We took a mini vacation to Dollywood this week. We purchased season tickets and plan to visit several times this year. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN is 71 miles from us.  The driving distance is ~134 miles. Here is a map of the area, The yellow line shows our route.

 

The weather was cool but enjoyable.

 

We spent several days at Dollywood so we would have time to enjoy the shows. Krista is posing with some of the Russian dancers after they completed a performance. It was an impressive show. We also saw a Celtic show called Rhythm of the Dance. They played some great music and performed stomp/tap type dancing. We also listened to a musical group from Trinidad. A Zambia gospel group sang in the Dollywood church.   

 

Ashley is growing up. She decided to ride the scary triple loop Tennessee Tornado. Mom is too frightened to attempt this ride. This is a picture of her at the entrance to the first loop. Ashley says "It was kind of scary." Believe it or not, this is now her favorite ride. Krista rode the big wooden roller coaster Thunderhead. She was two inches too short but dad managed to smuggle her onto the ride. She loved it and wants to ride all of the other "big" rides. She is 46" tall and most of the big thrill rides require you to be 48" tall. Maybe next year she will be able to ride them all.

  

Both of the girls loved driving us around the Rockin' Roadway. Krista couldn't be happier!

 

Ashley, keep your eyes on the road!

 

The girls liked to get spinning in the cups.

 

I caught a picture of the family as the old soot spewing coal fired train was passing by. The train leaves every hour for a five mile loop into the hills. Abbie's pretty white sweater was spotted with soot after we rode the train. I'm sure Al Gore will want to take this enjoyment away from all of us.

 

The girls liked to ride the swings over and over again.

 

Riding the carousel.