10 Years Together!

Believe it or not, it has been 10 years since Chris and I said "I do". We have been dating or married for more than 16 years (approximately half our lives!). We are truly soul mates and I cannot imagine my life with anyone else. Although I had always envisioned a trip to Hawaii or Europe for our 10th anniversary, the pregnancy and the economy put a halt to those dreams this time around. We made due with a wonderful weekend trip to the Smokey Mountains. We have found a little slice of Heaven in Townsend, Tennessee, just between Pigeon Forge and
Cad es Cove. We climbed a mountain for a couple of miles and we found a group of gorgeous cabins overlooking the whole area. We felt like we are the only ones on earth when we sat on the porch or gazed out the large windows. It had three floors, one bedroom, a pool table, and a huge front porch. This was our second trip here, but it definitely won't be our last. Check out the views below.

I could stand here for hours just looking at God's creation.


We definitely could characterize this trip as a visit to the Smokies. The fog hung in the mountains for the majority of our trip.



Though we never used the pool, it sure looks beautiful against the mountain backdrop. This covered porch area is used for weddings. How beautiful would that be!




We stayed at the Preserve. We stayed here last summer and it is honestly the most beautiful and relaxing place I have ever been while visiting the smokies. We look forward to many more visits here.



On day 2, we woke up to rain so we piddled around until noon and went for a movie. When we left the theater, we actually saw sunshine! We decided to walk around a small barbecue festival and listen to some bluegrass.

After the festival, we went to the Apple Barn for supper. Then we walked across the road to walk the banks of the creek and relax during the 5 hours of sunshine we had on this trip.


A mommy duck and her babies had the same idea.

This is the stream across the road from the Apple Barn. When I find places like this, I like to fantasize that I am walking in my backyard. The sounds are so relaxing.

Although this is not a flattering photo for me, I decided to sacrifice and post this to show you my growing tummy. I have virtually NO photos of me pregnant with Sarah (I wonder why?) and I decided that this time I would better document my hugeness. Who knows, this photo may make me feel better when I start losing weight after October.


What a needed weekend! It was a great time for us to rest and reconnect. We have a pretty big year ahead of us! I will cherish these memories of alone time with my hubby. Happy Anniversary honey!