One of our favorite places on earth

Our family just got back from a wonderful trip to the Great Smoky Mountains. It is one of our favorite places in the world. OK, OK, we are a little biased because Dave and I honeymooned there, and so it does hold a special place in our heart for that, but we do love still it there. We went to South Carolina to visit my parents for a few days and then met Dave's parents in the Smokies for a few days as well. It was so great to just get away, spend time with our extended family, and most of all, just relax with one another.

I have mentioned before that we miss fall down here in Florida, so it was esp. gratifying to see such beautiful views as this:

 a view from the top of Clingman's Dome 

a view as we drove through the park (near the Sinks)

While in the Smoky Mountains, we hiked and hiked and hiked some more. We love hiking. Although I will mention for the record that some of these trails that Dave and I did on our honeymoon were significantly harder with 5 small children in tow. :) That being said, we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I am just saying we didn't move quite as fast.

Take for example, Abram's Falls in Cade's Cove. We hiked the 2.5 miles to the falls on our honeymoon in record time. This time it was the same 2.5 miles, but it seemed longer and more difficult. Maybe it was because Anna was less than thrilled to be in the backpack carrier we had taken for her and it was time for her nap when we started, but hey, we hiked it and it was lovely. It was great having Dave's parents with us as well.

Abram's Falls

 We made it!

Josh and Bob being funny by the falls

The second day in the Smokies, we went to Clingman's Dome and some of us did part of the Appalachian Trail. (The children and I had studied the Appalachian Trail in our school, so it was esp. gratifying to see part of the 2,200 mile train in person.) Dave, his dad, Josh and Sarah were the only ones who hiked the part of the AT and from what they said, it was pretty tough. (Except for Josh whom Bob compared to a mountain goat the way he skipped across the trail.) Sarah was so cute and when they were done said, "Mom, I feel a real sense of accomplishment doing that!" Here are a few pictures from Clingman's Dome and the AT.

 Notice the part that says how far to Katahdin, ME - the end of the trail

 Tim and Sam by the Appalachian Trail sign

 the courageous and tough hikers who braved 3.8 miles of the AT

 at the top of Clingman's Dome (the highest point on the AT)

On Thursday of our trip, we went to Grotto Falls. This is a really cool waterfall because you can walk underneath the falls. This was comparatively an easier hiking day (compared to the other two really tough hikes). We all enjoyed this hike.

 

taking a small break on the way to the falls

at the falls

That evening. we went into Gatlinburg for a walk around town. We watched them making candy at the candy stores and walked around looking at some of the hokey shops. The kids also found some souvenirs at some of these stores.

These last two pictures were of all of us in the cabin the morning we were leaving. What a wonderful trip.

Anna loved the pool table (Daddy was rolling the balls to her and she just thought it was great!)