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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Wonderful Weekend!!

We had a very busy and beautiful weekend. I struggled for awhile on planning our weekends because well honestly I have four kids even a trip to Chuck E. Cheese is a expense that we can't really afford often.  Once I started doing a little research I was astounded at all of the stuff to do locally for very little cost or even FREE!!  This weekend I utilized several of those ideas.  On Saturday we dropped in at James White's Fort in Knoxville for the Cherokee Festival, it was completely free and we weren't there long but the kids learned a few new things and it was definitely worth the trip.  After that we dropped in at the Discovery Center of East Tennessee in Chilhowee Park this is also free for us because we have a membership to AMSE in Oak Ridge.  Make sure if you have memberships to local Museums and/or Zoos you check out the reciprocal list because there are tons of discounted or free admission on most of them.  They actually have a live fish and reptile display which was a surprise to us and the boys were ecstatic.  We ended the wonderful day with a stroll around the water there while checking out the ducks,

Sunday we all loaded up for the 2 hour drive to Burgess Falls State Park in Sparta, TN.  We had never been and I found it online so we weren't sure what to expect but it was wonderful!!!  I left Keaton at home for this adventure and that was a very good choice.  The main trail is 3/4 of a mile one way and takes you past three waterfalls.  It was a fairly easy hike but the trail is a little tricky in some parts so keep the little ones close.  I would not recommend it for anyone under 3, we did pass several families who were toting toddlers on their hips but I am just not that dedicated I mean it was 95 degrees that day.  All of the falls have overlooks and there is a additional trail that leads to the base of the Big Falls.  This trail is marked strenuous and it is not kidding so use caution.  It took us about 15-20 minutes to reach the base and while tricky Weston(3) and Colton(4) both managed it fairly well. I struggled the most as a paranoid Mom because although fairly safe it had the potential of a couple of disastrous missteps.  The most interesting part for me was the long, narrow, metal stairway I called the "Jurassic Park" stairs and if you have ever seen the Jurassic Park where they are trapped in the Pteranodon cage you will see why.  It was definitely worth it and if you are there and able you have to try it, the view from the bottom is gorgeous.  There is also plenty of room to sit, rest, snack, and play in the water.  Last but not least on the way back we made a quick stop at the Treehouse in Crossville, TN since the younger two had not ever seen it.  Once again this is not something I would suggest if you have children under 3 but it is definitely something to see.  This was Dalton's fourth trip here and he was just as impressed as the first time.




The Little Falls...view from the trail

The Middle Falls....view from the overlook

The Big Falls.....view from the trail

The guys taking in the view from the base of the Big Falls......

Along the trail down to the base of the Big Falls....
Colton and the "Jurassic Park" stairs.....


The bell tower at the very top of the Treehouse...


3 comments:

  1. Whoa! This place looks way cool! I love that you are so down to earth, a lot of people glamorize having kids (*AHEM* MTV) and you are just like 'this is actually what's up' I like that you come up with inexpensive ways to have fun with the family as well, I'm taking notes should I ever be unterrified to have them. HAHA. <3

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    Replies
    1. Thank you!!! We try really hard to have fun with them:-) Being a parent is messy, challenging, and fun...never would I use the word glamorous!! You never know you might conquer your fear one day and have four or five of your own!!

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  2. HI! I'm visiting from Circle of Moms =-) I think my favorite thing about the contest has been finding other homeschool families and getting to get a peak at their journey!!! I blog at Living Life Intentionally (currently #27 on the list) and would really like to get into the top 25!!! I would appreciate it so much if you would give me a vote!! Thanks for considering and Happy Homeschooling =-)
    Beth
    http://www.circleofmoms.com/top25/Top-25-Homeschooling-Moms-2012

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