Gatlinburg Coon Pit Reunion

The Gang- riding up to play Hillbilly Golf 

These past few months have been full of fun travels with people we love, starting back in April when we went to Wild Dunes with my parents, then Hilton Head with Matt's parents in May, and now we kicked off summer and June with a weekend in the Smokies with the Crawfords!  We are so thankful that the distance hasn't hurt our friendship and that we are all happy to make an effort each year to take trips together.  Luckily the rain held off and we packed a lot of touristy mountain fun into three great days.

Who: Ellie (age 5), Kate (age 3), Caroline (age 2.5), Luke (age 1.5) and four adults who have been friends since before we were adults

Where: Gatlinburg, Tennessee- home of air brushed t-shirt shops galore, kitschy souvenirs, and the Smoky Mountain National Park

What we did: Took a tram ride to Ober Gatlinburg, carousel rides, bumper cars, ski lift to the alpine slide, waded in streams in the park, a picnic, miniature golf on the side of a mountain, hiked to Clingman's Dome, Phase 10, crammed everyone in the van, climbed on rocks, took naps, and laughed

Luke's dream come true- someone finally lets him drive

The stunning views from the top of Clingman's Dome were not visible, but it was sunny at the bottom of the trail

Three cuties in their raincoats

Breakfast Babes

Four car seats and four adults loaded in the van and ready for a scenic drive

Riding the ski lift up to the alpine slide

Playing board games at the cabin with their Dads while younger siblings nap

The Crawfords ford the river, Oregon Trail style

As you can probably tell from all those pictures you just scrolled through, we had a fantastic time.  It is really special watching our kids grow up together and I know we will be taking vacations together for years to come.  Our summer is off to a great start, hope yours is too!