Summer Vacation

We are less than a couple months out from our summer vacation. I can't tell you exactly when it is because then I'll have to kill you (just in case any adoption caseworkers and/or social workers are reading that's a joke. I have not nor will I ever kill anyone). I've probably already given you too much information. I'm not allowed to tweet, facebook, or blog about it while we're gone or prior to leaving (I'm completely breaking the rules here). My husband is paranoid that someone is going to steal our rare $4 million diamond and the family jewels. The only thing I'm allowed to say, other than what I've already said, is that I'm counting the days.

We sort of take turns picking our vacation destinations. Patrick picked San Francisco for our honeymoon (love San Francisco), and Lake Tahoe twice for skiing (love Lake Tahoe . . .don't love skiing), and I picked Hawaii and Florida and the Ozarks for summer vacations. Last summer, since we had just gone on a ski trip the winter before, we didn't really do a big vacation but instead went on a couple short trips. But this summer I got to pick, and we're headed to the Smoky Mountains. The truth is Patrick doesn't care too much about summer vacations (I mean he likes to go on them, but he usually lets me pick). The only thing he ever really wants to do is go skiing. Have I mentioned I hate skiing?

I'm so, so, so excited. I love the mountains even more than I love the beach. And that's saying a lot because I looovvve the beach. I especially love the mountains in the summertime when I don't have to deal with snow, and no one is trying to force me to fly down a mountain at ungodly speeds with two sticks stuck to my feet. I did mention that I hate skiing right?

Andrew is going with us. He always goes with us. Which is fine with me. And this year, I think, no I know, he can handle some of the shorter, easy to moderate hikes. Actually, he'll probably handle them just as well or better than Patrick. ;) We won't be doing any super long, steep hikes, but I've already found some good 3-5 mile ones.

We are also driving. I used to hate road trips, but after having Andrew and flying with him a couple times, I've found that driving and taking our time just works better than flying (try running through an airport with a three year old on your hip and a huge backpack on your back, and you'll completely change your mind about flying forever). I mean when we drive, Andrew can pee on the side of the road if he needs to which is so much more preferable than airplane restrooms . . .  sorry t.m.i but it's true.

So we're going to take 3 days and meander through the south and stop to look at plantations and eat Cajun food in Louisiana and eventually, we'll arrive at our destination outside of Gatlinburg. We ended up booking a lodge. I wanted a cabin, but the cancellation policies for cabins are too far out from the reservation date (30 days), and we just can't do that with the uncertainty of the adoption stuff. On the way back we're going to take another 3 days, and we're definitely going to stop in Memphis. I want to go to the zoo because they have giant pandas, and I'm sure my husband will want to visit Graceland because we're 80.

Anyway, after we get back from this secret vacation, I'll bombard you with pictures and details. Beforehand, you'll know no details so as to protect our vast stores of gold. But if anyone has any advice on things we should do and see I'd love to hear it. I can't guarantee we'll do it all, but it's always great to have suggestions.