July 2019

We were on our long southeast road trip first part of July. We did a lot of driving- boys actually did pretty well tolerating each other in the car. Didn't spend too much time in any place. Figured out some places we'd like to go back to and spend more time, like Gatlinburg. Don't think we'll be quite as ambitious with the driving next trip! But it was a great time and lots of good memories!

We explored trails near Gatlinburg, TN.

One of the water falls we came across exploring

Fresh clean water from a fall on the trail

There's a monkey in the tree!

Tristan really enjoyed climbing on the rocks near the falls.

We really enjoyed the cabin we stayed at in Gatlinburg, including the hot tub on the deck.

view from the deck at the cabin in Gatlinburg

View hiking to Laurel Falls at the northern edge of the Great Smokey Mountains

The lady warned us there had been multiple bear sightings the morning we went, but we we did not see any bears. 

Tristan fell in the water here at the bottom of the falls- didn't get a picture of that but it was funny. He soaked his clothes but it was hot so it cooled him off.

A cool mushroom we saw on our way back down the trail

Sunrise at Cherry Grove Beach, North Myrtle Beach, SC

The boys loved splashing in the waves coming into the shore.

This is Wonderworks, a science museum for kids in Pigeon
Forge. The boys had a good time here.

Rock climbing

Tristan's up top navigating the obstacle course.

3D roller coaster ride

Hard Rock Cafe in Pigeon Forge, TN

He was getting really grouchy and whiny here. Trying to get him to chill out but it didn't work.

One of Johnny Cash's guitars

                                                   Van Halen's drum set at Hard Rock Cafe

Lunch at the Sea Captain's House in Myrtle Beach, SC- so good! And views overlooking the beach.

Live Angel Oak Tree, Charleston, SC

The size of the tree was incredible.

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Turtles at the Air bnb where we stayed outside of Savannah

Jordon feeding them apples

Trolley ride in Savannah- it was so hot. Boys were not excited about seeing the architecture in Savannah but Dad and I liked it.

Pirates at the Pirate House

A big goofy pirate in the gift shop

A bed and breakfast in Savannah- beautiful old architecture

Inside the Sorrel and Weed house that we toured

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, SC

We first came here on July 4th and it was closed, so had to come back the next day to see the inside.

Leopold's Ice Cream Shop in Savannah- always a line out the front door and down the street. It was worth the wait.

River Walk in Savannah

Fireworks on July 4th in Savannah on the River Walk

More photos of our 1800s cabin outside of Savannah

Inside the beautiful Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah

Incredibly beautiful art and architecture

The window behind us is similar to the one at the church we were married at in Columbia, MO.

SunTrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves

This was taken right before a foul ball came crashing down behind us and hit a toddler. The 2 guys to the left of Tristan see the ball coming. It was a good game but we did have to leave early because it started pouring rain.

Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta, GA

Jordon created this bottle art.

Tristan created this bottle art.

Stone Mountain outside Atlanta, GA

We rode the cable car up and down the mountain. It was fun to see but so hot and the boys were crabby. I was the only one who wanted to stay for fireworks and the laser show so I got voted out and we left early cause everyone else had their fill by this time!

Tristan was getting a good ass chewing here for whining, lol.

On to Destin, FL- this is the pool where we stayed at Beachside Inn. It was a good place to stay-we were able to just walk across the street and be at the beach. Tristan bonded with a little dog here- his owner brought him up to the pool one night and he had a great time playing with him.

Three of us were a little afraid of the water, as there had been recent reports in the news of people getting flesh-eating bacteria in Destin. So we mainly stayed on the beach.

The sand was white and so soft. We loved it. 

I love this picture of Tristan with Don in the background.

At Sunset in Destin, FL

We found a Whataburger! Don was the only one who had eaten at one before.

Fun at Aunt Sharon and Dale's, got to spend some time with Megan and Andew too. He kept calling the boys his brothers.

Discovered a fun water park not too far from where Sharon and Dale live outside of Hattiesburg, MS

Some cool clouds on our way back from MS

Traded the Camry in for an SUV after that trip!

Tristan hanging out with his friend John Paul- they both love to talk.

Spotted a big black snake one afternoon in the wood bin, probably looking for eggs as the chickens sometimes would lay them there.