Gatlinburg for Erin's 13th Birthday, July 2024

We had never taken any trips for Erin's birthdays and I felt bad but July isn't an ideal time for vacation in my opinion. Everywhere is crowded and hot!

But I thought a short trip to Gatlinburg might be ok. The cabin we rented was pretty great for the kids. Games, pool table, theater etc. and had an amazing view! 

The problem? It rained. A lot. And I'm not talking sprinkles here and there, it poured! 

Not an issue the first day, we had planned to go to the Ripley's aquarium. We got there, bought the tickets and Audrey started to feel sick. She powered through for a while but eventually Todd had to take her back to the cabin while we stayed to finish. 

After that we played some overpriced mini golf, got some overpriced ice cream and waited in the rain for Todd to come back and get us. 

The next day we celebrated Erin's birthday! 

That night we went to Chesapeake's for dinner and it was AMAAAZING. Erin got her coveted King Crab leg and we all ate way too much. 

After that we did some mountain coasters with these brave kids! 

The next morning Todd and I snuck out for breakfast and some moonshine. 

Properly energized, we went back to the cabin and got the kids to make our way to Anakeesta. 

We did more mountain coasters and we got lucky dodging the rain that day. Luck would soon run out though. 

As the day was winding down and Todd and the kids were waiting in line for the big mountain coaster and Audrey and I were in a play area the sky got very dark. Audrey and I went to check on the others and as we arrived the ride was shutting down for lightening. They were at the front! After waiting an hour. The sky opened up and as we were making our way up the hill we go drenched. 

Somehow Wes and I got separated from the group. And we got stranded by the stage and it was raining SO hard we couldn't meet up with the others. Plus the lightning and thunder were intense. 

The park had to close and the lifts were shut down for lightening, so we had to just wait and wait and wait. Eventually we made it back down and back to the cabin. 

And that brought our trip to a close. A memorable one and the kids had a great time. I'd still rather be at the beach!