We just got back from our trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee with our friends the Shumates. We stayed in a beautiful cabin in the Smoky Mountains. We had a lot of fun! (from left to right: Danielle, Sherri, Lauren, Sarah, Jordan, Anne-Marie, Sam, Jackson and Jeff is taking the picture.)A Long Road Ahead
We had to drive in the car for four days straight. It was fun most of the time but we did get tired and frustrated with each other, nothing a diet Dr. Pepper couldn't fix.
Nashville Tennessee
On the third night of driving we stayed in Nashville, we went down town and ate and saw a guy playing his a guitar outside of the restaurant and took a video but we couldn't figure out how to put it on here. It was crazy we got there at midnight and there was still a lot of people out.
"I think its stuck!"
We finally made it to our cabin and when got there we were very surprised at how steep the driveway was. The van couldn't even make it up, we all had to get out and Jeff was able to drive it up.
Dollywood
We went on one ride together and then split up so we didn't get very many picture. We had tons of fun though. We had Dolly Parton songs stuck in our heads for the rest of the week it was great.
Giddy-Up
We went horse back riding. Lauren and Anne-Marie almost fell off because there horses didn't like each other but Anne-Marie used her mad skills and saved the day.
Ghosts of Gatlinburg
Can you see anything? Sherri, Anne-Marie and Sarah went on a ghost walk. We learned about a lot of the history and deaths that happened in Gatlinburg.
Biltmore Estate
Jeff, Anne-Marie and I went to the Biltmore mansion in North Carolina. It has been in the Vanderbilt Family for many, many years and they have worked hard to preserve it and make it a place that the public can come and enjoy. It is also a fully functioning farm and vineyard. One of the rooms was the size of my entire house! It was a great day for just the adults, we ate at an awesome Mediterranean Restaurant, looked around Asheville (which was quite a difference from Tennessee), and even went to "The Chocolate Fetish" which is a famous chocolate shop in Asheville.
"Thank you, thank you very much!"
On our way back home we stayed in Memphis, so of course we had to go to Graceland. It was cool to see Elvis's house and learn about some of the things he did in his life. It was impressive to hear how kind he was, he was always giving away cars and money to anyone in need.
English, Texas
Well after we said bye to the Shumates we headed over to Kristi's house. Kasey, Mark, Stephanie, Cody and the kids were all there. We had a lot of fun seeing everyone and are glad we were able to see them even if it was for only a little bit.
The end.
We had to say goodbye and come back to our real lives. We are really happy we were able to go and we can't wait to go again. Thank you so much to the Shumates who made possible for us to join them on their vacation (you guys are the greatest friends we could ever have) and also to Crysta and Ryan who took such great care of all the pets & the house (Ryan made sure my lawn was green when I got back) : )
