Hiking - Hanging Rock

We celebrated Veteran's Day by spending some family time at Hanging Rock. It was a perfect day for hiking. Emmett was a hiking machine - we did a few miles! He even had to carry his backpack because Daddy and Mommy had backpacks! The thing I thought was really cute is that he had to bring his dog along because the dogs came with us too. So sweet! And there's nothing like trail snacks while admiring the view. So much fun!

Family Night - Hiking

We decided to go on a family hike to Hanging Rock State Park. We haven't been in a long time, and it was so nice to get back up there and enjoy being outside. We went to the Lower Cascades Trail so that E could play in the water for a while. There really wasn't anyone on the trail, which was nice. We've been up there when it's packed! E did really well walking, and I carried S for the first time in the carrier. We had a great time!

Here we are by the waterfall:

E and Daddy getting ready to eat dinner:

S is just chillin', sticking her tongue out as usual:

Checking out the waterfall:

Splashing in the cold water:

On the way back to the car, E had to use daddy's hiking stick:

Tennessee Getaway

We both had Friday off, so we set off for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for some relaxation (kind of).

Here's the highlights of the trip:

- I went to drop the dogs off at the kennel, and E cried like someone had HURT him. I've never heard him cry like that. Huge tears. Screaming "Gracieeeeeeee." All the way back to the house he was sniffling and calling for Gracie.

- We got to listen to the VP debate in the car (just what I wanted to do) and we got in to the condo around 11pm. E woke up, wide awake, until after 1am.

- Time Share Presentation at 8:30am. Enough said.

- Celebrated Cam's birthday at the Lodge Factory Store. Only Cam could be giddy about a car full of cast iron cookware!

- E threw up in a parking lot. Yes, we're now those parents. Awesome!

- Saturday, the trip went much better. We found a great place for breakfast, E was happy, and we finally got around to doing what we loved - spending time in nature. Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October? Beautiful. Did a short hike and headed home.

Overall:
Pigeon Forge - thumbs down
Cast Iron - thumbs up
National Parks - big thumbs up!

View from the top of Clingman's Dome in the park.

Beautiful fall colors.

Me and E

Daddy and E

Daddy celebrating his b-day!