Smoky Mountain Retreat

With all the craziness going on, we decided to take a minute for our first vacation with just the two of us since we got married - almost 4 years ago now. We thought a nice secluded cabin in the Smokies was just the trick, so off we went for 5 days. I didn't answer my phone the entire time and for those of you who know me, you know that was a miracle itself!

I LOVED the mountains. We spent the first day in Cades Cove and hiked on a bunch of the side trails to get away from everyone else. It was awesome and I felt like an adventurer exploring new territory (yeah, I know, thousands of people have done the same, but still, I'm charting new territory here. Give me a break!). Everything we did seemed like it was just the two of us. Perfect.

On that first day we saw 5 bears. One crossed on a trail we were on just 20 feet away. Later in the day we saw a momma and 2 cubs down in a narrow valley. It was just amazing. Sorry the video is sideways, but I can't figure out how to turn it the right way. So, if you're using a laptop turn it on it's side and, if not, best wishes getting yourself turned on your side!

We spent a couple of hours in Gatlinburg doing touristy things like the old-time photos and the Ober Gatlinburg Tram, but the rest of the time we spent relaxing in the cabin or the mountains. It was exactly what we needed to prepare for the upcoming school year - a 3L already - and for returning to the daily grind. I can't wait for our next trip!

On our way home we stopped in Nashville for a few hours to say "hey" to Josh's Mom & Rudy, and his Dad and Patty. It always makes me wish there was more time in the day and more days in the year (that could never be intruded on by work or school). While the time was brief, it was as heart-warming as ever to see everyone's face and share some time together.

Family Fun

The world seems to be spinning as the summer whizzes by. I'm not quite sure where all the time has gone, but the consensus seems to be that July has melted into August. We are blessed to have so many wonderful family and friends in our life to fill our days. I wouldn't do without a one.

So, just to get caught up...

Toward the end of July, Josh and I went on a quick jaunt to Wisconsin to welcome our newest niece and visit with everyone. It was nice to be able to spend some time outside in the cool weather and catch up with everyone's busy life.
Because it was such a quick trip, we didn't have any big plans or activities. I wanted as much time as possible to just hang out with everyone and do nothing in particular. The trip was just what we needed. Besides the general hang out time, we all got a chance to play a bit of Guitar Hero together - Tyler and Alex rock...Josh and I, not so much! Jordyn didn't care much about the video game, but was still the happiest little baby around and all smiles - even when sleeping. It's crazy to see how the boys have grown so quickly - Tyler already has his driver's license and Alex is well on his way too. It won't be long before I'm saying the same about Mikayla and Jordyn. It really is true - don't blink or you'll miss it!
The visit went by much too quickly and we can't wait to get back to the Northwoods!