Gatlinburg Vacation

Mother's Day was great!  The girls gave me chocolate, a card, hugs and kisses, and lots of smiles.  My bible class went splendidly!  Adam gave me a dreamy ring (combo with our NINE year anniversary!) We spent Sunday afternoon with Adam's family before we set off on a road trip.

We escaped for a few days to the wonderful Smoky Mountains of Sevierville/Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  We were able to stay in a cabin of some family friends.
The Cabin

The View

"Chill-laxing" on the deck when we first arrived.

Monday, we planned to go on a hike.  We didn't have much of a plan, just to drive until we saw something that looked fun.  It was good that Adam and I didn't have much in mind, because we spent the majority of the morning exploring a small section of the Little Pigeon River.  The water was crisp and invigorating, but the girls had a ball.  We found caterpillars, spiders, ants...

And a flight of butterflies.

Each morning, I woke earlier than the rest of my family and enjoyed my cup of coffee on the deck while watching the mountains change shapes in the clouds.  A couple of mornings, the girls shared an early morning drink with me (theirs were apple juice/almond milk)

Photo credit:Autumn

Tuesday, we had more of a plan.  We hiked to Laurel Falls.  On the way there, we pulled off to see the view.

At the beginning of our hike we saw the biggest snail we had ever seen.  Chloe and Adam tried to pick him up, but he was STUCK.

 The TOP!







What a difference two years can make!!

Wednesday, we spent the day walking around Pigeon Forge and took the girls to "Kids Country".  Autumn always talks a big talk about the rides she's going to ride and then backs out at the last minute.  This time, with a little coercion from Chloe she rode!

Thursday, was a rainy day, so we decided to head on back home.  We ate a FANTASTIC breakfast at the Old Mill and also fed the ducks while we were there.

House update:  We came home early partially because of rain, but also because the inspection of the house we have under contract took place Friday morning!  Our current house is also under contract!  So, barring any obstacles with the inspection on our current house tomorrow, we close on May 30!