Vacation Backlog: Smoky Mountains 2012

On a whim in late May, we planned a vacation with Torrey's friend Chad and his 2 kiddos(well, 11 and 13 are technically not kiddos anymore!) to the Smoky Mountains.  This was a WAY easier vacation to pack for as we stayed in this humble abode for a week.
 
 It was just perfect for all of us to be together but yet have our own space.


 We left on a Saturday morning and stopped for one of MANY picnic lunches throughout the week.  I don't think we had one lunch in a house or restaurant. ;) We drove until the kids had had enough and found a great hotel. It was such a great deal we stopped there again on the way home!

The first thing the kids did was hop in the hot tub! We had a nice forest/mountain view.

We were only about a 20 minute drive to the park! 

Everywhere you would look, breathtaking.

One of the first hikes. Most of the hikes we did lead to a waterfall at the top. That sound is something I could listen to all day!

Photo op at one of the look outs on the way up to one of the highest points of the park, Klingman's Dome.

Bath time in the jacuzzi! Bubbles always make bath time better no matter where you are!

Another stop off on a scenic drive.

One of the many historical houses in the park.  This is a place rich with history and stories of what life was like in the mountains.  Some of these places have the most beautiful view no wonder people settled here.

The boys exploring and building things in the river at a roadside park on the way to another hike.

One night we explored downtown Gatlinburg. 

So many times on the trail we would have to remind each other to look up and see the beauty all around us! We stopped quite often just to take it all in.

Cameron exploring behind a waterfall. This one was loud! SO fun to be able to play in a waterfall in the mountains ;)

Tor and Chad cooking up some homemade pizzas.

Our last hike, Ramsey Cascade Trail.  We only did just a little of this one. The first bit walks right along a river with all kinds of places to walk on the rocks and the size of some of the boulders is amazing!

Me and my man ;)  The trail was just off to the left of us.

Here are just some more randoms of the week..... I had a hard time picking just a few out of the MANY we took!

Mady and Cam having fun off the beaten path.

This little man got his naps where ever he could get them in.

We all enjoyed some air hockey(and pool) when we would get back to the cabin after our day adventures.

One BIG highlight was seeing this little creature!  We were able to see him for a good 10 minutes and rather close up!

Hand in hand...

On our last night, we hit up the Dixie Stampede.  It was SO fun.  Torrey and I went there 9 years ago when we were in the Smokies for our 1 year anniversary.  The boys were in awe the entire night eating with their hands and watching the show.  As we left Cameron said. "this was the best day ever"!
Us before the show on the deck of the cabin.

Sweet family memories.

Next vacation...CranHill Ranch Family Camp week!