still in TN...

since we took "big mama" up on her offer of free aquarium tickets, we spent a bit of the morning/early afternoon at the west gate resort hearing their deal about timeshares at their resorts. we were corralled in a lobby with the rest of the crazies who said yes to big mama waiting for our turn. a man named steven came for us - he turned out to be pretty nice and it seemed genuine, even though i know they're paid to be. they gave us a little buffet lunch of various salads and then sat us down for the kill. we listened (and listened and listened), ate, then took a tour of the place. it really was VERY nice. lots of amenities. a huge indoor water park that seduced our boys. and of course they did all they could "just for us" because we're such a "lovely family"...but we said no (nicely of course) got our $20 back, got our aquarium tickets and hit the road. it actually was beneficial for us as a family. greg and i got a chance to practice just saying no to something that would be awesome and fun but that we just don't need to make a priority. it would involve stretching our budget to the breaking point, and making time/work/family sacrifices that just aren't worth it for a pretty place to stay. and it gave our boys a chance to voice their opinions/desires as part of the decision. they loved it, but they love playing in the river, so they're really ok with whatever we do. and when we laid out the basic facts instead of all the pretty stuff the men were saying, and what it would involve for our family, blake said "just say no"...and his brothers agreed. i was really proud of them in those moments. =) off we went back into gatlinburg and to the aquarium. our boys love aquariums (so do i) and we've been several times, so nothing's a big shock marine-life-wise to us. til we saw these ginormous japanese spider crabs. CRAZY. wow, they're huge. we love the big tank with all the sharks in it. and luke, of course, loves the gift shop. when we were done there, we wandered around gatlinburg again. visited a different candy shop but it didn't compare to aunt mahalia's so of course we returned there. bought some candy there...hot almonds and cashews from another place...some popcorn...just strolled around and enjoyed it. and greg, blake and max got some more leather bracelets at the woodcarver place. we decided to fit in a game of putt putt while we were out so we hit hillbilly golf, which we all enjoyed last time we were here. it's putt putt built up on the side of a mountain, you just play your way down. then it was home - hot tube, grilled steaks, baked potatoes and supper on the deck to enjoy that beautiful view. i love my family. it was another great day. =)