The Ramblings of Jen: 6/1/15

We just got back from a glorious getaway with my mom, dad, sisters, niece, nephew and brother-in-law. Eleven of us total, bunking together for the week in a cozy cabin in the Smoky Mountains. (And we did not kill each other. Like, NOT EVEN A LITTLE. We totally got this family vacation thing down COLD.)

From the moment we arrived, Gatlinburg basically stole my heart.

I don't consider myself a nature girl. Camping has always struck me as a pretty miserable way to voluntarily spend your time. (Good gravy, we are not cavemen anymore - SLEEP IN A BED.) I enjoy sunshine on my face as much as the next person, but I've never been one for being outside every minute of the day. I tend to screech - loudly - at the first sign of insects or wildlife. But as soon as I spied those mountains, I fell in love. The views were truly (and literally) breathtaking, and all I wanted was more more more.

We checked out a lot of the touristy things that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge had to offer. Each were fun in their own way, and the kids had a great time. But most of the excursions were super expensive, and some weren't really of particular interest to me. My favorite parts of the trip were hiking, climbing, exploring. Running my hands through the pure, clear water of the falls. Crouching on a rock and listening to the babbling brooks. Stopping at a lookout and taking in the vast green all around. Floating down the rapids and marveling at the river's beauty and power. Sitting on our cabin's porch and watching the sun set over the treetops. I couldn't get enough, and I'm already dreaming of the day we can return.

It was a special week in one of the most gorgeous places I've ever seen, surrounded by all the people who mean the most to me. What more can one ask for?

Tennessee, we already miss you.

White water rafting on the Pigeon River. My first time. Absolutely exhilarating.

Yeah, we did Dollywood. An exhausting and ridiculously (over)expensive day, in my opinion. But the kids had fun.

My babies.

Our attempt at a selfie. Let's just say I am definitely not a Kardashian!

Sophie and Chris at the NASCAR Speed Park, getting their go cart on.

With the Smoky Mountains in the background. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

On our hike to Grotto Falls, the kids and I went ahead. I had such a blast with them, feeding off their energy. (1.6 miles uphill over rocks and tree roots and boulders is no joke. My thighs were like, "WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?")

We almost broke our necks getting in place for this shot. (Okay, maybe just me. Young people and their damn BALANCE and FEARLESSNESS. Those rocks were slippery, give me a break.)

Yep...that's Sophie and Cadin back there!

Family photo, with a little waterfall in the background. Gatlinburg's like, "No big whoop. I have hundreds where that came from."

My mom, god bless her. She made it almost halfway up the mountain through pretty tough terrain before calling it quits. She sat and waited for us, content to chat with other hikers and take in the peace around her while we soldiered on. Never once complained. What a trooper.

Me and my love.

These girls sure do love their Aunt Jayme.

Group photo after reaching Laurel Falls. About 3 minutes after this shot was taken, we were hit by a thunderstorm and buckets of cold, hard, unrelenting rain. The path down the mountain was narrow, with nothing on your right but a steep and dangerous drop. It was a slippery trek. I was a nervous wreck, my poor nephew was terrified, and we were all soaked through. However, not all of us were daunted. Emma's first words after reaching the bottom? "That was so much fun!"