Contrary to how most parents "bargain" with their kids regarding report cards and grades, my husband and I rewarded our children for the hard work they put during school year, every summer (well, this time during their Spring Break since I'll be tackling Summer courses and won't be available when hot days gets here). That is "after the fact". We don't tell them we gonna get them this and that or will take them here and there "IF" they make all A's or something like that. Good grade comes naturally from brilliant minds and not by "bargaining" through "things" your kids wish to have. It is "unhealthy" to tell your kids they gonna get something if they met your demand. I don't call it "punishment" but "cruelty" to your own "flesh and blood".

My kids, I know, deserves 100% of cozy rewards for they never make less than "A+++" on their grades hahaha. So, last week (yeah, I know it took me ages to share our Smokies adventure) we went to North Carolina & Tennessee to have fun. Good Grief! I haven't seen any "foggy mountains" since the time I reached the peak of "Genting Highlands" in Malaysia. That's many many years ago. Well, the view brings back some old memories hahaha. Let's move to The Smokies! No, I'm just kidding. Kids won't allow us to live on the mountain. Our getaway choices came down between Savannah, GA and The Smokies and boy George, NC & TN got the highest point. Our stops included Franklin, Cherokee, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. We almost drive all the way to Knoxville but we decided to turn around when we couldn't find any Chinese eateries. We have had our first dinner at a "fancy restaurant" called "Lineberger's Seafood Company". Also, we experienced the great food and ambience of "Wood Grill Buffet" for lunch and another popular hangout of the "yocals" (Dale's version of locals hahaha) called "Applewood Farmhouse Grill". Of course, I didn't miss out my shopping spree at "Tangers Outlet Mall" and my Dale didn't miss out his wish to see "Hollywood Wax Museum", "Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum", "Ripley's Moving Theater", and be ambushed and frightened at the "Mysterious Mansion" either. We had a "blast to the max" and Jann got very excited about our hotel's indoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. And oh, did I tell you the classic cars show? Geez, I haven't seen so much classic cars in my life till I set foot in Pigeon Forge. We bypassed "Dollywood" since we already know that the entire facility is almost like SixFlags over Georgia. The same way about Ripley's Aquarium. It would have been different if they had the real mermaid in there hahaha. We would definitely take our chance eventhough aquarium is an aquarium.

It would take me years too (possibly) to upload fotos hahaha. I have 333 shots altogether. Imagine four days of nothing but lingering, roaming, trekking, and tackling. I ought to have plenty of shots to last a lifetime. When we got home, we found a package waiting on us. Josef's Prince Charming costume. The kids really amazes us. Their report cards came home yesterday with all A's list under each name. Moreover, Josef's first game of the season (yesterday) brought home a win, Yankees with 7 and the opponent Mets scoring 4. I meant to photograph the gigantic digital scoreboard but I got distracted by the cheering crowd.

Latest Update: I've finally done with my school and did take my "finals" today. Whew, that is a relief! I don't have to go back for Summer Term till the 19th of May which gives me about less than 3wks of free time with my family and loving kids. Jann was thru taking her DIBELS testing too and Josef did his "Prince Charming" play this afternoon. He had his 2nd game yesterday and gleefully won by 7pts. It was a great game b/c it last till 9:15 and him and his sissy went to bed like close to 11 last night (very 1st time, during school days, in my household history hahaha). Additionally, I am done uploading half of the 333 fotos I took from our NC/TN trip. Shall you wish to view the places we've been to, don't hesitate to click Josef's fotos below. Thanks for reading and may you all have one terrific Tuesday!!!

Sounds like you had so much fun with your vacation. Thanks for the update and for the pix. I wish to see more but you are busy, so take your time to put them all in the album....

Jeth, I can tell you love to travel. You seemed to see a lot of places already which is your advantage over other people. I wish I have been to different places like you did. Well, maybe someday I could travel too. Congratulations to your son and his team. It looks like he is good in every thing he's involved in. Your teasers are all looked great. Will come back again to see more of the pictures you took.

Was here after a long time of absence. Wow, that is really cool you've been to the mountains. I bet it was nice up there. From looking at your teasers, I can summarize that you had so much fun. Jeth, those links are indeed a fancy place to enjoy with your family. Hurry to upload your remaining pix. I am so eager to see them all.

Josef's costume is very cute. It really fits for a Prince, a charming prince to be exact! I know he will look like the real thing on it . I am glad to hear you had much fun with your getaway. Put more places on your list for future reference . Traveling is very fun. Have a good day.

Oh, that sounds one great vacation to me. And with those places you visited, you can't ask for a better experiences than that. Lucky you to see one of the most desirable getaway on earth. The Smoky Mountain has became one of the most top destinations among Americans. Way to go girl!

Jeth, Joseff looks like a pro! ^_^ How is it being a mom of a baseball player? I have no clue on JOnathan or Garin of what they like to play. I can't wait to see Joseff's pictures on his play. ~_^ Have a wonderful day.

I do appreciate the pix in your album. Your covered quite a lot in your recent getaway. Lots of nice shots and nice views as well. Very appealing and entertaining. TFS and have a great day....

oh my, you beat me again for the 99th times he..he.. the pics from your album speaks louder. the views and fancy places are all gorgeous. congrats to josef for the win and for making all a's again. janna deserves a shake on her hand and a tight hug for being so smart. so how was josef's play went? i just love his pix above. he looks awesome and and well prepared. jeth, i agree that a true and great game depends on 1 to 4 win difference. a daughter of a known coach must know what she's taking about (that's me). i will be looking forward for the remaining pix. i know you saved the b---e---s---t for last.

opps, some corrections here. i meant to say how was josef's *prince charming's play* went? and a true and great game depends on a 1 to 4 score difference.

I'm not late, if that is what you are about to say , just caught up on something and didn't make it here on time . I must say Josef has it all, good posture, handsome face, brilliant mind, and a lot of NIKE stuff . And oh, by the way, a momma who takes care of him good and daddy who show him the world , plus a sissy who hugs him a lot [the photos explained it]. What else he could ask for?

Jeth, your TN & NC adventure pix turned out really cool. OMG, those places you have been to are amazing not to mention the fancy restos you dine in. I am happy for you and all the good things that happened to you makes me happy too. Happy Friday girl and make the most of your weekend.

Handsome boy you have here Jeth. He looks like a pro baseball player from these two shots. He's quite tall {must gotten from the daddy}. Love his prince charming costume too. That is a cute outfit for a prince. By the way, I enjoyed much your North Carolina & Tennessee pictures. Wow, they're all gorgeous. Views are just perfect for the camera. Thanks for sharing though.

Saying hello and wishing you a very bright day. Enjoy the sunshine girl....