We’re back!! After a 5 day-stay and a 9 hour car ride we made it home from TN! What an adventure. I’m not even sure where to begin! We met Jim’s parents, sister and her little boy in TN and my mom joined us too. It was such a blessing to be surrounded by family! I think our favorite memories of vacation were the little things like spending time together and enjoying each other’s company. I LOVED Dollywood! It was everything I had hoped!:) The atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission! The amusement park is nestled in the mountains and everywhere you look there are beautiful little ponds, bluegrass music, and the feel like you are somewhere back in time. The rides were great too and my personal favorite was the Dolly museum.:) Her story just inspires so much. She has such deep faith, talent, and loyalty to her family and community. She’s my fave! Jim and I were also able to go out one night, just the two of us. Hallelujah!:) We went to the Comedy Barn (I HIGHLY recommend that for families of all ages if you go)! He was called up to go onstage! It was hilarious, I had never seen that side of my husband before! There was a little of everything but not too much of anything (know what I mean)?!:) Best of all was the FOOD! YUM YUM! Apple fritters, chicken and dumplings, you name it and it was cooked to perfection! Nothing beats a good southern meal!
So given all that, it was outstanding BUT (there’s always a “but” isn’t there)?! I think it will be a LONG time before we do a big vacation again. For one thing, it was way too much for Garrett. He was either in his car seat or stroller the entire time! No fun. Our cabin was not child proof at all so everything he tried to touch, play with, or climb was bad news (glass table, high top chairs, stairs with huge gaps where he could fall through). Plus, I noticed that the most fun the boys had was when we did things that didn’t cost any money! They loved the hot tub, they loved the pool, and their favorite was just sitting with Grammie and Poppa and telling stories! We went on a LONG 3-hour trip through Cade’s Cove in the Smokey Mountain National forest and for them it was BOR-ING. Mountains and beautiful scenery is great, but for a 5 and 3 year old they are ready for something else after 10 minutes. They can’t really appreciate the history of the old homes etc. and poor Garrett was ready to jump out of his car seat! So….live and learn right? My dad took us on so many trips growing up that it’s really shaped who I am today. I’ve always wanted my kids to experience the same adventures I did but maybe I’m just a little TOO eager to start that journey. I think if waited a few years they might enjoy the next vacation more anyway. We’ll see!! Here are a few photos of the trip!!:)
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