Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recommendations. Show all posts

Oct 3, 2013

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!

Jun 21, 2013

Father's Day: AdventureWorks: Kingston Springs, TN: Zip Lining

This year for Father's Day we had decided on painting pottery and lunch.
While that's a great idea, and one we all enjoy doing, I kept thinking of doing something different.
I heard a commercial on the radio for a zip lining place and went on the hunt for the BEST one in Middle Tennessee. 
After a little poll on Facebook I decided upon AdventureWorks in Kingston Springs, TN.
 
We kept it a surprise from my dad. Mailing him a little cheesy poem that basically said wear outdoor clothes and we'll pick you up at 11:30 on Sunday, that was the only information we gave him.
We picked him up and headed to grab a bite of lunch before our day of adventure.
We let him take a few guesses as to what he thought our day of adventure would be.
First guess- Fishing. 
Second guess- GoKarts
Third Guess- ZipLining!
 
Come to find out he'd typed up a Bucket List on his phone and pulled it out to show us.
#1 on his list was 'zip lining a canopy with my girls'
I never knew it! 
Ali had gone right along with my idea saying he'd love to do that but I never dreamed it was on his bucket list...
especially not #1.
Score for us!
 
We ate our lunch and traveled about 30 miles west, enjoying the sunshine and each others company along the way.
Once off the interstate, you wind down long beautiful scenic highways.
It follows the Harpeth River all the way up, passing several different canoe rentals and campground sites.
 
Now, being that I was 16 weeks pregnant, I could not zip.
However, I still had so much fun! 
And I'm thankful for the opportunity to follow along so closely with them!
 
Michael was our "Zip Captain".
Think- Robin Williams here folks.
Full of energy.  Full of encouragement.  Full of life.  Love for people and his job.
If you go to AdventureWorks, ask for Michael!
He gave us the rundown on the equipment and safety and we were off on our tour.
 
I was able to follow along for Zips #1-3 and I joined back with them at #6-9.
#4 & 5 were only accessable for those on a zip line.
 
My dad is somewhat fearful of heights so I wasn't sure how this would go over.
But he did every zip as did a 6 year old boy who was in our group.
I'm certain the encouragement and entertainment from Michael is what sent them both down the zips.
If there were others in our group that were fearful, you never knew it.
I felt so encouraged by Michael and I wasn't even on the course.
However, he looked after me just as much he did the ones that were zip lining.
It was a hot day and he told us all numerous times to get water,
 making special mention to me 'momma' to get some water.
He was truly such a light to be around!
There were zips of varying heights and lengths, up to 450 feet long and 85 feet high. 
Even a tandem zip, as pictured above.
 
I am so thankful that we did this for my dad. 
We had a great time!
This would be a great activity for families, work groups, youth groups, etc.
Like I said the youngest in our group was 6 years old and he did every zip that the adults did.
 
We call these pictures above the Our Father who art in Heaven Series...
I'm pretty sure he was quoting the Lords Prayer or maybe even saying a few choice words to me for booking this.  Joking
They make me laugh every time I look at them!
Such fun memories of this Father's Day!
 
 
If you have the opportunity to go to AdventureWorks I highly recommend you doing so!
You will not be disappointed!
I cannot speak highly enough of Micheal and his positive attitude.
I want to be THAT kind of person.
I want people to be around me and the happiness be infectious.
That's how he was.  On fire for life!  Amazing!
 
SO, AdventureWorks, you did good!
We thank you for a wonderful Father's Day memory!
I look forward to going back after I have this baby and doing some zipping myself!
Maybe even take Easton this next time! 
 
Happy Father's Day Papa! 
I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
 
Here's a few links for AdventureWorks in case you missed them:
Phone: (615) 297-2250
Physical Address:
1300 Narrows Rd. Kingston Springs, TN 37082
 
 
 

 
 

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