Smoky Mountains Vacation

We took our first "real" family vacation a few weeks ago to Smoky Mountain National Park.  It was a different experience to vacation with a baby.  It took some adjusting of expectations, but looking back we're glad we went and look forward to future family vacation memories.

Lunch picnic by the river

Our first hike - Laurel Falls

Joshua liked being in the backpack, especially on populated trails where he could smile at all the people heading the opposite direction.  He seems to be quite an extrovert!

At the falls

Sunset view from our cabin

Cades Cove

Cades Cove is a valley area of the park known for having a lot of wildlife. We drove through it twice during our trip, but didn't get to see many animals.  Joshua did enjoy seeing these deer though.

I really wanted him to experience fall by crunching in some leaves!

Pumpkin Attack!  Supposedly these guys weigh 150-200 lbs!

Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the Appalachian Trail

(We drove to the top, didn't hike up it)

The start of Hike #2

Happily on the way to Gregory Bald

Taking a break from the backpack - maybe a mistake because Josh wasn't too happy to get back in!

Gregory Bald