AND HERE'S THE NEW COUPLE - PLUS TWO !

Carol and Tom got married on April 14th, 2009 with Emily and Andrew in attendance. We drove to Gatlinburg, TN on Easter Monday, arriving in time to check into our timeshare at Treetops Resort AND find the County Clerk's office and get our license.

Then we finished the day with a drive around Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which ends just a half mile from our resort. And after driving 5 miles in 45 minutes, our total wildlife score was -

We saw -

ONE SQUIRREL !

And a bunch of wonderful wildflowers.





Please remember that if you click on a picture, you will be taken to another screen with a BIG picture.

But the BIG EVENT was Tuesday evening. We planned a sunset ceremony but the weather didn't cooperate. It was a typical misty spring evening in the Smokies. Didn't matter. Andrew and Emily walked Carol down the aisle, we took our vows and had a special "family ceremony" where I placed medallions around the kid's necks. The medallions had three circles symbolizing our new family. It really was beautiful.



Wednesday through Sunday flew by with two trips to the aquarium, two to Dollywood, a trip to the top of Clingman's Dome, around Cade's Cove, and a hike to Grotto Falls.

Lots of touristy stuff but lots of nature, too. That's what's so great about Gatlinburg. It's got it all. Here are some pictures.






We're back home and settled in. Can't say "into a routine" yet, but close.

If only for a few weeks. As soon the as the kids get out of school, we're all getting in the truck with the Airstream in tow and heading to Niagara Falls. Then either across NY state or Ontario and down to NYC. Then to State College for the 4th of July. Still working on plans for the rest of the summer, but they will definitely involve Airstreamin'.

Life is so good.