Smokey Mountain Family Vacation

We had a great time on our first family vacation with the kiddos. Everything about it surpassed my expectations. First of all the kids traveled like champs! No naps either direction and it was still a very pleasant ride! Imagine that! So proud of those little nuggets for being such troopers! Second of all the weather was about as perfect as we could have hoped for. No rain, not too hot, but warm enough to enjoy all the water rides at Dollywood. And everyone had a blast! 

***WARNING*** 

Photo overload here! If you are not related or practically related to us, you probably are going to want to hit the back button or go on to surf somewhere else. I took a lot of pictures and these are just the highlights. 

LOVE her expression! Taking a shopping break!

Dollywood was perfect for us! The kids absolutely loved it. We arrived right when it opened and didn't leave until closing time. The kids were run ragged but loved every second! And our timing was perfect. Just coming off a big holiday weekend + school being in session = park to ourselves! The longest we waited in line for any ride was 5 minutes. And for most rides they gave us the option to just stay on and keep riding because there was NO line! Unbelievable! 

The flying elephants were Emery's favorite. We rode it many times....

Loved seeing my man riding in a pink elephant with his baby girl! Made my heart so happy!

Daredevil Falls was one of Case's favorites! One of my favorites too!

Day 2 was spent hiking to Laurel Falls in the morning. It was a great family friendly hike! It didn't compare to Dollywood, but we enjoyed the scenery.

After going back to our cabin for lunch and a nap, we headed into Gatlinburg to visit the aquarium which we all really enjoyed.

You can hardly see, but there is a person in there somewhere among the fish.

Thankful that James' parents came with us! The kids loved having them there and so did we! Feeling so blessed with a wonderful family and the time and opportunity to make special memories together!