Great Smoky Mountains

 The next day (which just happened to be our anniversary) was the big adventure we'd all been looking forward to: Great Smoky Mountain National Park! We knew it was likely to be busy because of the holiday, but the parking lot was PACKED. We had trouble finding a spot. Forebode...

We started off with a tiny little hike behind the visitors' center. We were all a bit thrown off by all the people who brought their dogs when the signs clearly stated "no dogs allowed." But there were no rangers there to enforce it, so I guess people just did whatever they wanted. 

Elijah and Elise by the little creek

A true Catherine smile??

While hiking?!

This cannot be.

We hiked back to the cars and headed for the next hike. The ranger said it would be busy, but that if we just waited a minute for someone to leave we would be able to get in. False. Super false. The parking lots were TINY. No rangers directing traffic. No places to park along the road. Cars were lined up for miles. And so we decided to try the next stop. Same deal. And again, and again, and again. 

I think we ended up driving for 30-45 minutes through the park just trying to find a lot with open parking spaces. We finally found one, had everyone eat lunch, and then headed out to hike. I was pleasantly surprised to find that we would be hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail! I feel like an old pro now after my AT hiking at YW camp.

You know what is zero fun?

Hiking with preschoolers.

Especially grumpy preschoolers who don't want to hike.

Behold! The Great Smoky Mountains!

The only wildlife we found on the trail:

We avoided eye contact and backed away slowly.

Thankfully they didn't attack.

Family photo:

Jon was so happy about this entire experience.

Overall, not super impressed with this particular park. Apparently it's the busiest national park in the country, which makes me question the tiny parking lots and lack of rangers even more. Yellowstone was a much better experience. We all decided we preferred the little hike we did the previous day!

Then it was back to the house for Grandpa Story Time:

Aaron's Survival Book was a big hit with all the kids.

Please don't miss Catherine's face.

She was so happy that Aunt Kenna was taking pictures.

So, so happy.

I still think Catherine has a whole lot of Kenna in her, 

so this interaction was rather glorious.

That evening the grown ups got to enjoy the hot tub for awhile. It was so nice to get to catch up with everyone and enjoy just being together. I hate that we're are so far apart, but grateful we have chances like this one to get together.