My Week of Adventure

The river that was behind where we stayed in TN.

As some of you may know I was able to go home last week to see my family. I had a couple of days actually at home and then spent Monday thru Friday in Pigeon Forge, TN with my parents. I just wanted to share my wonderful time away with you all.

 I started the week off by attending the Redskins training camp in Richmond. Though I live close I had never been before.

Skywheel View

 After enjoying a couple of days at home my parents and I made our way to Pigeon Forge for the first time. I totally recommend. The mountains are so beautiful, the people are super friendly, and it is all around a wonderful place.

On our first day of the trip we went to Dollywood. It was so amazing! We walked around, rode rides, and saw some Bald Eagles and other birds that they have there.              

Aside from rides, Dollywood also features a Gospel Music Hall of Fame Museum and a replica of  Dolly Parton's childhood home.

 The following day we went to ride the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. This thing is amazing! It is a track, almost like a bobsled, that sits along the side of the mountain. It carts you up and then you ride it down.

 After our thrilling coaster ride we headed to The Island. It is basically a bunch of shops and restaurants. We spent the afternoon and early evening shopping, eating dinner, and riding the Skywheel. They also have a fountain (pictured) that has a dance party on the hour, every hour.

On Thursday we started the day off with breakfast at the Applebarn. I had actually gone here several years ago after a church trip and I unknowingly realized it was in the same place as we were for vacation.

With full bellies and a day ahead of us we made our may to the Titanic Museum. This was hands down one of the best museums I have been to. They even had a replica iceberg to touch and frigid water to feel. It made the experience more real and makes one realize how sad it was to have been on the Titanic.

We were very fortunate to have gone on this trip when we did because it is the 20th anniversary of the movie Titanic, which meant the museum was lent some of the costumes to put on display. They were the only objects that we could take photos of inside the museum.

These are three of Roses prominent outfits from the movie. I always loved the white one with the lace and pink ribbon. Sadly, that is the dress she wore the night the Titanic went down.

Thursday night we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. I used to go as a child at Myrtle Beach, but they have since converted it to a pirate themed show. I was so excited to go again and experience the show, and of course, the food.

Here is just a glimpse at some of the riders in the show. They are all amazing and the show is so fun.

 On Friday we drove home, and of course, the best part was picking up the puppy who we deeply missed while we were away.

While it was sad to come home it was great to have our puppy back and to get some rest from our vacation. I definitely have plans to go back in the near future. It seems like it is especially pretty in the fall and at Christmas time. I would recommend this trip to anyone because they have options and things to do for all ages. Overall, it was a great trip and a wonderful time with my family. I hope you all enjoyed what I could share and be on the lookout for more pictures that I will be adding on Facebook. 

XOXO 

Sarah

50 Random Facts about Me

 I was having a little bit of writer's block so I decided to do a fun and different post. This post focuses on the random facts about me that many of my readers may or may not know. I also felt it may give new readers a little introduction into who I am. Happy reading!

1. Fall is my favorite season.

2. I love watching HGTV. Home decorating and house hunting are a part of my element. (I'm an old person at heart)

3. I didn't start singing until college, except in 6th grade. When I happened to win the Choral Student of the Year award

4. I am super adventurous and quite a dare devil.

5. My dream job, aside from teaching, would be a makeup artist at Disney World.

6. I absolutely love musicals!

7. I'm not a morning person or a night owl. However, my best work is done at night but I like to be in bed by 11 if possible.

8. I consider organization a hobby of mine or maybe I am just the slightest bit OCD. Typically If my room is a mess that is a sign my life is a mess.

9. I have a weird desire to live in Florida or Texas one day.

10. I love traveling and will go just about anywhere.

11. I am too independent for my own good.

12. My childhood nicknames were "Little Liz" and "Busy Lizzy" (My middle name is Elizabeth)

13. I am relatively clumsy, but have gotten better with age. I literally face planted in front of the Target registers when I was in 6th grade. My face and the floor seem to have an inseparable relationship.

14. This is Us, When Calls the Heart, Riverdale, and Stranger Things are my favorite TV shows. (note how different they all are)

15. I don't like coffee. I order cream frappuccinos, strawberry lemonades, or hot chocolate if I go to Starbucks.

16. I love all things Disney!!

17. I am a hopeless romantic, but I also know what I'm truly looking for when it comes to love.

18. Even though I don't wear it often, I love makeup!! (applying it, doing it for others, etc.)

19. I have a mild southern accent that comes out more when I am around family and friends from back home or when on the phone with them.

20. I rather go to the doctor than the dentist.

21. My mouth is so small that I had a total of 11 teeth pulled. I believe five were permanent.

22. I have scoliosis. 

23. I love milk!!

24. Italian food is some of my favorite.

25. I have the world's most sensitive eyes. I even find myself squinting or needing sunglasses when it is cloudy outside. (blue eye problems)

26. I've never gotten into Star Wars or Harry Potter. (sorry, maybe one day)

27. I had Chicken Pox when I was in Kindergarten. 

28. Strangers always strike up a conversation with me or ask me for directions. I guess I look friendly or like I know what I'm doing.

29. I really want a Yellow Lab or Golden Retriever one day.

30.  I understand Spanish a lot better than I speak it.

31. "Can't Help Falling in Love with You", "You'll Be in My Heart", and "Hallelujah"  are three of my all time favorite songs.

32. My goal is to be in a musical one day, even if it is super minor at a local playhouse.

33. I was never that great at sports, but I was surprisingly good at floor hockey and basketball when it came to PE. I did play soccer in high school, but I was mediocre. I'm more of the artsy type, but that doesn't mean I'm not athletic. :)

34. My favorite workout routine involves Zumba or some type of dance fitness.

35. Two of my fingers on my left hand are pretty crooked. One is rotated inward and the other is bent at the top.

36. I have a strangely vivid memory and often remember what people were wearing the first time we met.

37.  I really don't have a favorite color. There are just too many options!

38.  I lived in Alaska for six weeks one summer doing mission work and adventuring.

39. I consider myself an introverted extrovert.  I'm dynamic yet simple.

40.  I love helping others.

41. I enjoy thrillers and most scary movies.

42. I prefer fruity scents over floral ones.

43. I'll Love you Forever is my favorite childhood book.

44. No joke, I'm allergic to paper.

45.  Jason Mraz went to the same high school as me and took music lessons where I did as well.

46. I really dislike radio shows, but I absolutely love the Bobby Bones Show.

47. I really enjoy deep/intimate conversations yet I hate being vulnerable.

48. I am a shower singer and a closed door dancer. (I have my quirks)

49. I used to hate on Hamilton, but I have recently become addicted. I just like to be different from the crowd. Now, if I could just win the lottery so I could buy tickets to see the live performance.

50. One of my number one aspirations in life is to be a mom. I just love kids and want to raise a family of my own.

Well, there you have it folks, 50 random facts about me. I tried to stray away from the basics and typical aspects of my life that people know about. I hope many of you learned something new about me and if you did feel free to leave a comment on what it was.

XOXO 

Sarah

PS: If any of these facts sparked questions feel free to ask. I would love to be able to do a Q & A post sometime in the near future.