The last two weeks of June we began our family vacation/family reunion with my Grandma's side of the family! Unfortunately Joey wasn't able to join us because of work. We missed him, but we had a still had a good time. My parents drove their car and I drove mine. We left Texas Tuesday the 20th and headed to Maumelle, Arkansas for our first stop. We had a delicious meal and the kids swam at the hotel pool that night.
Wednesday we headed to Tennessee!! I love Tennessee...and I will tell you the weather was AMAZING this trip. One day we had to drive in the rain and I was a nervous wreck, but the temperature was phenomenal!!
We stayed in Franklin...my FAVORITE and ate at my FAVORITE restaurant...Pucketts!! It is just a wonderful, down home restaurant.
Thursday we continued traveling till we reached Cookeville. We bought TONS of groceries for the rest of the weekend. After a quick lunch at Taco Bell 😌 we headed up the mountain to Fall Creek Falls Resort!! My favorite cousin, her husband, son, mom and dad were all with us that night!
Friday afternoon/evening is when the rest of the family joins us...and this year was a huge turnout! But before the evening festivities began I took the kids on a hike to the bottom of the falls!! It is NOT an easy hike. The "stairs" are made out of rocks. Luckily there is a handrail 85% of the way down. But the kids loved it. They played in the water while my uncle (pictured above) and I watched.
My cuz Josie, her husband, Danny and Jude...
On our way back up....
Saturday was JAM PACKED with things to do! The kids had activities in the morning...
The "older children"...and my mom 😄 played a game of water balloon volleyball!! It was a hoot watching! In the end they just started chunking them at each other!
That afternoon the women had a Favorite Things party! We brought two of our favorite things to share. We each got up and talked about what we brought and why we brought it. Here is my Aunt Karen sharing with the group!
And my FAVORITE, Aunt Annita!! I love her to pieces! She is down to earth, funny and not a bit sarcastic!! 😂😂😂
A little throwback of Annita and my momma...😍
Saturday night we did family pics, had a banquet dinner and then had a DANCE PARTY!! My mom worked so hard making everything so fun and perfect this year!! Thanks momma!!
Another throwback to circa 1986 I believe! These are my amazing cousins posing for pictures...our family is very blessed and we have grown abundantly!!!
Sunday we got up and helped get the family suite picked up and back in order then headed to Annita's house in Ooltewah!! We ate lunch and took some pics on the way.
Last throwback...to 2015....they have grown so much in just two years!!
Annita and Al recently moved into this new sub-division and their home is gorgeous!!! I wish I had taken more pics. 😍
Preparing dinner...
My dad was WONDERFUL and took my kiddos both Monday and Tuesday so that I could have some time away from them to spend with the adults!😂 We hit up a few home decor places (I got some awesome things!!) and found some amazing clothes....my Grandma and I modeled just a few for you. 😎😂
Monday dad took the kids to the Chattanooga Aquarium and an ocean movie!
Tuesday dad took them to Ruby Falls and "explored the cave". Again, I am so thankful he was willing to tote them around so I could enjoy time with the ladies!
Wednesday we packed up and hit the road...headed back home. We drove FOREVER 11 hours to get back to Arkansas. Then Thursday we made it back home. I'm so thankful my kids get to expeirence being with family and have a fun vacation...thank you Grandma, mom and dad for your generosity!!
Love. And everyone came back alive. Good job.
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