To the Smokies!

My First Mother's Day

It is going to be hard to top my first Mother's Day, although it had a rocky start. Throwing caution to the wind (and the weather forecasts) we packed up the car on Friday to head off to the Smokies for a camping trip. We didn't get very far. Just down the road from our house we realized that by the time we got there it would be dark. There was no way we wanted to set up a tent in the dark, especially with little Lu in tow. So we turned around went home and unpacked the car because the weather was supposed to turn the next day and we figured we missed our chance.

Sleepy Girl

Fortunately, the next morning we woke up to sunny skies so we repacked the car and headed off again. The drive up was beautiful. I always forget how much I love it up in the mountains. As we got closer to our destination it started to sprinkle and by the time we got to our camp 6+ hours later it was a drizzle. We put Lucille in a little canopy tent we had and got to work setting up camp.

They don't call them the Smokies for nothing!

 
After getting the tent and picnic shelter set up we headed into the nearby town to get some dinner. We ate some good southern food at a little place called Miss Lily's Cafe. Lucille seemed to really enjoy the bbq pork, but was a bit cranky because it was her bedtime. So we headed back to the camp and were in bed together by 9pm (lucille slept in between Pearce and I).

The next morning we got an early start to see Cades Cove Loop road which is known for its historic buidlings as well as animals. Pearce and I saw lots of deer and wild turkey.











 









 





We even saw a coyote and one bear off in the distance. Lucille slept through the two hour drive. Afterwards we decided to head to the closest Walmart to pick up some blankets for extra warmth as the first night was a bit nippy.

We got back to the campground and did a short hike within the campgrounds. Lucille wasn't to enthused with her carrier so I carried her for a bit (okay almost the whole time).

Where are you taking me!?

Hands on Learning

"I want mommy!"

 After the hike, we took at some lunch and then relaxed at our campsite the rest of that afternoon.

Smiles

Lunch

"Give me some Dadda"

Late afternoon we headed out again in hopes to see more animals on the Loop. That we did, and even better, this time around Lucille got to see them too. She sat on my lap this time around (you go like 2 mph) which she thought was just awesome. I am not sure if she enjoyed the horses or the inside of the car more! That time around we ended up seeing four big bears and three cubs in all.

Up close and personal

looking outside

Horses!

On our way back to camp we stopped to pick up some S'mores, hotdogs, and logs for a campfire bbq. It was lots of fun to stay up and see all the stars (and Pearce enjoyed using his star gazer App.)

Lucille's First Campfire

That night was really really really cold. I actually wondered if I should go sit in the car with Lucille (who seemed to be the only one who was warm with her multiple layers and fuzzy hat). We realized in the morning that the tent door had accidentally been left up which made it extra chilly.

Brrr.....

......rrrrrrrrr

Despite the cold, we had a most outstanding time and were really impressed with how well Lucille handled everything! Best. Mother's Day. Ever!