"Chaccanooga"

Side note: I'm going to be so sad when Rory stops mispronouncing words. :)

A week ago today, the four of us loaded up and headed to Chattanooga for a fun 48 hours. Because the overwhelming majority of our family lives spread across the country (think WV, VA, OK, UT, IL), we rarely just head somewhere for a few days just the 4 of us so this was extra special.

Here's our trip photos in all of their unedited glory. :)

We hit the pool first thing Sunday night.
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And hit up Starbucks for a little Wifi and coffee Monday morning (since our hotel was sorely lacking both departments).
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Chattanooga Aquarium - so much fun. Camden kept saying all day, "this is the best day of my life." (notice Rory isn't wet yet)
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The shark tank was Camden's favorite.
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We took a break from the fish and went to see the iMax movie, which was one of my favorite parts of the trip. It was a documentary on orphaned elephants and orangutans. And we know I'm not an animal lover, but this was just plain fun.
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After the aquarium we found a splash pad and let the kids play. Did I mention it was 98 degrees both days we were there? Miserable!
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After swimming, ice cream was a must, and I have to say that I'm still dreaming about it. Ice cream will always be my first choice of dessert, but I'm pretty snobby about it. This little bowl had everything - firm texture, coffee ice cream with oreos and pecans in it.
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Camden loves food as much as anyone I know!
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Did I mention it was 98 degrees outside?
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Tuesday morning we got up and went to the Incline Railroad. We found out later that we didn't actually have to drive the scenic route to ride it, but I was so glad we made the trip.
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My favorite pictures of the weekend are these next two. Brian and I are pretty strict parents. Okay, some might call us uptight. :) But on vacation we really wanted the kiddos to get to do whatever they wanted. So if that meant sprite at every meal, or popcorn in bed at 10:00 p.m. because sleep wasn't coming, we did it.

This is the life.
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Brian and I came home from this "vacation" feeling like we needed a vacation because sharing a small room with a 7 and 4 year old isn't the most relaxing thing ever, but it was a lovely two days of family time. And we're all going to remember the year we went to "Chaccanooga" and Rory went swimming with the sting rays.

Comments

Oh, I LOVE Chattanooga. Okay, the ice cream looks amazing, and coming from a fellow strict parent, I totally agree--vacations are for bending the rules!!!!
Uhm, I love the depth of field in these shots. LOVE.

(I, of course, also love the photos themselves...)

This looks like a blast! So much fun in two days... and rule-breaking to boot?! Awesome. (I break rules too... except for bedtime!) ;-)
Krista said…
Looks like a fun (albeit hot) vacation! The aquarium looks like so much fun!
Anonymous said…
I had to laugh when I read the "uptight" description. DH & I are definitely in that category, too. Love to break the rules for snacks & sweets though!
:) Renee
Amy said…
It looks like a wonderful trip and sounds like just what you all needed. I just love that picture of the kids standing in front of the shark tank...absolutely breathtaking!
Janet said…
HOT IS RIGHT?!!! Wow. I would have melted into a puddle...but would have easily been revived if someone had offered me that ice cream. I am also a HUGE fan of ice cream (people that aren't are just plain weird...there, I said it). I could eat some every day...and usually do. Great photos, especially of the aquarium and your adorable children. Cute!
Grace said…
i am cracking up at the kids enjoying their no-rules vacation in bed :) so cute!
this looks like it was so much fun and a perfect getaway!
and, does rory's pink bathing suit come in grownup sizes? because i love it!

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