SURPRISE!!!

I've thought for months that something was happening this past weekend, but wasn't entirely convinced. The boys and I made Spring Break plans to visit my parents in HHI, but the plans were canceled once Trey INSISTED we be home by Wednesday night. Too much for us to spend 4 days in the car for 2 1/2 days in HHI. Last week, trying to get an answer, I asked if I should have the house spotless; especially the guest room. Trey replied "probably" and then changed his answer to "I'm going to say 'no'"---he knows I would have gone CRAZY cleaning. OK, I thought, no one's coming to visit... Then, I asked if I should have my preschool plans finished early. Trey replied "I highly recommend you have your preschool plans finished by Wednesday!!!". SO, Wednesday morning, during Spring Break, I headed, rather reluctantly, to preschool. I worked for an hour or so and then returned home overwhelmed at the amount of work that needed to be completed by that evening (or so I thought). My friend Stacey and her daughter were lifesavers and joined me Wednesday afternoon to work on my preschool cutting and pasting--thanks again!! So, I worked feverishly ALL Wednesday completing work anticipating that something BIG MUST be happening... Trey returned from work Wednesday evening and headed out for a run. I thought to myself that he was stalling and kept waiting for my in-laws to arrive to watch the boys; which never happened. Needless to say, since Trey had repeated many, many times that I needed to be home Wednesday night I was expecting "something". Well, "something" didn't occur and I felt so selfish for being disappointed, but I couldn't help my feelings. I hate to admit that I was "ugly" that evening! Thursday morning, Trey left EARLY for work and I was up early--couldn't sleep. I headed sleepily to the kitchen to check e-mail, as I always do. And, there, waiting for me was an e-mail entitled "How about a little weekend getaway?" My heart jumped and then, the guilt just overwhelmed me! Boy, was I unpleasant Wednesday evening and I felt HORRIBLE for my behavior. His e-mail had a list of instructions including packing the boys and Sophie for Lima. In addition, I was given a list of things to pack as well. Immediately I phoned Trey and apologized and tried pumping him for information--he wasn't going to budge on where we were headed. The excitement built all day Thursday. Trey met his parents and they took the boys and Sophie for the weekend--I wasn't allowed to go--I was told to stay home and pack, scrapbook, or just relax...hmmm... Friday morning, we rose early and began our mystery journey. From what was mentioned I surmised we'd be heading South although I wasn't sure how far South. On the other side of Columbus, Trey suggested we stop for breakfast. When we travel, once you're settled in the car, you're there for hours! And, really, the only reason to stop is to refuel. So, I was a little puzzled by our stop for breakfast, but decided I'd enjoy our time together. We continued South and in Cinci, took 275. I questioned his choice--did he think traffic would be heavy at 9am in Cinci? Yep--hmmm... Well, at the last possible second we pulled off the highway at Ted & Michelle's exit. My excitement was building as I realized that they were joining us! The trip South was uneventful, the day was gorgeous and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out in the back seat talking with Michelle for hours. I still had no idea where we were headed though...just further South. In Knoxville, TN we changed directions. Our mysterious journey ended at a beautiful cabin tucked in the Smokey Mountains. After sitting in the car for hours, Michelle and I decided to take a walk. Oh my gosh--the "hills" in TN are STEEP! We returned to the cabin, and I joined the guys on the back porch with the most spectacular view of the Smokey Mountains. We were talking and I turned around and there, standing before me, were Kathie and Jim!! OH MY GOSH--Kath and I haven't seen one another since Thanksgiving 2008, so I was beside myself with joy! We started catching up--what more could I ask for--my two good friends together with me for a weekend--WOW, what a surprise! We kept talking, catching up and then, who should walk through the cabin door, but another good friend, Heather and her husband Richard! OH MY GOSH! To say I was surprised is an understatement--I was absolutely stunned and just couldn't hide my excitement. I learned that Trey's been planning this weekend for months!! We've lived in several different locations through the years--OH, MD and GA and Trey thought it would be special to have our good friends from each location join us for a surprise 40th for me. My friends have never met one another, but you wouldn't have known by the way we were all laughing and enjoying our time together. Trey--I can't believe you pulled off this surprise and I can't thank you enough--thanks for being so thoughtful and loving--what an amazing surprise!!

