East Tennessee

This past week I packed up myself and the kids, and did the thing Moms dread the most... I flew...  With both of my kids... BY MYSELF.

To say I was nervous was an understatement, but the kids and I were all dying to see Mimi and Papa, and due to certain circumstances, this just happened to be the easiest way to do that.  Thankfully Jordan was there to get me to security, and then My Mom and sister were there to pick me, and all my baggage up.  

Also, the kids weren't awful, and although it's not something I want to start doing on a regular basis, I have at least conquered my fear, and would be willing to be talked into it again.  ;)

The travel was all worth it though.  My sister came up from Greenville, SC and we all spent a week together at my parents in Loudon and in the mountains at Wilderness in the Smokies.  I even got to see my friend Michelle and her adorable son Vincent for a couple hours on Friday evening.  

I am always struck by the beauty of this area of the country when I go back, and this trip was no different.  Jordan and I met at The University of Tennessee, and spent 5 wonderful years in that beautiful state.  We both now consider Tennessee our home, and would love to retire there someday.  

Just got to the hotel, so the kids of course go right to the bed with the iPad...

There was a huge bucket that dumps water every five minutes or so.  Holden LOVED this... Isla, not so much.

Of course, Holden was happiest at the splash pad where he could play with the gurgling fountains.

Gabe on the other hand, could NOT be coaxed out of the wave pool.

That evening we headed to our favorite Go Kart place in the Smokies.  It's actually the same place we always stopped at as kids during our Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge vacations.  It is exactly the same as it was 25 years ago, and the kids had a blast!  Well, the ones that were awake...

Gabe and Isla rode their first go karts with absolutely NO fear.  Even though she slammed into the rails more times then she actually drove the kart, she had a great time and couldn't stop talking about it.

Jessie and I later took them on a faster Go Kart where they rode with us.  I think Isla may have gotten a bit scared on that one.  She wouldn't admit it, but she got really quiet.

The next morning we had a great breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Pigeon Forge before heading into Gatlinburg for some candy.

We ended the trip as is my families tradition in front of the Smoky Mountain National Park sign.  The first couple of shots are us setting up...

Here are some videos that I captured on our trip:

Finally, what's a vacation if you don't instagram about it?!?!

A huge highlight of my trip was on the way home when I looked up at the man who called my daughter riding her Trunki through the airport "cute", and noticed that it was none other than Phil Fulmer.  I told him thank you and informed Isla that this man coached on Rocky Top.  I don't think she fully grasped the magnitude of how truly cool this was.  He went on to tell me that I had gorgeous children and even thought to inform me when they changed our gate at the last minute.  GAHHHHH!!!!  Dream realized...  Unfortunately, my encounter didn't help our Vols during their game with Oregon later that afternoon, but It definitely lessened the blow of the loss!

Thanks to my parents for making this such a great and memorable trip. I know Isla will be talking about this one for quite a while!!!  Can't wait to see you guys again soon.