Vacation Pictures

Both kids agreed there were two things we needed to do while on our mini-vacation - visit Cades Cove and ride go-karts.

The last time we went to the Smoky Mountains we were fortunate enough to see two black bears. Since the bears have been pretty active because they're preparing for winter, we had high hopes, but this time was like the other 10 times we've been there. No bears. Cades Cove was beautiful anyway. The only wildlife we saw were turkeys and deer, but the scenery was beautiful. We got there early, hoping to avoid the rush. Our timing was perfect. By the time we were leaving, there was a very long line of cars waiting to enter the area.

Somehow riding go-karts has become a vacation tradition. We usually find The Track and buy Tyler a couple rides on the Track course. He's been eyeing the Wild Woody for years, but he wasn't tall enough to drive by himself...until this year. And he's plenty tall enough! When did that happen?! He was thrilled. He rode that course by himself a few times and then he, Ron, and Danielle rode the Track together a couple times. Danielle is tall enough to drive those cars, but she was nervous about doing it. ("What if I can't make it go and the guy yells at me?") All three kids had a lot of fun. Somehow it always seems like money well spent even though there's nothing more to show for it than and a few memories & pictures of the kids with grins on their faces. I guess that's really what it's all about anyway, isn't it?