full of knowledge. I highly recommend making a trip here.

 

 

Haha, we even made a stop at Tennessee Safari. This place had over 3 miles of road to travel and so many animals to feed. They had Ostriches, Emus, Pigs, Deer, Sheep, Goats, Buffalos, Camels, and Alpacas just to name a few.

 

So as you can see, we went out and had a blast. School should be starting in a few weeks and I'll be able to dive back in and share things with y'all ;)

 

 

What have you been up to? Have you went anywhere amazing? Discovered anything new? I'd love to hear all about it. Leave me a comment!!!

 

 



 







#Review for @Dollywood #SmokyMountainChristmas

 

I am so excited to tell you about our trip to Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas!!

You can create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime! Dollywood is a 150 acre family adventure park in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Its mountain themed attractions, world class rides and award winning festivals and shows make Dollywood one of the top themed entertainment destinations in the US. Dollywood was so beautifully decorated with lights and decorations.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer comes to life with an exclusive visit to Dollywood this holiday season. You can meet Rudolph and his friends, including Clarice, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and Yukon Cornelius in Rudolph's Holly Jolly Junction, a magical area where festive fun awaits.

 After meeting Rudolph and his friends, families can head to Clarice's kitchen to decorate custom Christmas cookies or even take part in a few reindeer games! How cool is that!!

Feeling hungry? There are so many places to chose from. We chose the Backstage Restaurant and were seated right away!! Their buffet had so much to choose from but our family favorite was the make your own mac and cheese!

We even had a visit from Santa himself!! This was a truly magical moment for the little ones as they couldn't believe that Santa was standing right in front of them! They told him what they wanted for Christmas and he reminded them to help out around the house, play nicely with each other and listen to their parents! Thanks Santa!!

After we ate, we couldn't wait to go see the groundbreaking production of Dollywood's A Christmas Carol, which uses holographic technology to bring Dolly Parton to the stage as the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Following the show, we were given a special area that served us hot chocolate, cakes and cookies while we watched the parade!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And what's a parade without Santa!!!!!

 

 

After the parade, my daughter was so excited to meet Miss Lillian! She told Emily a quick little story and gave her a penny to make a wish!

Emily asked her if she could take a picture with her and Miss Lillian say yes, but only of Chicken Little could be in it, too!

There is so much to see and do down in Dollywood!

 

Do your children love to squash pennies? I know mine do!

 

 

If you are looking for somewhere fun to go this holiday season, we highly recommend Dollywood - Smoky Mountain Christmas!!! You're whole family will have a blast!

This just melts my heart!

 

Our trip to Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas was provided by US Family Guide, all the opinions expressed are my own. 

 

Have a destination, location, or product you would like to be reviewed? Contact me, I would love to hear from you!

 

 

@Ripleys #Aquarium of the Smokies #Review

 

During our stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee we were given tickets to all 8 of Ripley's attractions. We started with the one right across the street from where we were staying, Greystone Lodge at the Aquarium!

 

Right when we walked in, we were blown away! There was a HUGE round fish tank that attracted my children right away. They loved that they could walk around the fish tank to see everything!

 

What I immediately noticed was complete organization. As people were coming in, they flowed down the hall. No one was bouncing back and forth to see everything, they just followed the leader and took their time to see all the exhibits. Instead of an open floor plan where you walk around all over here and then back over there and then back to where you started because you forgot to see something, you followed the exhibits one by one because they automatically took you to the next one without missing anything!!! Best part is... we stayed together as a family (that's a plus!!!).

 

 

My daughter (who's 6) couldn't wait to show us the funny face this little guy was making!

 

 

My 9 year old son was mesmerized with the jellyfish! He was talking about SpongeBob and all the jellyfish under the sea while my daughter was telling him about the jellyfish that Dory and Marlin had to swim through to get to Nemo! They both knew that the tops of the jellyfish were safe to touch while the side and underneath were not safe. They would get stung.

 

There was also a tank there that allowed you to touch the tops of the jellyfish. One of the workers that worked the jellyfish table was very informative and shared her knowledge with the kids. Seeing their expression while touching a jellyfish was awesome!!

 

 

The seahorses had rather large crowd around their tank. It was interesting to see them hold on to plants and rocks while they took a nap while the others were swimming around.

 

 

Now these sea dragons were beautiful! They were up close for everyone to see!

 

 

Now my husbands favorite part was walking through the tunnel with the sharks! You had the choice to walk or stand on a slowly moving belt that took you through the exhibit. If you wanted to step off, you could. Then, when you wanted to get back on... yep you guessed it. You just step back on. There was SO much to see and my kids loved that the sharks (and fish) would swim directly over you!!!

 

 

How cool is this!!! You can see all 3 of my children absolutely amazed at how close this shark is!

 

 

I believe that this stingray is larger then both my children put together!

 

 

In the middle of all that fun, there was a play zone for the kids. They got to touch some fish and play with some of the displays! They kids had so much fun!

 

 

These were my favorite! I could just sit here for hours watching them swim and interact with each other.

 

 

Just amazing!!

 

 

Have your kids ever wondered what penguins look like up close and personal! I couldn't get my kids out of this exhibit! They were able to look them in the eyes and my daughter blew them a kiss!!

 

If you come to visit Gatlinburg, Tennessee then Ripley's Aquarium is a MUST SEE with your family!

 

Disclosure: I was given tickets for my family for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are honest and solely mine.

 



Visit #Gatlinburg Stay at The #GreystoneLodge At The Aquarium

 

We recently took a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with the family to visit Dollywood (in Pigeon Forge) and see some other adventures in the city. While we were there, we were given complimentary lodging accommodations and I would just love to tell you about our stay!

 

 

The lodge is in a great location where the shops and trolley are easily accessible. Parking is located right outside your door. Just drive into the garage, park, unload and walk right into your building on the same floor your room is on. There is no lugging your belongings up and down elevators! That's a HUGE #Score for us being a family of 5!

 

 

When we got to our door, the kids couldn't wait to see inside. It was amazing! We walked in and noticed the rooms were very spacious. It didn't feel cramped at all. The rooms were neat and tidy and very well kept. I had to check out the balcony and the view was breathtaking! My daughter even asked if we could climb to the top of one of those mountains!!

 

Breakfast is served everyday from 7am-10am. They have a wide variety to chose from; cold cereals, oatmeal, toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy (my favorite), donut holes, juices, coffee and tea!

 

Directly across the street is Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies!

 

 

Read my review of the Aquarium HERE!

 

Overall, we had such an amazing time and we loved our stay. We will definitely be coming back really soon!