Gatlinburg Getaway

It's been at least 10 years since Josh and I visited Gatlinburg and nearly 2 years since we spent a night without kids, so last week's getaway to the Smokey's was fantastic.

It's always hard to leave our sweet boys, but driving from our house on Monday morning, I felt giddy. We can go anywhere for lunch! We can listen to a book without interruption! We can drive through naptime without consequence! We can talk about...anything we want!! Knowing our kids were in good hands, we relaxed and relished every moment.

A few highlights:

-- Sleeping as long as we wanted
-- A peaceful shower that lasted at least 20 minutes
-- Listening to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as we drove (one of our favorites)
-- Snow-covered landscapes but cleared roads
-- The outdoor hot tub overlooking Mt. Leconte
-- Hiking by Cades Cove and by the old abandoned vacation village near Elkmont
-- Watching Oceans 12 and eating the best caramel apple ever
-- Reading North and South (Carolyn) and Gregor the Overlander (Josh) in front of a wood-burning fire and overlooking the mtns
-- Eating at Log Cabin Pancakes, Donut Friar, and Park Grille
-- Our cozy condo at The Highlands overlooking Gatlinburg and the mountains
-- Pictures texts from the babysitter...

I have always loved time alone with my husband. Three whole days and nights felt like...bliss. I've often heard people describe time away from their kids as "bittersweet." I understand. But I must say that knowing they were healthy and happy and soon to be in my arms again, I think they helped me enjoy this vacation even more. It's amazing how kids enhance every area of life - including our time away from them.