Tennessee Adventures :: Part 2

On Wednesday, we headed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for a hike. We kept it pretty easy with the Cataract Falls Trail. The trail was almost completely tree-covered, which made for a cool hike.

Throwing rocks into the river

We made it!

We found a Paw-Paw plant!

Even though it wasn't a very difficult hike, and Cataract Falls is only 25 feet tall, I'm still going to count this for my 40 Before 40 list. I'll try for a hike that requires more effort before I'm 40, but just in case I don't make it, I'm saying this counts ;)

After our hike, we met back up with Michael's crew for a round of mini golf at Hillbilly Golf. This was a really cool course up on the top/side of the mountain. It was also the first time the kids have done mini golf! Let's just say they like to play by their own rules, but everyone had fun, so that's what matters. Eli even had a couple of hole-in-ones!

Heading up, up, up to the top!

After a long day of outdoor fun, we headed back to the cabin for some rest, a movie, and grilling. 

Papa, the Master Griller with a killer view

Grandma in her happy place; kids in their happy place with her

Thursday we headed to English Mountain Trout Farm. They have a trout pond, where you can fish, and then they grill it on the spot for you. Honestly, it's the perfect set-up for kids; it's super simple to catch a trout {so there's no waiting}, and it was delicious! 

Michael and his crew headed back to Texas on Friday, but since we only had one day of travel, we got to stay an extra day. It was National Donut Day, so we couldn't pass up the chance to celebrate! Papa wasn't complaining :)

Grandma and Papa offered to babysit so Mike and I could sneak in a date! Some rain rolled in, but we still decided to brave the wet weather and head into downtown Gatlinburg. We walked around in the light rain, grabbed a quick lunch, then waited in line at The Crazy Mason. We actually didn't even know that it was a "thing," we really were just enjoying sitting and talking, catching up on life {kid-free} while we waited for it to open. But then people started lining up outside the door, so then we were committed haha.

Love him :)

We had such a great, full week. Lots of family time, lots of fun adventures, lots of laughter. Thank you, Grandma and Papa for an amazing week! We miss you already and look forward to seeing you soon :)