Gatlinburg Vacation

The kids were out of school for fall break so we planned a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. On our way, we stopped in Hendersonville at Elijah Mountain Gem Mine.

Friday morning we got up and headed to the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. It's like hiking in your car.

This is the gnarled trail to Grotto Falls. A 2.8 mile hike round trip.

Stopping to rest on a log. Are we having fun yet?

Yay, we made it to the falls.

This little guy had to be carried all the way back.

A few miles down the rode, we stopped by this beautiful creek running all along the motor trail.

Trying to get a shot with my little snuggle buddy.

We stayed about a mile from the strip so we were able to walk downtown.

Next we went Hillbilly Golfing. It's a unique mini putt since you ride a train car up the mountain to get to the first hole.

All the kids had to play, no spectators allowed at this place.

Everyone had fun and Aaron keeps asking to go mini golfing.

Evening bubble bath in the jacuzzi tub.

Saturday morning we went to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

This place was awesome! We've been once before about 4 years ago.

We went to several of the exhibits twice.

We were able to see the divers in the shark tank, penguins being fed, and the string ray diver.

In the afternoon we visited the Smoky Mountain National Park. Our intention was to drive to the highest point called Clingman's Dome.

We almost made it. Short by 1000ft.

On the way back down no one except Benny would pose for a picture. What a sweetie!

Sunday was my 36th birthday and all of these special people were there to celebrate with me.

The McMahon's came from Knoxville and my mom drove down the night before.

Kelli brought these yummy birthday treats.

In the afternoon, the grandma's went to the craft district while we went to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

The museum had tons of cool stuff and interactive exhibits.

After the museum, we walked across the street and rode the chairlift.

Benny sat by me and didn't move a muscle on the ride up. The views were amazing!

We ended our last evening with dinner at the Mellow Mushroom.