Who knew the Volunteer state was so long? Walty found out this weekend thanks to Putty and Nana's annual first weekend in December trip to the Smokies. The six of us (Aunt Gigi came along too!) piled in the 'ol four wheel drive sleigh on Friday morning and headed east. And what better way to start a trip than with a visit to Steak and Shake where they give out free hats to kids? Walty stole this one from ME!
We arrived just in time for the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade. The Grand Marshall? None other than Deputy Enis of the Dukes of Hazard. Sadly, we didn't get a picture. The flash wouldn't work that far away. Instead, here's a rare Walty/Mommy photo from the parade.
After the parade, we settled in at the cabin, and Putty quickly built a roaring fire (by flipping a switch on the wall) to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
And I do mean everyone. A certain lesser-known cousin of Jerry the Mouse made a brief appearance Friday night at the Spickler cabin. Let's just say the mistletoe didn't work. Nana was less than welcoming of our unwanted house guest, but we were very proud of her. She conquered her fears and stayed the night anyway. We'll save the story about the grisly fate of our unwanted house guest for a less festive time.
On Saturday we went to the Aquarium of the Smokies where Walty saw all kinds of fish and water creatures. He seemed to like it a lot. It was difficult to tell who enjoyed it more, Walt or Putty.
We may have a budding marine biologist on our hands. Here we have Walty Cousteau:
And finally, after 1000 miles over four days, somehow Walty is still in a good mood. We didn't have the nerve to tell him that the book was upside down. What a sweet boy!
He looks like he's about 10 in the happy book picture! Dear Walty, you're growing so fast! And what a beautiful mommy he has -- too bad nobody takes pictures of mommies...
ReplyDeleteHey Walty,
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hang out with you at Christmas! Tell your mommy that I want a powercord and I'll tell my mommy that you want one too!
I love presents. Especially the paper, it's so fun to chew on.
By the way Walty, did you know that your book is upside down?
With all the wildlife Walt got to see, maybe he will carry forward some of that Walt Cousteau edge! Did Walt catch the mouse? He can use it for good research down in Frazier-Jelke...
ReplyDeleteChris
Walt,
ReplyDeleteIt sure looks like you had a fun weekend in the Smokies with Nana, Putty, Aunt Gigi, Mommy and Daddy. Uncle Stephen is so jealous that you got to see Deputy Enis from the Dukes of Hazzard! He may let you and Collier watch his videos someday. You are becoming such a great traveler and getting to see so many neat things...like fish and parades and (mice!). We can't wait until Christmas when we get to see you again! Love you bunches!