Gatlingburg- Aquarium Trip

Lance is the entertainer of the family.

I'm the homebody.

About Tuesday of last week, he said "Lets go do something fun!"

We talked and decided Gatlinburg would be just the ticket to our FUN weekend!

 

We loaded up Saturday morning after my shower and made the journey to The Smokeys!

 

We stayed at the Park Vista WAY UP on a mountain!

Every hotel visit comes with a LOT of bed jumping if you travel with us!

 

 

We walked around Gatlinburg Saturday night. 

All the pun'kins were out and the strip was decorated so wonderful for Fall.

Even the old Out House. 

 

Sunday morning we got up and had a yummy breakfast at the hotel then headed to the Aquarium. 

And of course, I bought the over-priced $15 souvenir photo! 

I'll pay just about anything for a family picture! 

The Ripley's Aquarium had so much to see!

Easton was entertained for about an hour and a half.  About 15 minutes shy of what it took us to go through.  It was nice and spread out yet we didn't need a stroller.

My favorite to see are the Jelly Fish and the Sea Horses.

 

 

 

We walked Downtown a little more before making our way to Ober Gatlinburg.

We rode the tram up the mountains.  Two and a half miles UP the mountains.

Oh.  My.  Nerves.

Our guide was entertaining and the air was cool so it was a nice ride.

Easton got front view on the way down the mountain.

 

Here is the view from the top.

Below, far left, you'll see the Park Vista where we stayed. 

 

And!  NO TRIP to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to the Apple Barn. 

This time we went at about 2pm, instead of breakfast time.

Best.  Decision.  Ever.

It was the perfect time.  No wait!

Once seated, they bring you a basket of Apple Fritters with Apple Butter along with a small glass of Julep.  To say these Fritters are life changing would be an understatement.

Lance and I took one bite and just looked at each other and smiled.

They are amazing.  Perfectly crispy on the outside, covered with a sweet powdered sugar, yet soft and pillowy on the inside.  Dipped in the Apple Butter, you won't be able to just eat one.

Needless to say, we ordered a dozen to go.

Even Easton, Mr. NO DIP, LOVED the Apple Butter!

 

And they have the cutest Fall set up out front!

Someone was feeling a little silly.

THREE YEAR OLDS! 

 

And because I LOVE TRADITION, and a good comparison pic...the picture on the left is from last year. 

The right, this year.  A bit disheveled, yet a picture none the less. 

 

Make sure to visit all the cute little shops on the Apple Barn property!

I could spend ALL DAY there!

Christmas Store.  Cider Mill.  General Store.  Bakery.

It's APPLE HEAVEN!

 

 And because my man loves the Vols, and is trying to convince Easton to do the same, we had to stop at Neyland Stadium to show Easton it's grandeur. 

There was a gate open so we made our self welcome.

It's not trespassing if the gate's open right??

Once in the truck, little angel fell asleep for a good part of the ride home.

He really is a dream child, this boy.

 

Another weekend in the books.

9 (at most) more until little sister arrives.

Enjoying these last few just us three.

Four will be a new journey!