July 27

Our big adventure for the day was a trip to the Smoky Mountains to wade in the water and look for bears! The boys went prepared wearing their camo and binoculars. 

Papa and the boys

Just a little dip with the toes first to feel how cold the water was

Sometimes we've been accused of being the boys' paparazzi crew. I have no idea what they are talking about! I just hate that we were caught!!

The Fosters

The Pattons

July 26

This morning we headed to a nice park to meet our friends again. The kids had a great time splashing and climbing around!

After Granddad got home from work, we were off to the lake. 

They were both a bit nervous to jump in and swim. Grayson was convinced he had seen a triangle (shark) while we were cruising along, and Neylan was just scared (of who knows what?!) But, once we threw them both in, their inner fish emerged and we couldn't get them back in the boat!

Speeding down the lake at high speeds while wet was not Neylan's idea of a fun ride back to the ramp!

July 25

Today was a low-key day because we needed some rest this morning and afternoon. After naps, Mimi took us to the fire station to deliver cookies to the firemen and get an up-close look at the fire trucks. 

We had dinner at one of Knoxville's most well-known restuarants on the TN River. After dinner the boys ran around the waterfront while I attempted to get some cute pictures!

July 24

This morning we set out on an adventure! We went on our first safari. There weren't many people there when we arrived so as soon as we drove through the gate, the animals were ready for us to start feeding them. We didn't really know what to expect ourselves, so we didn't prepare the boys. Neylan was a bit shocked when a zebra popped his head in the window immediately!

And then sheer terror took over!! We are not starting this adventure off on the right foot with Neylan!

These zebras sure are social creatures. . . and hungry!

We were able to get Neylan calmed down when we took him out of his seat and put him on the console in the front. He did great after that

There's nothing you can do, but stop, when you see this thing walking toward you

Grayson did a great job feeding the animals. The baby animals were his favorite

Why, Hello!

After our 3 mile journey around the safari, we got out to explore the petting area. There were turtles, camels, bunnies, chickens, goats, and pigs.

It's a nice day for a mud bath

If you are ever in east TN and want an adventure, you should check out Circle G Ranch in Strawberry Plains! We had a blast. 

After that we headed to the "fish store", Bass Pro Shop, for lunch a some shopping. The boys picked out new hats and binoculars for more adventures. 

Tonight we had dinner at Mimi and Papa's house. We got to meet some new friends and these four were instant friends!

And it wouldn't be a night at Mimi's house without playing "submarine" on the steps

July 23

We made it home to Knoxville last night and today we are ready for another adventure. We met up with some great friends from church, that used to live in KC, and now live in TN, for a day at the zoo. The kids were so excited to see each other again!

We learned about the size of a gorilla's hands

and feet

We saw a few animals

(That poor turtle. Somehow he rolled over and got stuck on his side!)

We splashed in the cool splash area

We got to see how long a condor's wingspan is

and then the condor did a little demonstration

and we played in the lego room. 

What a great day for the zoo with great friends. 

After dinner, we went fishing. Grayson has been talking about going fishing with Granddad for months. It didn't take more than 3 minutes once his line was in the water for him to catch a fish. He ended up with six fish caught tonight!!

Neylan got one as well

and then got bored! So, he started cutting the grass with pliers!