The J Crew: Tennessee: At the Cabin

Last month we took a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. My parents rented a cabin for us, them, Kristen, Brian and Tiffany to stay for four nights. It was so beautiful there with all the fall foliage in full "bloom". I'm going to do a series of posts to cover all the things we did there.

This is Julia on the ride down. With the incredible convenience of modern technology, the trip was a breeze because she was able to watch movies. We stopped for a potty/gas break and Nana came out with a box of Krispy Kremes. A gas station full of snacks, many of which were probably toddler friendly, and she comes out with doughnuts. And not just any doughnuts, but the creme filled, chocolate topped kind! How nice of Nana to share with Julia! (Who, by the way, is riding with Mom and Dad and not with Nana.) Only joking Mom, I love you! She actually did very well, considering, and didn't make too much of a mess. Why not, ya only live once! She's saying "cheese" in the photo, or trying to, with her mouth full.

Here's the sign for the place we stayed. We got there after dark, which was interesting to say the least! I won't go into details, just say that we made it and that's what matters! There were dozens of cabins of various sizes scattered all over the hillsides, and even at night it was a sight to behold, with all the windows lit up. We decided they must leave the lights on in all the cabins even when they aren't being rented just so it will look pretty.

Our cabin had a kitchen, living room, and one bedroom on the main level, which was where my parents stayed. On the lower level there were two more bedrooms, one for us and one for Brian and Tiffany. Then there was a game room upstairs with a pool table, big TV, arcade games, and bunk beds, which is where Kristen slept. Each level had a deck off the back, and there was a hot tub on the main level. The showers all had body jets, too. I could get used to that!

Here's Papa making breakfast on our first morning there. Mmmm...blueberry pancakes!

Julia is showing you her pancakes. She thoroughly enjoyed them!

Here's John in the hot tub on our first morning there. He missed breakfast and half the first day because he was having kidney stone troubles. How's that for timing? The pain is the worst as it passes from the kidney to the bladder. He felt a bit better in the hot tub, with cover pulled over him so all the heat wouldn't escape into the chilly air. Poor Daddy. He felt better later that day, though, and it didn't ruin his trip, thank goodness.

Pop yourself some popcorn, get under a blanket on the couch, and you have made yourself an instant friend! If you're willing to share, that is! And Tiffy did!