Earlier this month, the in-laws planned a trip to Gatlinburg with the 3 oldest grandkids. They asked me to go along to ride the roller coasters with the girls because the rides are a little rough on Poppy. Of course, Maddie was about 5 inches too short to ride the big roller coasters, maybe next time. We are thinking about bringing Nathan and Ruby along next year...we'll have to wait and see.
The first day we were there, we planned on going to Dollywood - but the weather had another plan for us. So instead, we went to the Aquarium in Gatlinburg. It was raining cats and dogs as we ventured out to the aquarium. If you have never been to this aquarium, you should really go. My favorite part was the huge shark/fish tank tunnel that you walk through. It was amazing to have all of that ocean life swimming around and above you!
This was a sting-ray that was laying on the bottom of the tank right above our heads.
This is "Jaws" swimming and lurking around the tank - look at those big, nasty teeth!
A live coral ref
Maddie, Poppy, Hallie, Audrey, and Granny
Maddie inside the tunnel at the Penguin Playhouse
The cute penguins all dressed up in their tuxedos with no place to go!
After we left the aquarium, the skies turned blue and we decided to head on over the Dollywood. If you enter the park after 3 pm, then you get in free the next day. So, we definitely took advantage of that deal! These next pictures are from our second day at the park.
Maddie is taking me for a ride...thank goodness I have another 12-13 years before I have to worry about this. I do have to admit, she did a pretty good job and kept her eyes on the road. Also, we were jamming out to "Lollipop".
Granny and Poppy going for a ride on the freeway in a pink Cadillac!
Poppy and the girls riding on the Smoky Mountain River Rampage
Before we left the park, the girls wanted to go drive the cars on more time. Here is Audrey going for a spin. David and Kara have only 6 more years before this takes place!
Maddie wanted to drive by herself and she was exactly the height requirement....so off she went. She was very excited because she got a yellow Corvette (which is her favorite color).
Here is little Granny driving off on her adventure!
Hallie taking the car for a spin!
And Granny wanted in on the action!
It was a nice trip and we all had a great time. Maybe next time we will run into Dolly!
His first catch!
When Maddie and I got home, we went fishing over at one of our friend's houses. They have a pond next to their barn with blue gill. Nathan caught the biggest one of the day!
Maddie caught one with her first casting, however she was a little disappointed because it wasn't as big as Nathan's fish!
Afterwards, Cooper (their son) took Nathan and Maddie for a go-cart ride. Maddie was worried that she would look silly in the helmet in front of Cooper. I guess it starts pretty young!
Then, Maddie and Nathan took it for a spin. Now, Tucker wants to buy one for the kids as well as himself!
