Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Smoky Mountain Reunion II

The 2nd Annual Green Reunion kicked off without any delays. After an over night stay in Tifton, Georgia, we arrived at Cheryl & Charles' Tennessee Farm by noon, Wednesday. As soon as we parked the car, Skyler grabbed her Gammey and immediately ran to the barn to greet the animals. She had been talking about the horses and chickens during the entire road trip, so her excitement was abundant!



After she said a quick hello, Skyler & I made our way to the guest suite upstairs. As I carried up the luggage, the Princess became familiar with the stairs. Counting each one as she went up & down....thirteen to be exact! This kept her quite occupied as we all unpacked.




Then it was a visit on the front porch to see her favorite cat, Bob. Always a hit with our Sweet Pea. He's so friendly and gentle with her.

Cheryl, Papa, Gammey and I enjoyed catching up while waiting for Daddy to arrive from Connecticut around 4PM. Sky stayed busy drawing pictures with her chalk.



Once Daddy greeted us with warm hugs and sweet kisses, Sky had a quick change into her new farm boots and headed back down to the barn. She is a true animal lover and these beautiful animals love her!




Collecting fresh eggs.....





THURSDAY......
Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie's flight arrived safely late Wednesday night. The Princess was already asleep, but come Thursday morning she was quite happy to see the entire family together at last! Papa & Daddy went golfing, so Uncle Bogie and us Girls enjoyed an entire day of shopping! Our first stop was to see Uncle Charles at his Barber shop. Sky quickly took to the pink pony.

Next stop was gift shopping at a unique store called, The Red Ribbon followed by some clothes and shoe shopping at a very upscale boutique called, Orange Blossom. Both stores are owned by friends of Auntie Cheryl's.

All that shopping made for a very hungry crowd, so a lunch stop was made at Jenkins Restaurant and Deli. This place truly rocks! Great food and also voted best chicken salad in the Southeast! Yummy....





We relaxed back on the farm until it was time to head out for our 5:30 Private Dining experience at the Bald Headed Bistro. The dining room was cozy, offering that rustic mountain feel and the food was divine! Here's a photo of the room that included a fireplace and a large stuffed Moose that got Skyler's attention! It really was as great as it looked.


Uncle Bogie, Sky (with her sparkly red shoes) & Daddy walking up to the restaurant


Short Family Shot before entering....


Let the 4 Course Feast begin.....


Skyler & I started off with the Crab & Goat Cheese Torte with Avocado Relish. Next up was a Seafood Anti Pasta Salad with Ahi Tuna, Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Kalamata Olives, Tomato & Horseradish served w/Balsamic Vinaigrette. The Princess then ate from the children's menu eating chicken nuggets and french fries, while I dined on a Steak Carbonara Bacon wrapped Petite Tenderlion Filet with Parmesan cream, served with roast potatoes and fennel. We finished off the night with a delicious Key Lime Pie. Sorry for the long description, but it was truly memorable & I just had to share. We all left happy and full!



Once we arrived back to C&C Farms, Sweet Pea insisted on saying good night to all her furry friends!


She changed into her boots to venture into the barn....


Gathering more eggs for tomorrow's breakfast....


FRIDAY.......
Of course, every morning started off with a 7AM visit to see the animals, pajamas included!





Laney, too!


Then helping Aunt Chez with the bird feeders....


Greeting Bob the cat.....



Friday was a full day spent on the Farm. It involved lots and lots of swimming and ended with a steak and shrimp cookout from Uncle Bogie & Tom. You all know how much Sky loves the water, so she stayed in her pink life vest since her bravery level was to the max. (silly me left her yellow vest that Auntie Kevie & Uncle Dog bought her back in Florida, so a quick trip to Wally's World was made) She was jumping in on her own while enjoying her family. Many pictures showing off her
love for the wet stuff!















After a nap, Sky & Auntie Nic played and then another trip to the barn was made.











SATURDAY.......
Saturday was our last full day in Tennessee, so dressed in our blue reunion shirts, we started the morning enjoying breakfast at the Old Fort Restaurant. A reunion favorite!

Cheryl's Pastor, Brother Green and his wife Miss Anita, met us that morning for a hot breakfast.



A quick game of peek-a-boo......


Great shirts, huh?


Some group shots outside the restaurant.....





Back home with Bob.....


And a full day of swimming ahead......



Sky loves to show off her floating technique.....





Brave girl at the deep end...



It's always sad when a fun trip comes to an end, especially when family is involved. Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie left at 6AM for their early morning Sunday flight. We loaded both cars and left two hours later. It truly was a very relaxing and an amazing reunion. Plans are in the works for the 3rd Annual Gathering, but we've decided to change it up a bit. The Family is planning on renting this tri-level, beautiful 5 bedroom (yes, we will all have our own room, including Skyler) 4 bathroom log cabin that boasts very unique amenities, including a pool table, indoor Jacuzzi and an outdoor pool. It's only 5 minutes from Pigeon Forge. It's already calling our name for August of 2012!! Luckily, we will not have to wait an entire year to be together again. Christmas is only 4 months away before our next get together. *Yah* Sweet music to my ears!


Next Year's Reunion will be here in the mountains!

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