We made it!! Most of us arrived around 2-3. The house was HUGE. While we were driving I listed out the rooms and assigned folks to them. Each of the 'Elders' got a room with their own bathroom, Those in our generation had to share a bathroom with their sibling. Kids were all in the basement (except for Alison and Emily who being in their 20s have graduated to adulthood)
Here we are unloading the Kroger delivery and Uncle Russ's Costco run.
This table was 100% the best feature of the house and we probably used it 95% of the time we were in the house. it gave us a place to gather. Sure it wasn't totally level, but it didn't fall over. Within the first hour, everyone was connecting as if it hadn't been 3 years since we saw each other last.
Linnsey and crew arrived with the final Costco run and the fajitas they flew with from the HEB.
Rachel and Alex were delayed due to arrive at 1AM - folks were nervous about them driving the windy roads that late. Turns out the were able to get on an earlier flight and surprised us with their arrival. I could see the extreme relief in Uncle Russ and Greg's eyes when she arrived. Love family that way.
The cabin was beautiful situated within the Smokey's in Servieville.
Day 1 was exploring in Gatlinburg. First up HillBilly Mini put
Nick may have won the mini put but I had a pretty epic hole in one that bounced off of all the random features on the hole.
We had some pretty fabulous participation.
Next up walking to the Gatlinburg brewery. Funny how we just missed these cousins!
Here is our group photo!
Of course - the chocolate monkey
Yes to the Alpine slide too!
And the random Sasquatch - because now we are in pigeon forge!
That evening Rachel and Greg found a photographer - so ideal to capture this crew. We managed to get this photo but will wait for the rest!
Game night! Love that Chris inspired a Euchre game.
Alex and I become the photo documentaries for the evening.
Loved everything about this game night. Wifi didn't work and it was this time at night that we didn't miss it.
Jeff's Daughter Cassandra and the youngest of the crew. She sweetly reminds me the most of our Grandmother Doris.
Spoons was a HUGE hit and Emily was the greatly appreciated game orchestrator - love it!!
You can feel the intensity in this video!
After a few beers - we decided to make a pretty epic breakfast casserole. Curley fries, Hamburger, Hot dogs and eggs. Seriously, you may want the recipe
Meanwhile - this was another mild issue of the HVAC condensate drain line being clogged and leaking into the kitchen. They cleared it 3 times but it just kept coming back..... it surely can't be perfect...
Monday we opted to rock a hike along the AT to Charles Bunion overlook - 4 hour hike. it was beautiful and felt so good. Weather was beautiful and smokey appropriate!
here I am with the mountain goats.
We found an AT shelter that was fun to check out.
Can imagine settling in to spend the night?
This was the first clearing almost to the 'end' loved how smokey it was. There were glimpses of the Smokeys
Jameson opted to come with us and proved to have no problem keeping up.
So thankful to have this guy at my side. We made it!
Mountain Shmoopy is the real deal
While I couldn't keep up with the boys at the end (They literally run home) I loved every minute of it.
Loved that everyone could do what they wanted. Here is Greg and his crew on the skyline gondola.
Had to capture what everyone looked like post hike.
Chris found a great spot in the river to dip our toes after the hike. The boys loved the rapids. Drew snagged his fishing line twice.
That night my sister booked us all for the Dolly Partin Stampede. Here is the pre-show
We all lined up for family style meal during the performance. We wore our reunion shirts which totally helped us find our people.
Love this capture.
Front porch rocking at its finest
In case you were wondering how we kept everything straight for the 4 days of togetherness
Next day was the Gatlinburg golf course!! Love this capture of these 3 - These boys better take care of their dad! First time out there with his new clubs (and repaired bicep)
Meanwhile - we had a kid day- - first stop laser co-karts. No helmets, big drop and lots of turns. pretty epic for the kids. Drew claims first!
I took a crew to Soaky mountain. I had seen it on my way into Gatlinburg and it looked fun. Thrilled at how much fun they had together. Minus this disgusting sugar drink of s'mores and Oreos. Drew and Jameson grabbed pretzels. Just a bit better. But these girls sure loved it.
I was able to video these kids at their favorite feature the lazy river. I will note it wasn't terribly lazy. There were fountains, jets and mega waves periodically. But it was truly heartwarming to see these kids be kids, waiting for the big wave and getting pummeled. Waiting for every water dump from the bucket and looking for each other each time. Love love loved it!
Chris came to grab me at 4 to head to UT with Nick and Shane. So glad we made the it to Knoxville. Such a cool school - clearly had the MOST construction going on of any school we have seen thus far.
Football stadium with statues of the first black players.
Nick on the Hill. Loved seeing all the UT checkerboard on the buildings.
Engineer campus - butts right up to the football stadium
Cool school spirit rock reflecting the Baseball championship that we watched with Brian our favorite UT Alumni (if you aren't counting Peyton Manning)
Back at the house having a canned bean opening contest.
thank you to Emily and Briella putting us all together in age order for this epic photo
While you can't really see our faces - you can just imagine the orchestration
One last photo with us all in our shirts.
Wednesday morning was some goodbyes but really 0 see you in 2027 if not before. Driving away Wednesday morning We felt so bless that this family truly enjoyed the time TOGETHER. We actually really look forward to it. it made all the planning incredibly worth while. Truly - if you plan it - they will come!
One last stop at the Sevierville Dolly Parton statue. While it was almost by chance (and by vote) that we ended up here. My Grandpa Roy loved Dolly Parton and I believe he is the one that really brings us together. Thank you Farrah for telling me about this simple statue that is a tribute to a women with a beautiful heart.
