Souvinier Shopping

We went to Chattanooga for a family field-trip one day during Spring Break. Our stops included the Creative Discovery Museum (which I highly recommend), a walk around downtown, the Civil War battlefield atop Lookout Mountain at Point Park, and dinner at J. Alexander's . . . and a quick trip to the mall as well!

We told the kids they could have a souvinier from one of the gift shops we visited during the day, but not something from all of them. They both, of course, couldn't stand it and chose something from our very first location -- the museum.

(The kids in the lookout tower at the Creative Discovery Museum)

Point Park has a wonderful visitor's center and a touristy Civil War memorbelia gift shop. There were so many cool 'boy toys' in there ... soldier gear, toy soldiers, flags. Hudson was enthralled! He kept looking around longingly at all the things he knew he shouldn't ask for. Frustrated, he finally blurted out (loudly), "Doesn't this store have anything for FREE?" Even the clerk cracked up!

(This is a replica Civil War cannon poised outside the gift shop; this pic was taken prior to the above-mentioned incident; Hudson is pouting only because climbing on the cannon wasn't his idea first. Gracious!)

After the battlefield stop, we toured around Lookout Mountain a little while -- the homes up there are amazing, and we saw the signs for Rock City so we decided to check that out. About half-way into winding toward this tourist mecca, we noticed that the signs for Rock City also included a Starbucks sign. No kidding! We thought this was hilarious, and there really is a Starbucks at Rock City -- built out of rock across from the entrance to the park.

Pirates!

Hudson's Pirate Party was a hit! Thanks in part to Captain Jack Sparrow who really threw the boys for a loop at first. Here are a few highlights ...

Hudson Dancing

I didn't realize that I couldn't change the orientation of this video when I shot it, so you'll have to turn your head to enjoy! It's hilarious. The funny thing is that he was quite sick and had just returned from the doctor's office ... where he had also performed this routine for the staff. Oh my!

Nana's Macaroni 'n Cheese

Randy's mom has made this recipe as long as I've known her. (That's us in '08 at the Mayfield Dairy - yum!) It's the most sinful macaroni 'n cheese you'll ever eat, and this is honest first-hand knowledge! I have to restrain myself these days, but there have been times in my life when I could eat the whole batch.

Dangerous stuff I tell you ...

Nana's Macaroni 'n Cheese

8 oz. macaroni noodles, boiled and drained

1 large can of Carnation milk

1 1/2 cups milk

1 tsp. salt

1 stick butter, melted

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese*

1 egg, lightly beaten

paprika

Coat the inside of a large crock pot with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, both milks, salt, butter, 1 cup of the cheese and the egg; stir until combined. Pour this mixture into the crock pot. Add the rest of the cheese on top and sprinkle with paprika. Cook 3 1/2 hours on low heat.

* she's been known to use any combination of cheese including velveeta, American, and even canned cheese soup (this makes it really good)

Let's Go to the Hop!

Tonight was the Father/Daughter Dance at Livvy's school. It's the first time they've done one, and it was so much fun! Unfortunately, Randy had class tonight, but Hudson stepped in as a willing substitute. It was a Sock Hop, and we had a blast putting together their outfits. Special thanks to the Fox's for the loan on the poodle skirt! Here's a pic or two: