One great vacation!

With our children growing up, we know that family vacations are going to be hard to come by. Our Northern daughter will be 18 in March and headed off to college somewhere, I'm sure, and making a life for herself. So we wanted this vacation to be great. It was one to remember thats for sure!

We knew we had a long drive ahead of us and wanted to get to our cabin long before dark. We left home around 4am for the 12 hour drive...boys in the truck, girls in the van.  With 10 of us going there was no other choice but to take two vehicles. It really works out well this way! The hubby drives one vehicle and I drive the other. He has the directions and I follow. I love it!

The first night we knew we wouldnt feel like doing much but sleep. After the long drive everyone is tired, and cranky, and ready to be out of the vehicles. That night was pretty much just rest and relax. Our true adventures started on Monday!

We decided Monday we would visit Clingmans Dome.  This would be our second time here and we were not disappointed!

There is nothing better then watching the cloads roll in...while your standing in them!  Absolutely amazing!
Although the "hike" is only half a mile, and its all paved, it is VERY steep! There are several very nicely placed benches and rocks for resting along the path. And believe me...they were well used!!

After our walk on Monday, we decided Tuesday would be a lazy day. Since our kids are older, we can leave them alone for a few hours and not worry to much. So we took a road trip to nearby Maryville TN to check out Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson. We love our harley and will return there some day on it!

  After stopping at a log furniture store along the road, we returned to the cabin for dinner with the family.

We made plans ahead of time to take the kids zip lining on Wednesday.  The little guy couldn't go because he wasn't old enough. So we had to promise to go back in two years when he's 8 so he could zip through the trees too! With views like this how could I say no.

After gearing up and a crash course on how to use the equipment we were off to the trees! The company we used is CLIMB Works Canopy. I highly reccomend them if you are looking for great family fun with professionals who constantly give back to their community. Please take the time to check out their website. You will not be sorry!

My beautiful family. Minus the little guy.

On Thursday we hiked to Rainbow Falls. This was the one thing our kids asked to do again from our trip two years ago. It is amazing and absolutely with the all day hike! I would suggest to take a cooler with sandwiches for lunch when your done...you're going to be hungry. And don't forget water!! You will want to take a water bottle with you! But the end is well worth the trip!

Friday there was no walking in anyones plans! We decided a nice drive would be better then walking anywhere. So we took a drive through Cades Cove. It was very scenic and we saw quite a few deer! We were disappointed there were no bear to be seen, but enjoyed the drive anyway.

Saturday was our driving home day. No one was ready for it. All the kids asked if we could just stay, but the hubby thought we should get back. Something about jobs and silly adult responsibilites. *hmph*

Although we were very busy, we all enjoyed our vacation very much and are already planning for the next one in two years.