A Trip to the Great Smokey Mountains

For years now, Drew and I have enjoyed going to Gatlinburg, TN for a great winter getaway. The town has special meaning to us, we honeymooned there, we spent our 1st anniversary there, and the 3rd one too, and now the 7th one. I know 7 years - hard to believe we are getting that old! So we thought - lets head up there for a long weekend and take Payton to the aquarium.

We had a great time - it's always nice to get away from all the stress at home and reconnect. Plus little Miss Payton had our undivided attention and that always makes her happy.

Here's a rundown of our trip.

Note to self: there are not enough movies, books, toys, and snacks to keep a 1 year old entertained for a 4.5 hour car ride in her daddy's bumpy truck!

Here we are setting out for the Mountains!

And here we are 20 minutes from being there! Notice the difference.

And I am pretty sure Drew was ready to be out of the car too - if not just to quit hearing me ask how much longer! Note to Drew: You wife stinks at being the passenger!

After we FINALLY arrived at the cabin - it was time to stretch our legs out and check everything out.

Our View was breathtaking.....


And our Cabin was quaint.


Payton thought the porch swing was the coolest thing.

Then we got BACK IN THE TRUCK - to go find some dinner! We ate at a place that claimed the "Best Ribs in America!" And let me tell you they were! Payton was good for the most part - just fidgety from sitting all day!

When we got back to the cabin - she took a bath - I believe she thought the bath was even cooler then the porch swing! She was so funny trying to "swim" in the tub!

Saturday Morning we got up and got ready, and headed out to the Ripley's Aquarium of the Great Smokey Mountains! It has always been my favorite aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium hasn't got a thing on this one. Plus since we went in the off season - nothing was crowded. We let Payton just run from tank to tank and enjoy all the fish.

Here she is making her best fish face to the GIANT catfish! Daddy told her those would be "Good Eatin" - Good Grief how redneck!

The tropical fish tank was her favorite - we must have stayed at this tank for a good 10 minuets. She tried her hardest to get the fish's attention.

Then after a quick lunch and a nap at the cabin - we headed further up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg - the area's ski resort. And while there was plenty of snow, Payton was too little to even ride the sleds - really you need to be 3 years old to sit on your Daddy's lap and go down a dinky little hill! Sheesh!

But we did manage to play in the snow for a little bit - and that was FREE!

It was warm enough not to need a jacket - which was a plus for playing!

Then that afternoon we headed to Cade's Cove for a drive. It's a nature preserve with lots of big deer and turkey's that you can't shoot at! So really Drew was the only one that thought this was cool - Payton watched a movie!

It was a great weekend! Great Family Time - and Great Memories!


I am so blessed to have been married to this man for the past 7 years of my life! Hard to believe it's been 11 since I first met him!


Thanks Daddy for a great weekend! We love you!