5mcintyres: Gatlinburg!

Every year the entire Line family takes a trip up/down (depending on which state you are coming from) to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We started this tradition back in 1990 to honor our grandparents, Hubert and Jean Line, and their 50th Wedding Anniversary. We've been every year, apart from a couple, and it's a time we cherish. Sadly, we have missed having Pop with us as he passsed away in April of '91. All of us wish that our children could have known Pop. He was an amazing man and lived for God in every aspect of his life. We are blessed to have Grandma Jean and look forward to many more family reunions in Gburg! This year we just lacked 3 family members, Ben (studying for his HUGE plastic surgery board exam), David (started basketball practices at Ole Miss) and Eric (working and studying in school). Next year we want 100% attendance! :)

We were so excited to be able to go down on Wednesday and spend some extra time with our cousins!

A trip wouldn't be complete without a nightly stroll through the streets of Gatlinburg!

The kids and I (minus CB) rode the sky lift up the mountain.

We spotted 2 black bears this year! The kids got a little freaked out but they stayed away.

Searching for the bears!

Oh no! It's the Mama Bear! :)

Sweet cousins

Go away bear!

The main house had the best play area for the kids. Calvin enjoyed some air hockey with Lex.

And some Pac-Man and Galaga! Old school!

Well, the adults enjoyed the games too!

Even Grandma Jean wanted in on the game action!

Caroline loved holding little Jonathan!

Whew, am I wo' out!

Aw, Calvin and MaeMae will love this picture when they are teenagers! Sweetness!

On their way to the infamous Fannie Farkles! Their uncle Jerry saves his quarters every year so they have coins to play with...how sweet is that?!

Aunt Pam brought some fun craft ideas for the littlies while the biggies were at FF.

Then they were off on a nature walk!

While at Fannie Farkles and in a quiet house, the Line Ladies could deal up some cards!

The Line Cuz's!

Had to get one with the boy cousins to be fair. :)

Too much fun! I was amazed at how well the kids all got along. There were no fights and everyone stayed happy and well-behaved.

Dinner and a movie!

Saturday night is Fun Family Night! The older cousins all fixed soup and sammies for dinner and Ricky entertained us with some fun trivia.

Pinata Time! Grandma Jean started this wonderful tradition years ago and each generation has loved taking a smack at the ol' pinata. We line up youngest to oldest and it's always a hoot! When the pinata is busted it's a free for all!