our latest adventure...

Some would say that we have bad luck when it comes to trips. This goes all the way back five years ago when we spent Spring Break with five of my closest sorority sisters in Gulf Shores. Yes, Dillion was the only guy on the trip and we had a blast – after our run in with the bully cop who all but took Dillion’s seats out of his truck to find something “illegal” that was never there in the first place. Only after finding my ring (yes, that very important ring that goes on your left hand) box did he stop. Thank the lord Dillion decided last minute the week before to ask me to marry him so the surprise wasn’t spoiled.

But yes, our adventures have continued through the years from a horrifying canoe trip to the latest – a trip to Gatlinburg with the Donaldsons.



We spent a long weekend in Gatlinburg in a beautiful cabin with a view to match. This was the second vacation with the Donaldson side after our July 4th visit to Gulf Shores. We left before the sun was up (as well as myself) and arrived and spent the evening taking in the scenery, playing cards and catching up with the family. The next morning we set out to Cade’s Cove – which is gorgeous and full of wildlife. I would love to take my nieces there one day – they would love it! (This is me assuming that Sloan will take after her mom and the rest of us and have a big heart for our furry friends).
After driving through and spending some time taking pictures we headed into downtown Gatlinburg and ate at Bubba Gump’s – mine and Dillion’s favorite chain restaurant. Have you ever had shrimpers heaven, because that is exactly what is it, Heaven – in the food sense of course. Up to this point the trip we were having a great time and overall had a great time – but that night and the following day put some hiccups in our step.

Have you ever walked in cowboy boots on ice? Well, if you have than you can feel my pain – otherwise – imagine walking on ice with a block of ice attached to the bottom of your shoes, slick, very slick. Normally, I wouldn’t be walking on such surfaces and it wouldn’t be an issue. Well not this night, after attempting to get back up the mountain to our cabin around 3:30 – Dillion’s four wheel drive monstrous pickup starts sliding, yes sliding. So we then trekked up the mountain along with friends who weren’t able to make it up as well, all the way to the tip top. I myself was having some trouble walking (reference the cowboy boots on ice comment) and stayed in the car with the Grandparents until emergency workers could finally get us up the mountain. We made it to the cabin and everything was good until the next morning when we realized we couldn’t get down the mountain to get any of our vehicles and spent the next day and ½ locked in the cabin. Needless to say when the ice had melted enough – we spent our last night on solid ground in a hotel in Gatlinburg. Note to self, in the future stay on the bottom of the mountain.

Looking back in was quite and adventure and well worth spending the time together with family. It isn’t often that we are forced to stop our busy lives and just enjoy each others company. I encourage more of you to take the time to have a game night or a camp out or anything that forces modern technology and all the distractions of life aside for quality together time – be it with family or friends. Appreciate the people in your lives, you’ll be better for it.