Gatlinburg 2016

The first stop on our way into town.

They forbid you to take pictures inside the caverns so I had to sneak this one.

Next stop, the kids favorite gem store where they went mining for gems to add to their collections.

Around 4:00 we checked into the cabin and the kids went straight for the hot tub. They're not having any fun!

Saturday morning we convinced my brother to get up early with us to hike to Alum Cave in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.

The views along the trail were amazing.

There were tons of these type of bridge crossings. This one to Arch Rock about half way to the cave.

Jackson made it! Our longest hike at 2.7 miles one way.

Josh taking one last look at the view. He really wanted to continue on the trail to the Le Conte summit and lodge. Accessible only by foot. Someday...

Playing in the creek near the Greenbriar entrance to the national park, the locals entrance.

Just couldn't get enough of these beautiful mountain streams.

Josh and I on the hike to Rainbow Falls early Sunday morning.

We turned around at these no name falls and never reached the real waterfall.

Addy feeding a squirrel on our hike. Addy and Jackson came with us while the grandmas watched the little ones. The hike was 5.4 miles round trip, our longest yet.

The crew eating at the Mellow Mushroom. So happy we could all share this fun vacation.

The awesome view of Gatlinburg from the Skylift. We weren't going to ride it this time but the kids insisted.

Christmas picture front runner.

The most exciting part of the entire trip!!! Josh and I ran into this little guy on our evening hike to Rainbow Falls. I was determined to see the real falls this time. No kids were with us.

Josh behind Rainbow Falls, the tallest in the park at 80'. See him?

Evening hiking was the best! So much wildlife to see. Turns out everyone else got to see a huge bear back at the cabin while we were gone. We also saw a mom and 2 cubs climbing a tree from the road on our way home.

The view from the Roaring Fork Motor Trail Monday morning before heading home.

The boys love exploring and playing in the old cabins along the trail.

Wow! Gatlinburg we LOVE you and will be back.