Running Overtime

Warning: WAY more pics than you probably want to look at!  The next few posts will probably be out of order...starting with now and working backwards until I catch up.

Papaw came to Rome and everyone was ALL smiles!

Our first adventure began Friday morning...We headed to the Atlanta area to the highly recommended Stone Mountain.  I was skeptical, but what a blast we had!  We didn't even get to do it all and we shut down the place!  ;o)

The first attraction was the Sky Hike.  Kate rocked the course!  She was blasting through the balance beams and ropes like she did this everyday!  We all did the first level and I was proud of Blake for pushing through.  So I didn't pressure him into going to the second level with the rest of us.  Secretly I'm glad because Papaw was then able to get some great pics of Kate!

It wasn't like she was always taking the easy option, like her momma was! ;o)  Daddy was great at the course too, always taking the harder course and helping out his little dare devil.  I cannot tell you how many times I had to close my eyes because she was so brave!

Blake did enjoy the course that was closer to the ground and he did an awesome job on the zip line!  I think that was a favorite for him!

After being extremely disappointed that the duck rides were cancelled due to ramp damage, we head to the skyline ride to take us to the top of Stone Mountain!  That's 825 feet people!  Papaw got the below shot of the monument on the way to the top.

Thank you Papaw for the great family pic on top of Stone Mountain!

A certain little boy who will remain unnamed decided to walk down the mountain.  People I love my Sperry's but they were NOT meant for hiking down 825 feet of a mountain side!  I survived. And we still made it for the Laser show spectacular on the side of the mountain.  Looking forward to our next visit.

DAY TWO:

We hit the road again; this time North to Chattanooga.  Our first stop was the Children's museum.  Another highly recommended attraction.  The kids loved it...could have spent more time there.  I will say however, they did not stick together...so it was nice to have a few adults to go separate ways with them.

Even Daddy found some fun things to do; engineering minds never stop turning the wheels!

The water works station was a big hit with them both!

After splitting up for Kate to participate in an art project.  She found the face paints!  Not sure if it's the Cherokee blood in her or the clown characteristics from her birth order.  :o)

Center of attention: definitely birth order!   

Finally caught up together again for a puppet show.  Praying they find real paying jobs one day!

After Discovery Museum we headed to find the Chattanooga ducks!  Success!  We had 30 minutes to grab a bite to eat and hit the road. We had an awesome guide, which must be a requirement for these things!  He let the kids drive when we got down to the water.  Blake was having a blast!

If you ever are looking for the Chattanooga ducks, you can find them behind Chattanooga Cupcakes!  Both of which I would recommend.  YUM!

Next stop:  Tennessee Aquarium.  Yes, we have been there and done that...but it is that good! 

 We were so late getting to the Aquarium, it was like we had the place to ourselves!  We all got to pet the sting rays.  They were very playful.

I just loved this picture of the sea turtle!

After closing down the Aquarium we killed some time in the water area in the plaza.  The kids loved it even though it had to be COLD!  

Final stop the IMAX!

 This time we saw Tornado Alley, amazing and scary all at the same time.

 We enjoyed our last few days with Papaw around town.  Showing him the sights we enjoy regularly. The Clock Tower is a favorite stop for the kids.  

We always seem to be downtown without our suits when the fountain is on.  But today since our pool was under maintenance all day, we mad a special trip just for the fountain.

 It didn't take much to persuade Papaw to join in the fun.  It was a little warm just sitting on the bench watching!  A great way to end a special visit.  The kids are already making their list for the next time Papaw comes to down!  Thank you Papaw for a great week of memories!