Tennessee Trip

Last week we made our first trip up to Tennessee to visit my parents since the girls were born.  We were happy to escape the 103+ degree temps and drought conditions at home for a few cool nights! The trip up took about 11 hours including four stops but we returned in only 10 hours.  The girls were wonderful in the car and loved watching their first movie on a portable DVD player. 

 

 

Our first day there we took the girls hiking along the Big South Fork River.  We brought a couple of carriers to practice with before our Yellowstone trip in July.  Here's Daddy and Elsie trying it out.

 

 

Family hiking!

 

We stopped at a little creek to play in the water and rocks along the way. 

 

 

We had to tear them away!

 

These little girls have Grumps wrapped around their little fingers, haha.  Leonie on the left.

 

 

Grandma and Leonie.

 

Once we were back to the trailhead we hiked down to the river to play in some more water.

 

 

Elsie in the river.

 

 

They would have stayed here all day too!

 

 

Me and my girls.

 

 

Back at my parents' house the girls stayed busy playing with my old toys and exploring lots of new things.  Here they are "helping" Grumps play his ukulele.

 

 

The girls also enjoyed yoga with Daddy and Grumps most mornings.  Here they are painting rainbows!  Leonie in solid pink.

 

My mom found some sidewalk chalk for the girls and they made beautiful art all over the sidewalks at Grandma and Grumps'. 

 

 

Casper the kitty also enjoyed the art with Elsie.

 

And with Elsie and Leonie

 

 

 

Daddy and Grumps watched the girls while Grandma and I were able to ride a few times.  My mom bought a new horse last year and Etta was a great ride!

 

 

My mom is a trail keeper for one of the trails we rode so we had to take a photo of any trees that need to be removed.  Luckily this one was easy to step over.

 

 

Although it was cooler in Tennessee, it was still plenty warm enough to play at the beach!  We went to a nearby dammed lake with a small beach. Leonie in blue.

 

 

Making sandcastles.

 

 

Daddy found a relaxing spot at a friend's house!

 

Another hike took us to a rock house - with a lots of rocks to climb!

 

We did a (little bit) longer hike on our last day so the girls spent a little more time in the carriers.  I think we're ready for Yellowstone!

 

 

Finally, a couple of videos.

 

Leonie hiking.

 

 

 

Making music.

 

 

Playing with bubbles.  And Leonie being mean!