Welcome to the BEAR lodge

We laughed when we first entered the cabin as there were many unexpected "critters" there to greet us! We noticed racoons, a bear, fish, squirrels, birds and a frightening boar on the lower level. It became our quest to make sure we had noticed all of the animals. Aside from all of the "critters", the cabin was very inviting, spacious and welcoming.

Our view while relaxing on the back porches...

The girls from the second floor "peek-a-boo" window. We all felt like Rapunzel!

It's been tradition each place we've lived that we go out for Mexican with our friends. So, for old times sake we decided to drive into Pigeon Forge, TN for a Mexican dinner. The food wasn't the best, but spending time with friends...priceless!

Trey, the boys and I have visited Gatlinburg, TN several times throughout the years and I've always wanted to hike in the Smokey Mountains. Saturday that dream became a reality. We ventured to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and decided, after talking with a condescending park ranger, that we would hike to Laurel Falls. The path was paved, thank heavens, but the hike was steep. The higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the views.

Above Michelle, Heather, me and Kathie pose with the Smokey Mountains pictured below behind us.

Richard, Jim, Ted and Trey in the same location.

The steep hike was well worth it--Laurel Falls is beautiful!

Me and my hubby in front of the falls.

Ted & Michelle decided right away that they were climbing to the lower portion of the falls. Being the "careful one", I intially decided against the climb down--too dangerous. Well, soon Trey and Richard were climbing down and Heather and I decided we should go too. Once the 6 of us were safely at the bottom of the falls, Jim and Kathie headed down too. The lower portion of Laurel Falls is pictured below.

The girls, resting on a boulder, with the lower portion of the falls in the background.

Following our hike, we were starving! Living in MD, our Floridian friends (Richard & Heather) rarely enjoy BBQ and requested we find a BBQ restaurant. We're glad we did--Bennet's was delicious! Jim introduced Kathie to "fried pickles" which are surprisingly good with ranch dressing. The BBQ was awesome, our waiter Bo was wonderful and we left with very full tummies!

Another adventure that I've always wanted to do in Gatlinburg, TN: "Ober Gatlinburg".

Mind you, I'm afraid of heights, but I really, really wanted to ride the alpine slide. The only way to ride the alpine slide was to ride the tram to the top of the mountain, so we did.

The views of the Smokey Mountains and Gatlinburg in the distance were beautiful!

In order to ride the alpine slide, we had to ride the ski lift to another, higher, portion of the mountain. Kathie, Jim and I faced our fears and rode the ski lift to the alpine slide.

Knowing my hubby well, Heather agreed to ride with me.

I white knuckled all the way up, but I'm so happy that we were all at the top of the hill together.

Jim and Kathie over the alpine slide.

Richard and Trey approaching the top of the mountain.

Trey, ready to speed down the hill...

After returning to the cabin from our Gatlinburg adventures, we enjoyed Kathie's YUMMY carrot cake (thanks Kath!!). I can't believe I'll be turning 40 in a couple weeks. I remember as a child thinking that 40 was SO OLD, but as I approach this age, I feel so young!

Thanks to my best friends from OH, MD and GA. I'm touched beyond words that each of you made the trip to surprise me. I had an amazing birthday weekend and will always remember my 40th. Thanks so much for being a part of the celebration!!

Trey, I had an amazing weekend and am overwhelmed by your love and thoughtfulness. Thanks so much for your attention to every detail, even if I didn't show that Wednesday evening, I'm so happy that we were able to have a "Spring Break Getaway". Thanks for making my 40th so special--I love you today and always!