The Baden Family: Dollywood and Father's Day!

We had been counting down the days to our Dollywood weekend with Grandma and Grandaddy, and it didn't disappoint! We had a great time together last weekend in Pigeon Forge.

Scott took last Friday off, so we were able to head out by mid-morning. To say Jacob was excited would be a huge understatement. He was literally bouncing off the walls in the days leading up to the trip, and I actually got a headache from his constant "DOLLY-WOOD! DOLLY-WOOD!" chanting.

We spent Friday afternoon and all day Saturday at Dollywood and had a blast!

Lydia was not a fan of the rides, the train, or even the parking-lot tram shuttle! We managed to get her on the cars and carousel, but she made it pretty clear she did not want any part of them. She was pretty excited about the car until it started moving. I was kind of surprised, because Lydia has a much more adventurous personality than Jacob. I thought she'd be more into it, but she's also a girl who knows what she wants and what she doesn't! She did however really love the two kiddie shows, "The Little Engine that Could" and "Coat of Many Colors," that we saw. She loved the music, dancing, and clapping! She also loved the ducks and throwing sticks in drains. So even though she wasn't particularly impressed with all Dollywood had to offer, she still had lots of fun!

Jacob, on the other hand, was so excited about the rides and had so much fun on them! Surprisingly, his first request was the Ferris Wheel, which he loved! He thought it was so cool to be up in the sky!

Jacob was also pretty captivated by the train. I guess its the closest he's ever been to a real live steam engine. He couldn't pull himself away!

We were also so excited to celebrate Daddy and Grandaddy on Father's Day! We went out to breakfast, but beforehand Jacob made the guys special Father's Day water and grapes! He also set all his toys out and told them they could play with anything they wanted! Nothing but the best for our favorite dads!

There's no way I could ever adequately express how grateful I am for the father Scott is to our children. His love is kind and patient and unconditional. His firm discipline, gentle grace, and sincere delight in who they are is their first example of God's steadfast love for them. Scott, Jacob and Lydia adore you, and so do I. ♡