Knoxville spring break

For a fun visit, we flew to Knoxville, TN to visit our loved ones there.  Dane, Erica, and Terry were so worth the trip.  We had so much fun. They spoiled us.

We flew Southwest with very tight restrictions on wearing a mask covering nose and chin.  People are flying again and this airlines had sold every seat.  No social distancing but we were able to make every flight and arrive in the right place with all our people and stuff.

We arrived in Nashville at 10:30 pm, rented a Ford Excursion and went looking for dinner in the fun district.  We walked along the streets with lots of people, lots of bars with their own live band and it was just fun to be out among people having fun. We found a place that was still serving food, had two bands and lots of 'happy' people.

We spent that first night at a hotel in Knoxville and then headed out to find our family.  Dane and Erica welcomed us with open arms to their family and their home.  This is where the real happy begins. We enjoyed a charcuterie board picnic lunch in the warm weather and green of Tennnessee.  They have a beautiful home that they are fixing up. They made room for all 4 of us and made it look so easy and natural to host us.

We got to visit Ijams quarry.  In this section it was a big water filled area.  It was only barely warm enough to be outside in a swimsuit but these brave kids just jumped right in and had fun swimming, doing cart wheels, and comparing bellies.  Erica is expecting Leo to make his debut in June.

Then we hiked to another section where we could see where the marble had been removed, stones cut from the mountain.

 

Look, its a bird!?

We had hoped to do more work in the "back 40" or in the house but time and weather had other ideas.  We couldn't even get this burn pile to burn with gas.  It had rained too much.

Sunday church was cancelled because of the rain. There were flash flood warnings and it was just better to stay home. 

It was actually pretty special to enjoy church together in their living room with our sacrament meeting on the laptop and then the sacrament with just us.

Dane and Simeon preparing the sacrament

We were able to wander the back woods. I miss being more spread out from neighbors.  So peaceful and full of natural beauty.

We explored downtown. We saw UT campus, the worlds fair park, and some fun city streets.

Viewed the city from a rooftop restaurant.

Brought our own special picnic lunch of ceviche.

This was a surprise in a tiny back alley of beautiful murals

The more I learn of Dolly Parton the more I admire her.  Such a sweet lady.

Milt and I

Debbie

Erica and Debbie

Erica, Dane and Terry

Debbie, Simeon, and me

We went to another part of Ijams and enjoyed a hike on the boardwalk and through the woods. Terry was full of energy and ran a good share of the way.

Debbie, Erica, Dane, Simeon, and Terry

Terry was done walking. He had warmed up to all of us and knew us by name.  He was willing to ride on Grandpa.  Simeon thought it looked fun and took a ride on Dane :)

We also drove around Cade's Cove and hiked to Abram's Falls. It was beautiful but a bit crowded.  Others enjoying the fine day and spring break.

We read books, played games, made food together, ate big delicious meals 3 times a day, slept well, sang, danced, had fun, worked and played with some of my all time favorite people.  Dane and Erica provided a perfect vacation for us.  I pray that they enjoyed it too.  They gave up work and time and energy - all invested in building relationships and memories. I am so very grateful.