Many of my fondest childhood memories involve trips to see my out-of-state cousins, and I am sure the same will hold true for my kids. We just returned from a wonderful, action-packed trip to Tennessee with Jim’s parents and sister’s family, and it’s safe to say my kids were on cloud nine the whole time. From sun-up to sun-down (and usually before and after the sun!), the cousins giggled and played and squealed and wrestled and hugged and chatted with each other. We were all so impressed by how well the kids got along with each other (the only exception being that Danny sometimes greeted his cousins’ sweet overtures with an irritated, wrinkled-nosed “Bah!” We’re all hopeful he’ll be more receptive at our next visit!). And of course, the little kids all flocked to their big cousin Alli, who entertained and embraced them nonstop.
Tennessee didn’t fail to provide amazing adventures our whole week, including a chilly snowstorm that blanketed our rental mountaintop cabin. While the adults were wishing for warmer temperatures, the kids thoroughly enjoyed the snow! And seeing kids all bundled up with hats, gloves, boots and pink cheeks is awfully cute, even when you’re freezing!
Here’s the first installment of the many pictures I took this week. Looking back through them is making me miss everyone even more!
Our rental cabin, complete with three levels of decks overlooking the Smoky Mountains:
We took the kids to an arcade the first night there. Isn’t it great when they enjoy the games without having to put any money in? 😉
Danny did occasionally let himself be cuddled by Kate!
Sweet Alli:
We took a great hike, led by Jim in his new quest to take as many steps as possible (thanks to a fancy new Fitbit pedometer!). I don’t think Danny was quite up to Jim’s speed.
We couldn’t get enough of the breathtaking Smoky Mountain vistas:
Alli was such a good sport to squeeze in the back and listen to the kids’ incessant chatter!
Becky and Susie came nose-to-nose with stuffed wildlife behind glass:
As well as with LIVE wildlife behind glass!
Some of the group took an air tram ride in Ober Gatlinburg:
Bubba and the baby:
Uncle Jon giving the kids a breakfast Bible lesson:
The kids used a downpour as an excuse to go stomping in puddles with umbrellas:
And of course they had to warm up afterward with a soak in the hot tub:
Pappy’s lap was frequently full this week!
More pictures to come!
Leave a Reply