High on Rocky Top...

We've been on vacation in Tennessee ya'll! A few months ago, Jeremy's parents, a.k.a. Gigi and Granddad, told us they wanted to take a family vacation and asked where we might like to go. Brandon and Jennifer (Jeremy's brother and his lovely wife) suggested Gatlinburg, TN and we suggested Chattanooga, TN. So we did both!! We had never been to Gatlinburg but have been to Chattanooga and LOVED it! I want to live there!!! I WILL retire there! Anyway, the rest of the family has been to Gatlinburg but had not been to Chattnooga, so it worked out well!!
Sophia had a wonderful time! Especially with her Gigi and Granddad. By the end of the trip Gigi, Granddad, Brandon, or Jennifer were all far more appealing than momma or daddy! When we got to Gatlinburg, Gigi painted Sophia's toe nails.

We did lots of shopping, eating, feeding ducks, eating, mini golf, eating, and chair lift riding in Gatlinburg. We also went to the aquarium or as Sophia calls it "The Fishie Turtles." She loved it!

This guy freaked me out. He just swam over and hovered right over me! Crazy!

In the kid zone at the aquarium, Sophia found a bouncy fish that she could jump on! It was no fun getting her to leave it...

Ober Gatlinburg! How neat! We rode the tram up the mountain and had lots of fun at the top!

First there was a "horsie" ride with Granddad. I don't know who loved it more. She convinced her Aunt Jennifer to take her on another ride. I don't have a pic of that since Jeremy and I were in a shop at the time. But, apparently she loved it again!!!

Next, it was off to see the bears. We also saw turtles, owls, squirrels ("the chipmunks") and skunks ("puppies").

Sophia loved the ride back down the mountain. We were able to stand by the window and get a great view. She said "bye bye" to the trees, houses, and towers.

Wednesday, we loaded up and headed out to Chattanooga! It was a fairly short drive with lots of pretty scenery. Once we settled into our new cabin, we headed to the newly transformed river front. These new projects were completed since our last trip to Chattanooga so I was very excited to see the area. We started out on the doc watching the boats float down the river.



The Tennessee Aquarium is the main building in the river front area and a very cool building.

Somebody only wanted to walk with Gigi...or be carried by Gigi!

We stopped and read this marker denoting this area as the beginning of the Trail of Tears for many of the Cherokee Nation. This is such a very sad chapter in our nation's history. I believe the city of Chattanooga has done a beautiful job commemorating the Cherokee people with the river front.

From the marker, you walk down these stairs with this wonderful art on the wall.

At the end are these beautiful fountains...

And to your right...this...

All of this water is chlorinated and available for the community to play it! It was so wonderful! Cherokee artwork is on the walls running alongside the fountains and more information on the Cherokee is provided through plaques.

The next day, we began with beautiful Rock City Gardens. If you have never been...GO! It is so beautiful! Of course, you see the famous spot on Lookout Mountain that allows you to see 7 states, but there is so much more!

For instance, behind the least photogenic couple in the world is "Lover's Leap." Beautiful!

Throughout the hike, you will find numerous rock formations and caves. It is really spectacular. You will find the most photogenic couple in front of one of those rock formations in the pic below.

Granddad ended up carrying Sophia most of the way back. I asked him if he wanted me to take her, but I think he was enjoying her snuggling up to him in the caves!

Great caves that you can easily walk through.

That afternoon, we rode the incline railroad. Sophia really enjoyed the Choo Choo Train.

Friday morning, our last day in Chattanooga, we ventured out to Pointe Park to see the historical battle sites from the Civil War. Sophia just wanted to ride the "castles." We tried to get her to call them cannons...not happening.

More beautiful views!

More aquarium! We hit the Tennessee Aquarium that afternoon and had a wonderful time.

Jennifer was Sophia's personal tour guide and perfect for the job!

Mommy was brave and touched the stingrays. Sophia couldn't reach but was happy just to stick her fingers in the water.

And last but Certainly not least, we enjoyed burgers and shakes at Cheeburger Cheeburger! So yummy!


As you can see, we had a wonderful vacation! Thank you again to Granddad and Gigi for such a wonderful time! We love you!