Our first day on our summer trip we visited Rock City and Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN. Gavin stood at the point overlooking 7 states and plummeted to depths of 1,120 feet below the earth's surface to see a beautiful waterfall. At one point he threw a coin in a wishing well and said, "I wish to be grown up." The boy really needs to watch the movie, "Big!" He was so very excited each day it was hard to keep him under control. Everything is new and astounding to a child. I love it but it sure can scare the crap out of you which happened a lot on this trip.
We stayed at a cabin in the mountains in Gatlinburg. It was very quiet and peaceful. My favorite part of the trip. Listening to the rain on the porch high amongst the trees. Yoga in the mornings, a fire pit to keep the mosquitoes away, a good book, a hot tub and a kitchen to cook all the necessities. As we sat in the hot tub one night, I said to Gavin, "Nice being the only one huh? You get so spoiled!" He replies, "No. I want a brother and a sister from your belly mom. I'm praying for it tonight, so ha!"
One day we hiked a trail in the Great Smoky National Park and as we were driving to the trail, we saw a mama bear and her cub. It was amazing! She walked across the road with her baby and climbed a tree at the speed of light. Note to self: Do not try to race bear up a tree. You will lose. I couldn't get over seeing this creature in its natural habitat. Of all the places she and I could be in a forest and I actually saw one. I never thought it would happen. I told Gavin he's seen so many amazing animals in their natural habitats that most people never get to see and he's only five! Moose in CO, humpback whales off Alaskan coasts, iguanas in the Caymens, and black bear in the Smokies.
Next was Asheville, NC. On the way there we drove through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gavin's ears were plugged and he asks, "What's this music?" Shannon replies, "classical." Gavin in the back seat obviously hard of hearing says, "Testicles?" Gavin always knows how to make road trips fun even amongst the "are we there yets?" and the "I'm hungry's and I'm bored's."
We visited the Biltmore while here and it was a blast. We spent the entire day there viewing the amazing property. I couldn't imagine being a kid growing up with that big of a house and grounds for the yard. You'd never be able to find the kids! And to clean that monstrosity?! No thank you. I'll take an 1800 sq ft house any day!
Our drive took us through many states this trip; AL, TN, NC, GA, and SC! The long drive back wasn't complete without a stop at TigerDirect.com in GA. Gavin told Shannon upon entering, "Dad, make sure you keep your hands tied behind your back so that you don't buy anything!" Boy, that's right, he knows his dad well.
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