Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg

Mt. Zubba Bubba Day 5

We spent the day in Gatlinburg, TN as tix to Dollywood ($50 each) were too rich for our blood. We were so excited to find the real life Herbie car. Alexander is a HUGE Herbie the Love Bug fan and this was a special treat.

The skies opened up and rained on us on and off all day. It was a warm summer rain, so not much of a nuisance. Nevertheless, Mark and Bubba opted for an indoor mini golf course (black lit and a bit creepy).

They also went through a mirror maze. Can you tell which Alexander is the real one?

Its in reverse of course, but Alexander (AKA: Bubba as named by Sophie meaning Brother) got a new hat at Bubba Gump Shrimp. (if you can't tell, it says Bubba on the front)

Later we stopped by Cooters, as in the Dukes of Hazzard, mainly to take these 2 shots.

Who says rainy days can't be fun?

HapHapHappiest Birthday Miss Lizzy!

Dear Lil Sis,
Enjoy your day. This is for you! We love you!!! XXOO

Mt. Zubba Bubba Day 4

At the bottom of Mount Zubba Bubba is a convenience store. Our new friend we met at the pool says that they sell fried chicken next to live bait. I hear tell if you go in briefly, you come out smellin of grease. I just love the name.

We spent the morning at the pool again and I got a little burned on my shoulders. I think I may have the beginnings of a tan though. (something I haven't had since high school when I stopped worshipping the sun).

The pool is in Norris State Park (1.5 miles from the house). The view from both the kiddie pool and big pool is gorgeous. They both sit at the edge of the mountain giving you a spectacular view. These 2 shots were taken behind the diving board area (Paula and I are both diving queens, though she can do a pretty good jack knife).

flowers behind the diving area

Peek-a-Boo

Last night Sophie started playing Peek-a-Boo all by herself. I caught it on camera this morning! I'm so proud of her.

Mt. Zubba Bubba Day 2

Grandma Paula, the kids and I spent the morning at the pool that is near by.

For dinner we went to a BBQ restaurant that was very, very good. Mark will not eat his vegetables to this day unless they are deep fried or hidden in food. Fried green tomatoes and sweet tea hit the spot!

They even had a band for entertainment.

This was the view from the back of the restaurant.

Rain was moving in and the drive home was wet, but helped cool things off.

Mt. Zubba Bubba Day 1, or Lions & Tigers & Bears, Oh My

Day 1 on vacation at Mark's folks new home in Tennessee.

In the morning on Mount Zubba Bubba (the name Alexander gave to the mountain his grandparents live on) the fog is thick. Basically, this shot is in the clouds off of the back porch.

Mark stayed at home to work and Papa and Grandma Paula treated us to the Knoxville Zoo.

It was HOT. And I do mean HOT! Ice cream sandwiches and raspberry slushies that stained my mouth blue saved us all.

By the end of the day, I wanted to be carried too.

Visit to the 'loo

RETRO POST:

It was a whirl wind tour of Iowa. We stayed with my baby sis Kate (thanks again) during our time in Waterloo. Days were filled with family, college friends (or in the case of my BFF Darcy - middle schools friends), lots of cook outs, birthday parties and swimming. Good times.