As you can probably tell, East Tennessee holds a very special place in my heart. Not only have I grown to love the hiking and outdoors aspect of the Smokies, it is a second home to me. God has blessed me with a wonderful extended family. We have so much in common and really enjoy spending time with each other. We have vacationed in Gatlinburg all my life with my Mom's family. Some of my fondest childhood memories are from our large Puryear family vacations in the Smokies. My Mom is one of three children and I am one of eight grandchildren. We always looked forward to those weeks during the summer where we got to spend time with our family.
About 15 years ago, Papa Doc and Sherry built a house in Gatlinburg - perched right up on the side of the mountain. It is our little refuge in the Smokies and all value the time we get to spend there. Last year, we decided to have a "Cousin's Weekend" in October to spend some time with our wonderful grandparents and each other. Planning around that many schudules, as some of us are married and a few with little ones, is difficult but we managed to get together again this year.
We ate - alot - hiked, shopped, had some great wine and great conversation. It is always so good to catch up with everyone and what is going on in their lives. And, most importantly we got to spend time with Papa Doc and Sherry. We all value the time we get to spend with them and love them dearly.
Dinner time!
Noelle and me - we used to sob when we would have to leave each other!
Sister and me
The Twins! Laura & Leslie
Getting lunch ready for the hike!
The beginning of the hike at Newfound Gap. It was freezing!
Noelle led us on a "warm up" hike to the sewer area. Oops.
Taking a break on the trail - Katherine Marie & Mauri Katherine
Katherine Marie & Katherine Noelle (can you tell Katherine is a family name?)
Amazing views on the way up.
Group shot on the trail.
We found a shelter where some of the Appalatian Trail hikers stay.
Lunchtime atop Charlie's Bunion
We hiked a beautiful 4 miles up and when we got to the top - all we could see was a white wall.
Stephen eating everyone's leftover lunch.
The Gang atop Charlie's Bunion - they say it's a beautiful view. haha
Stephen forgot his boots and hiked 8 miles in his Chacos thru the streams and all.
But he and his girlfriend, Kelli, were all smiles!
Amazing view off of Papa Doc & Sherry's deck.
2nd Annual Puryear Cousin's Weekend!
I love them!
Papa Doc & Sherry - aren't they precious!?
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