Katie's First Hunt and A Smoky Mountain Welcome to 2012

What a wonderful Winter Break!  We have enjoyed some much-needed relaxation and now it's almost time to get back to the real world.  Last Friday, I ventured to Alto with Josh for his final deer hunt of the year and my first-ever experience.  We climbed up the treestand at about 2:45 in the afternoon and he got one around 4:40! (Sidenote: No matter what he tells you, I did not shoot that deer!)  To be honest, I actually enjoyed myself (to my complete shock) and was really excited that I was the one who spotted the deer!  I think the best part was how happy it made Josh - not only did I actually finally go with him, but he told me several times it was his favorite deer he'd ever killed since I was there. 



"Who says you can't kill deer with perfume and diamond earrings on?" -Josh speaking about Katie (Note: I took off the earrings)

The next day, Josh, Layla and I set out on our roadtrip to The Smoky Mountains.  I had found a cabin in Pigeon Forge for us to stay in for two nights, including New Year's Eve.  We had a great time relaxing, shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville, browsing around Gatlinburg and just enjoying the ambiance of the mountains.  And what a PERFECT spot we had (both the location and the cabin itself)!  It was the ideal size for two people (plus our fur child), it had fabulous views, a secluded hot tub (though the preggo couldn't enjoy, but it was still cool), it was well-maintained, had a full kitchen and comfy furniture for it's renters to relax.  And boy, did we relax!  We arrived around 5:00 pm on NYE and I think we were in PJ's by 5:03.  I couldn't have possibly envisioned a better way to bring in the New Year, especially with Baby S joining us in about 5 months!

The Alpine Rose

Our Sunset Arrival

Enjoying a beautiful January 1, 2012

Layla reclining before an afternoon nap

Couldn't have asked for a better location...

...even from the couch, the view was amazing!

We cannot wait for the great blessings that 2012 will bring us! We can't wait for our most precious gift to arrive this spring!  Josh and I hope that many, many blessings come your way this year as well. 

May 2012 be your best year yet, but not the best ever. 

Much love,

The Smith Fam