A Berry Good Day

Just wanted to post a few photos of our time today at a nearby berry patch. I have good memories of berry picking when I was little so I was so excited to take my kids.

 

We went with some friends of ours - Kristen, Hayden, and Ava. We had so much fun spending a little bit of time with them. These two boys were great berry pickers, although Hayden ate most of his - so cute!

Savannah is such a free spirit. (Yes, I am trying to say that she has a short attention span but doesn't free spirit just so much better?) She picked a few berries and then enjoyed running around.

I managed to find quite a few nice berries and have even enjoyed some of them tonight. I think I actually prefer them small because you can just pop the whole thing in your mouth.

This is my beautiful friend, Kristen, and her absolutely adorable new baby girl, Ava. Savannah really likes babies so she loved that she got to hold Ava today.

What a sweet day. Can't wait to enjoy the fruits of our hard work and fun! Yum...bring on the strawberry shortcake! 

Free Supper Wednesday

I thought it was time for me to share one of my favorite things about Wednesdays. Free food at one of my favorite restaurants in our neighborhood - McAlister's Deli.  For those of you who have kids, they can eat free every Wednesday after 5:00 with the purchase of just one adult entree. Almost anything qualifies - I often get just a bowl of soup, but I especially love their sandwiches. (Veggie Club!)

If you're like us, you are busy on Wednesday evenings. I spend the day at home because I babysit, so I always have a long to do list. In the evening we take the kids to Awanas at my parents church so we have to get ready and get out the door at a certain time. My kids love McAlisters (or "the green place" as they call it because of the green sign.) Even Landon, my picky eater, is happy here. He orders peanut butter and jelly.

Kids meals come with a main dish, side or chips or applesauce, teddy grahams, and a drink! We love the sweet tea. Options for kids meal include pizza, sandwiches, salad, nachos, baked potato, etc.

We don't go every week, but we do go often and take advantage of this great deal. Tonight, for example, I took the kids. I ordered a bowl of soup and a drink. The three of us ate a full meal (with leftovers) for $5.12. I dare you to try to do that at McDonald's! You can't beat it. Last week my niece and nephew spent the night with us on Wednesday night so Craig and I took all four of the kids (up to two free kids meals with one adult entree) and really enjoyed the free meals, as well as great dinner companions.

 

If you live in Knoxville and you have kids then take advantage of this offer and make your mid-weeknight supper just a little bit more fun! If you don't live here in East Tennessee I suggest you check with your local McAlister's to see if they participate. Who doesn't love a good dinner at a great price!

Story-time at the Cup

Whenever I come across fun and free things to do with my kids here in Knoxville, I like to share it for my other friends with little ones. Last week on Wednesday we headed to The Cup at Turkey Creek. The Cup is a cupcake bakery with modern style and delicious treats!

On the first Wednesday of every month they host a story time for kids and there are, of course, free cupcakes! This particular day we heard Valentine's stories.

They pull out a big fluffy blue rug for the kids to sit on while the stories are read. Not gonna lie, I kind of wanted to sit there myself. It looked really comfy!

At the end of story time there are mini-cupcakes for all!

They even let mom have one on this day, which I would't refuse!

I love the decor in the shop. From the funky lights, to the huge clock, to the retro chairs - its .

Oh, and lets not forget...the cupcakes!

We couldn't resist and took a couple home - these are some of my favorite treats in Knoxville! If you have little ones be sure to stop by sometime on the first Wednesday of the month and for some free fun with your little ones. Thanks so much to The Cup for being so sweet!

Rocky Top

Neyland Stadium. One of Knoxville's iconic fixtures. To say that big orange pride is intense in here in Knoxville would be an understatement. Savannah, my two-year-old daughter, already carries her pom-pom around the house singing Rocky Top! I love to go to UT football games. Even those who are not avid fans get caught up in the energy and excitement. This past weekend Craig and I made our way downtown to Neyland Stadium to see the Vols play the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

I (naturally) had my camera in hand. It was a night game and the sun was just disappearing when we arrived. Is it silly to say that the stadium looked almost magical? I don't think so.

Pre-game, this random USC fan stopped and asked me to take a picture of he and Craig. Friendly foes.

There are a lot of things that make Tennessee football what it is...tradition runs deep. I'm the kind of girl who loves tradition so it was easy for me to fall in love with this team and these games. There is the tradition of running through the "T." As the music swells and the crowd roars its easy to get completely caught up in the thrill of it all. This moment is one of my favorites before the game even begins.

You have to get some good football food. Petros - an east TN favorite - is my game snack of choice.

There are the fans. Some more excitable than others. All cheering their team on in their own unique way. All praying for victory. 

I personally always love the Pride of the Southland Band. The circle drill is a crowd favorite. 

And of course, the reason why all of this takes place...the football. Sometimes it isn't pretty. We lost this particular game and with quarterback injuries and switches it doesn't look too bright for the Volunteers this season. Still, you'll find Neyland stadium full of fans at every home game saying "Its great to be a Tennessee Vol!"

Fans like me who are fans not because we win or lose, but because its Knoxville, Tennessee tradition.