The Trip.

About the time I turned 8 years old, my parents got the bug and started traveling. These were fabulous times in my life because we didn't have a lot of money but we were excited and wanted to "see the world". When it came to traveling, Mom and Dad were random and spontaneous. We would leave early in the morning or sometimes late at night. When the sun came up, it brought new adventure and surprise in a foreign landscape. Once of our most frequented destinations was the Great Smokey Mountains. I don't believe we ever went the same place in the Smokies twice and being that it was before high speed internet and cell phones, my parents mostly winged it. Naturally, when my parents made the big move a few years ago, they chose Nashville. With it's breath-taking views and close proximity to the mountains, it was ideal.

I now have the blessing of being able to visit them there. So, a few weeks ago, I was missing my daddy and my mammaw, so the kids and I loaded into the car and made the 13 hour drive. I was prepared for and uneventful trip as we have made the drive several times before. During one of our stops for gas and bathrooms, I loaded Spence into his stroller. Sarah, being helpful, pushed him right beside the front wheel of the car. Ever curious, he stuck his hand right into the wheel and burned the tops of his little baby fingers. After some ice, neosporin and bandages, we were on our way again.

Upon arrival, Mom and I made the quick decision to visit the Smokies the next morning. This place holds a special place in my heart and I want my kids to have the same sense of excitement I had when travelling with my family.




This was the first trip in a long time that I just relaxed and enjoyed myself. We spent lots of time talking and visiting. We drove downtown, enjoyed my neice's birthday and went out on the boat. I wish I had some pictures. I went wakeboarding for the first time in almost 10 years. It was a huge accomplishment for me and I felt a great sense of youthfulness return. I wasn't ready to leave. It was the best vacation of the summer.