Gatlinburg 2014

We had a fantastic trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee!  We were blessed to have Mark's parents join us on our vacation.  The White Whale performed beautifully, carrying all of us on the 9 hour journey there and back.  The condo gave us plenty of space.  The kiddos had 3 fun-filled days of swimming, shopping, and a visit to the aquarium.  

I had two breakfasts at the Pancake Pantry (my mouth is watering just typing the name) and a visit to the Donut Friar as well!  We loved our visit to Ripley's Aquarium.  This was our third visit, but first time for Mark's parents and the Littles.  It is very well done and the kiddos enjoyed touching jellyfish, seeing all of the different types of sea life, and crawling into the penguin exhibit.  However, our favorite part is the "tunnel ride" on a moving conveyor while fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and SHARKS swim all around you!

We needed the time away!  Harvey and Joyce even stayed with the kiddos Tuesday night so that Mark and I could go out on a date night!  That was a real treat! :)  We stopped and stayed in Richwood, KY just outside of Cincinnati for one night on the way back.  We swam in the indoor pool, but it was COLD.  The Bigs and Middles lasted much longer than the Littles and I.  We stopped at the Creation Museum on the way home the following day.  It was very interesting and we all enjoyed a new experience.