We're back- lots of pictures

Vacation - going backward from the last day until the first day.

Day 4: driving through the Foothills Parkway. This was gorgeous. We got to see down into the valley and we saw lots of motorcycles. Unfortunately, I did not get pictures of the motos.
View of Townsend from the parkway. I was happier than I look- both Bug and I were looking into the sun
This is Look Rock. Bug liked running around here and there were quite a few motos that went by so he was a happy camper.
Pap took some video of the scenery
Mam, Pap and Bug on the stairs. We went looking for leaves after this to use as a photo mat for some pictures of the trip.


Day 3: Gatlinberg and driving

The river that runs along the road- it winds back and forth through the drive. There was supposedly a waterfall that was visible from the road, but even with going up and down the road 8 times, we saw the waterfall 1 time. So frustrating

More river. The drive was incredible- you had to pay attention to the road due to the curves, but the scenery, the greenery and the coolness was awesome. I could have driven the road every day.
In the Jaws

Mam and Pap in the jaws
Surfing Nene- the fish shook when you stood on it
My little Pumpkin- he was hanging out with all the fall decorations in Gatlinberg's welcome center
Having a great time. We were shopping in the arts and crafts community. I think about 20 people must have told me how beautiful Nene is. he was soaking up the attention.

At the Aquarium- they had this measuring stick. So how tall is Nene???

This tall!!!
The aquarium- it was so much fun. We got to see sharks, turtles, stingrays and we got to try to touch a stingray. We also saw giant spider crabs!!!!
Pap rode Nene around, which was a treat for Nene
Diver Nene


Day 2: Cades Cove and Downtown Gatlinberg (and a huge scare)

Nene was pushing this ball until another family spun it from the other side and knocked him off balance. The dad could see me and Nene on the other side and he just stood there and let his kids knock my son over. There are days I really want to smack people.
After the family left, Bug had more fun with the ball


Momma resting after the fun and excitement of the day

At the top of the Sky Lift- overlooking Gatlinberg
Pap talked us into the ride
On the way down- looking at the city below us
Scared Nene and Momma- this is right after the guy who was helping us on the lift chairs, nearly dropped Nene off the edge as the lift swung out over the drop. My heart nearly stopped as I grabbed Nene to keep him from falling off the seat and down the mountain. I think it will be a while before Nene and I get on another ride like this- or we will at least confirm the workers are not bored college students who are not paying attention to the riders.
Looking up at the top of the ride. Mam is scared of heights and she did not ride this- I think she had the right idea.

Looking at the Smokies from Cades Cove. This area was fantastic. I would love to bring Nene back here in a few more years when it will be more meaningful to him. He just thought it was cool to see the bikes and the motos.
This is my absolute favorite photo from the trip. Nene in front of the Carter Shields cabin. He was having a good time by this point. I love the old cabin in back, the light and shadows, and his smiling face. Right after this, we saw a wolf!!!!! The wolf walked right past our call.
Here is Bug sleeping after the day- after seeing Cades Cove and seeing Gatlinberg.
Our favorite part of the drive to and from Cades Cove- the tunnel!!!! It reminded us of the tunnel in CARS

Pap with Nene and I at the first stop in Cades Cove.
Nene enjoying the sun and beautiful skies in Cades Cove
I like this picture too- the light and shadows again are incredible. This is the Methodist church in the cove.
Nene walking with Mam and Pap through the graveyard at the Baptist Church. The headstones go back to the 1800's.

My little bump on a log (making silly faces)



Day 1: arrival

Here we are - at the cabin (http://www.bearridgecabins.com/smokiesretreat.htm). We had a restful time here and I highly recommend this cabin and the owners. We will definitely be going back

Bored (just woken up) Nene in the car on the drive to the mountains.
Nene took this picture of me at the cabin looking up at him.
Happy boy
fireplace- the perfect spot for all his toys. We never made a fire, so his cars, books and STICKERS found a home on hearth.

Momma- checking for internet acess (none) and labeling pictures.

I can't not describe how great this vacation was. We saw the mountians, had some restful time in the cabin, enjoyed the peace and the break from our day to day lives. We saw the trees change color- they were all green when we arrived and by the time we left, they were turing red and yellow. Nene collected acorns, leaves and he saw wild turkeys, a wolf, horses and cows. We had time together.

Love and hugs,

Deb