Fun in the Smokeys! (Christmas Prelude)

T'was four days before Christmas and the DeJs had FUN! Yes, that's right! Fun was had by all. Kids enjoyed their parents' 8th anniversary in the best way possible - two nights at the Grandparents (no parents to say no, don't, etc.) Parents enjoyed two nights in the Smokies (no kids to beg for more TV, not to eat anything but cookies, no sleep, etc.) It was our first real getaway without kids, and we are deeply grateful to my parents. Unfortunately, since we had no kids to photograph, the primary subjects were ourselves (which I'm sure makes for a considerably less cute blog post). At least the scenery at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park is breathtaking!

Cataract Falls:

Park Entrance:


On the strip in Gatlinburg. Since I'm a genuine Tennessean, I've been to Gatlinburg many times, but that didn't make this time any less special. We went to Ober on the cable car, enjoyed the quaintness of the Village, enjoyed the indoor/outdoor pool in our hotel (yes, we braved into the outdoor pool for a few minutes), and enjoyed a few shows. Country Tonite was my favorite by far. It was just the right mix of regular country (first half) and Christmas show (second half). I must confess parts of it moved me to tears. While they were playing "Christmas in Camoflauge" and showing slideshows of Soldiers away from their families and later being reunited, I was weeping. Hunter was joking with me after the show that he had the exact opposite reaction and felt it was shameful to use such precious pictures for commerical purposes. Who doesn't get love a live Nativity and powerful rendition of "O Holy Night"? (I'm so glad Tennesseans still remember the most important Reason for Christmas!)

Here are a few more nature photos. Remember, we didn't have any subjects other than ourselves!

I love you, Hunter, and can't wait for Anniversary #9!!!