We SAW Rock City!

The signs always say See Rock City.  Well today, we SAW Rock City with GiGi and PaPaw and Kevin's brother's family.

 Bennett was excited to ride in the backpack.  He had to get in it as soon as we pulled it out of the car.  Trenton was eager to run into Rock City. 

 Under the bridges......

 Through the tunnels...... 

 The famous See Rock City bird houses.

 The boys exploring.  Bennett was Trenton's little shadow when he walked.   

Over the bridges.....and finally we get to the view station.  

 The top where you see 7 states.  It was a calm day.

We made it!

 Fat man squeeze.

 Daddy had to take off the pack for this!  He barely fit!

 Looking down below at the deer. 

High Falls and the Fairyland Caverns 

 Riley, Trenton and Chase......best of buds!

 The cousins' stair step picture.

 Riley-6 1/2, Chase-5, Trenton-4, Hutch-3, Bennett-2........and our new cousin-to-be in Aug!

 Trenton, Hutch and Bennett got fun cork guns to remember their trip to Rock City.

 Trenton testing it out behind the rock wall.

 Pow!  Trenton shooting the cork!  Bennett marching.....hut 2,3,4.....march, march, march!

 The rest of the time was all about their guns.

 Enjoying a great lunch on top of Rock City at Cafe 7.  What a view!

 Still playing........

We had a great time visiting Rock City!  It is yet another fun family thing to do in Chattanooga!

Chattanooga

This weekend we took a mini vacation to Chattanooga.  It is only about an hour and a half away and they have completed redone the city from years ago.  It is clean and walker friendly.  Actually there is too much to do in just one weekend, so we will definitely have to come back!

 We stayed at the Spring Hill Suits on the river.  There was an indoor pool, firepit and cornhole section to enjoy during the stay.  Plus, the view was beautiful with it situated on the banks.

 We did the Chattanooga Duck tour.  The old WWII vehicles travel via land and water giving a unique perspective of the town. 

 The Chattanooga Aquarium has neat architecture.

 Seeing the 7 fountains.  It was prom night so many people were out doing photos with the river in the background.

 The bridge.....there are 2 separate ones, one for cars and the other is solely a pedestrian bridge.

 Trenton was our driver for a good part of the ride.  He loved it!

 The Duck on water......

 The Duck on land......fun both ways!

Celebrating Ryan's birthday at Sticky Fingers.

A Day Out With Thomas

We attended the Day out with Thomas tour in Chattanooga this weekend.  The day was beautiful and we went first thing in the morning.  The boys were excited to see all the trains in the train yard, participate in activity stations to get their paper stamped, see Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt, and go on an enclosed train ride.  They received certificates for their rides and loved spending the time with their cousins.

 Arriving at the train yard.  All Bennett would shout was "choo-choo".  He was beyond excited!

 I bought train hats from party city (read it was a way to save since costs are inflated at venue) and gave them to the boys as we arrived.  I'm so thankful the boys love wearing hats!

 Trenton playing on the train table.

 The Tennesee Valley Railroad was clean and well kept.

 The crane train is called Kevin on Thomas the Train.  We liked that.  Exploring around.

 Thomas arrived!!  That was fun to watch.  Everywhere kids cheered in unison.

 Going inside the train depot.

 Meeting Sir Topham Hatt.  Bennett stared in awe.  GiGi and PaPaw went, too.  That was special! 

 All the cousins together in front of Thomas himself.  We loved hearing him talk and watching is mouth move.

 Trenton was thrilled as he boarded the train.  Bennett sat down happily with his cousin Riley.

 Trenton was ready for the train to pull away from the station.

 All the kids watched out the window as we started our journey.  The 30 min ride was perfect in length.

 Watching another train arrive as we exited our train ride.  It was cool seeing this up close.  These engines were huge!

I would recommend this family outing to anyone.  In the beginning, we were hesitant because our friends had not enjoyed one in a different city.  It must depend on the town.  Our train was clean, the scenery was nice and the train yard was full of activities to keep any kid smiling and happy.