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Laurel Falls Hike followed by Fox and Parrot Tavern

We had a nice hike to Laurel Falls today. Katie Beth was excited, because a family with 5 children walked the trail with us.

The drive to the falls parking area had many icicles hanging from the rocks. After starting the hike, Katie Beth enjoyed getting them along the trail and eating them like a snacks.

Playing Games After DinnerAfter the hike, we stopped at the Sugarland Visitor Center. Katie Beth enjoyed seeing the mounted and stuffed animals. We headed to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville to shop the outlet stores.

We finished the day dinner at The Fox and Parrot Tavern. The Fish and Chips are the best we have ever had and Katie enjoyed them, too. Katie Beth enjoyed engaging the staff and other customers. She even figures out some of the bar puzzles.

Laurel Falls Trail

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Hiking the Lead Cove Trail

Karen and Katie Beth at the start of Lead Cove TrailWe all headed out to enjoy our first hike on a trail. We picked Lead Cove Trail because it looked to be in the sun for most of the trail and the trail followed Sugar Cove Prong (stream). We saw a lot of rhododendron and fallen trees. The fallen trees looked to be from a storm as they were all pointing in the same direction.

The temperature was very cold, but it felt good in the sun. Katie Beth got her pants wet and the pants froze stiff by the end of our hike. We hiked high enough and into the shade enough to see snow.

In Cades Cove, the deer were everywhere grazing in the fields.

Lead Trail Hike

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Valentine’s Day

Valentine's DayKatie Beth and Karen both enjoyed their Valentine’s Day gifts from me. Katie Beth may have enjoyed the string of flags in her card more than the water toys. Karen’s necklace looked very good on her.

Allison and Steve Tofflemire came over to bring Katie Beth some Valentine gifts, too. The Disney glasses were too cute.

Allison and Steve even took Katie Beth to dinner with them so Karen and I could have a short Valentine’s Day dinner together. We tried out, a new to us, restaurant called Sun Cafe. The food was very good and we will be going back to have the sushi in the future.

In the photo, you can really see how long and full Katie Beth’s hair is getting.

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Ugliest Christmas Outfit

IMG_3097While on traveling to Colorado Springs, I happened to be in town during Bristol Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale release party, which included an Ugly Christmas Outfit contest.

I hit up the local thrift stores for ugly Christmas sweaters, but I had no luck. So, plan B was to make something. I found a tacky tree skirt and made a shirt and shorts for the party. The hotel front desk was able provide me a bunch of hotel sewing kits and a good pair of scissors. It took me a little over an hour and half to make them. I was hoping for pants, but it was enough work just getting a shirt and shorts. Also, I had already used up 3 or 4 sewing kits. I couldn’t see asking for even more kits.

The brewing staff loved the outfit. I won what they called “Free Beer for a Year”, which is actually just 24 growler fills and a growler bottle. And, a bomber of the Bristol Christmas Ale and pint glass with a Laughing Lab logo.