We just returned from a wonderful, long trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We've been up in those parts before, but we got to enjoy different aspects of it this time since our kids were older and able to do more stuff.
We enjoyed our trip up by taking a slightly leisurely pace and checking some things out along the way.
Of course, we had to stop at Bass Pro shop. The kids had a blast looking at all the animals, especially the fish.
Ryder posing for me.
We spent two nights in Birmingham, Alabama. We hit a few spots, including the Railroad Park. The kids had fun playing on the playground. (Nick did too.)
Awesome spider web jungle gym. It's so cool because it's hard for them to fall far.
See sawing. It's funny because neither one of them could touch the ground.
Ryder!
Relaxing with my baby.
Taking a walk.
They had more fun playing on these hills than at the playground.
We visited the Southern Museum of Flight. There were lots of historical machines and displays.
They had a couple of planes they were actually allowed to get inside of. The even had some moving parts on it.
They had a lot of machines, including this humongous helicopter.
Oh, just hangin' in the Air Force jet.
They had an excellent toy room as well. I've never seen so many aviation related toys.
Ryder was right at home.
The kids having fun together in the hotel room. Yeah, I think they like each other.
The hotel we stayed in had an indoor heated pool. Here Ryder is enjoying the hot tub with Pops.
After our stay in Birmingham, we continued on to Pigeon Forge. I forgot our camera battery charger, so we didn't start taking pictures again until part way through our trip, when we borrowed my parents' camera.
The whole family went to the Ripley's Aquarium. I highly recommend this place; it's one of the best aquariums. Here Lorelei was giving me a sweet smile.
Lorelei and Sabrina decided to be twins that day.
Ryder and Liam were fascinated by the hanging fossils.
There's no doubt about it, kids love to see fish.
Jellyfish.
They had a cool play area for the kids. Liam, as ballsy as ever, was completely unafraid of what could possibly be inside of that barrel.
This little penguin was so active and happy to see everybody.
In many areas, there were tubes that allowed you to go up inside the aquarium. These are typically built for kids, but Pops had to try it out. Lorelei insisted. It was a wonderful afternoon.
Just the girls hangin' out. Lorelei shared her dress up shoes with Sabrina, who discovered a love of heels.
Daddy dancing with his little princess. It's a rough picture but I couldn't help but share it.
Lorelei was singing "Let It Go" for us.
The Flynn family tradition: breakfast at Ihop. What a beautiful family.
Momma and her kiddos.
Daddy and his minions.
Cool covered bridge near where we stayed.
Bubble Time!
Ryder probably had the best Feast of all of us. He got to do so much that he's never done before, and loved it all! They have these roller coasters called Alpine Slides that he just couldn't get enough of. I believe he went on them 5 different times. It helps that he has willing enablers, specifically Daddy and Pops.
One of the places you can ride the coaster is called "Goats On The Roof" and they literally have goats on the roof. You can feed them and everything.
One day we went to an age appropriate amusement park for the kids. They had the best time and rode everything they would ever want to ride.
My dynamic duo.
Ryder got to ride on the go karts. The look on his face says it all. Lorelei and Jake got to ride too.
They were having a lot more fun than they look like they were in this picture. Everybody got to ride Thomas the Train.
Sabrina loves horses, and this one was no exception. Everyone went home tired and happy. Sort of.
Had to include this picture of Sabrina's bohemian twist hairstyle. I barely caught it on camera before she pulled it out.
We had an easy going Feast of Tabernacles, with lots of quality time spent with family.
On our way home, we continued our leisurely pace.
We stopped at Tannehill Ironworks State Park in Alabama for lunch. The kids got to get some energy out on the playground and walking trails.
Double slide!
The park had all these historical cabins and buildings, including this old mill.
It was built by this really cool creek.
We love water wheels. Nick wants to build one at our place just for fun.
It all starts with this neat lookin' dam.
The water flows down this trough to the water wheel.
Except not really because needless to say, there's some leakage happening.
We made it home the next day, weary from travel and ready to be home in our own beds.
We had a blessed trip, full of special moments and fun times.
Looking forward to seeing everyone again!
