A few weeks ago, my family and I took a trip up to Gatlinburg, TN. Our group consisted of my parents, my sister Hannah, my grandmother, and me. We rented a cabin and stayed for four nights and five days. None of us had been to Gatlinburg in several years so we figured that it would be a great time to go. There were a few bumps along the way, but overall it was a great trip.
After a long trip up to Gatlinburg on that Monday, we finally made it to the cabin and realized that it was on top of the mountain with woods surrounding it. When we went through the door of the cabin, we saw how picturesque it was. There were huge windows everywhere and the table and chairs were made out of wood. We all unpacked and ordered pizza for dinner. The cabin also had its own Yogi bear looking for a pic a nic basket.
On Tuesday, we all started our day by having brunch at our favorite pancake house, the Log Cabin Pancake House. Everything there was so delicious. After brunch, we went to the Lid'l Dolly's store. This store is one of our favorite stops in Gatlinburg and was highly requested by my grandmother. Granny loves to quilt so we were so glad that she wanted us to go there. After we shopped there for a while, we then went to the Tanger Outlet Mall where we did some more shopping.
After we went shopping, Dad wanted to do something that he wanted to do which was going to the crime museum that is there in Gatlinburg. On the way to the museum, that was when our adventures began because our car's AC went out so we had to roll down the windows. The museum was very interesting for all of us. I learned so much about different kinds of crimes for sure. Towards the end of the museum however, my wheelchair's battery started going out so we had to rush to the car. We were hoping that I could at least get parked in the car before my wheelchair died. Thankfully, that was successful.
When we got into the car, the key fob would not go into the key place at first. After the key finally got into its place it took a couple of tries for the car to start. Thankfully, it finally started and we were able to stop by the grocery store to pick up a few things. After I waited in the car at the store and we made it back to the cabin, my wheelchair was fine again. I guess my chair just got overheated that day. Even through all of that drama, our family could see God's hand of protection over us because my parents found a place in Knoxville, TN where we could trade our old lift van in for a newer van with lower mileage on it. This van was cheaper than any van that we could buy in Alabama.
On Wednesday morning, we all got up and Mom and Dad left to trade the vans at the front office of our resort. Meanwhile, Hannah, Granny, and I were able to have quality time together and eat breakfast together. When Mom and Dad got back to the cabin, we all went out to check out the new van. We were most excited about finally having a backup camera. This feature has been so nice to have on our van.
On Wednesday night, we went to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Again, we felt God's hands around us because we ended up getting the last five handicap-accessible seats for that night. The Dixie Stampede was amazing because the food was delicious and the show was awesome as well. There was music, humor, and other cool props and animals roaming around the stage. There even was a girl who danced on top of two horses that went through a ring of fire. Also, there was another girl who hung from silks doing other types of tricks. I would highly recommend going to the Dixie Stampede to everyone who can go because it is worth it.
On Thursday, our family ended up going to the Apple Barn. This restraint is always a must-go place when we visit Gatlinburg. The Apple Barn always serves the best homemade apple fritters with apple butter along with delicious Southern food. After we ate, it was raining so we just stayed there at the restaurant and walked around the different stores at the Apple Barn. We even got our apple butter and homemade fudge. After we shopped around for a while, we realized that bad weather was rolling in so we went back up to the cabin before it got too nasty.
After only a few minutes of walking into the door of our cabin, it started raining hard outside. Therefore, we were glad that we came back to the cabin when we did. During the storm, Mom, Hannah, Granny, and I played three rounds of Scrabble together. There were some moments, however, when the game got intense. Let's just say that we have a very competitive family. This was so much fun to do because we just got to slow down and have fun together along with sharing some laughter.
On Friday morning, we checked out of our cabin and headed over to Mel's Diner. This restaurant is a 50s-themed diner that makes the most amazing homemade milkshakes. I had been dreaming about that pineapple milkshake for weeks leading up to that day. When I finally got my milkshake, it was definitely worth the wait. After we had our lunch, we made that dreaded long car ride home.
As I think back on our trip, I am reminded of how blessed we were to have been able to take that trip. For the past twenty years and seven months, my dad has been battling stage four cancer. The doctors have told us over and over throughout the years that my Dad was not going to make it. However, God has kept him alive for all of these years and we are so thankful every day. Therefore, on this Father's Day weekend, I am grateful for every trip, Father's Day, and every other day in between that I get to spend with my Dad.
Happy Father's Day everyone!
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