Our Tennessee Family Adventure: Memories, Mountains, and Meltdowns

Greetings from the beautiful state of Tennessee! Our journey started with a bit of travel chaos from Houston, all thanks to the infamous tropical storm Imelda. What was supposed to be a quick hop to Nashville turned into a full-day ordeal. We finally arrived last Thursday, ready for some family time.

Our travel day was longer than anticipated. Leaving our house at the crack of dawn at 7:30 AM, we didn’t reach Nashville until 7:30 PM – a whopping 12 hours! And that was supposed to be a direct, breezy 1.5-hour flight. The airport stories could fill a book! From endless delays to being stuck on the tarmac, it was quite the adventure, to say the least.

We’re here to meet Jared’s family for a short but sweet two-day visit in Nashville. After that, we’re heading to the majestic Smoky Mountains for a much-anticipated family reunion. Following our mountain escape, we’ll be driving to West Virginia to spend time with my side of the family. It’s a whirlwind of travel and family connection.

Our return flight will be out of Ohio since finding a direct flight from Charleston back to Houston proved impossible. So, yes, it’s a cross-country journey, but filled with precious family moments. The entire trip is quite the undertaking, but we are loving every moment.

The schedule has been hectic, and we still have a week of road-tripping ahead of us before we finally fly home. But honestly, I’m incredibly grateful for this time together, especially before baby number two arrives. This is our last big family adventure before we become a family of four, and we are making the most of it.

I have to give a shout-out to Gwen. She’s been an absolute trooper, considering her schedule has been completely upended. All the flying, driving, and time spent in her car seat haven’t been easy. Of course, she’s had her moments – her fair share of meltdowns and (thanks to daycare, a new habit we’re trying to curb) attempts to hit or throw things when she’s frustrated.

Seriously, if anyone has any tried-and-true tips for rationally dealing with toddler anger tantrums, please send them my way! We’re definitely in the trenches here. In the meantime, I thought I’d share some of my favorite finds from around the web this week…a little retail therapy and distraction for us all!

The Weekly Edit: Our Favorite Finds & Must-Reads

Here’s a curated list of interesting articles, cool products, and things that caught my eye this week. From home decor to current events, there’s a little something for everyone.

• Exciting news for Potterheads! Another Harry Potter film is reportedly in the works, and the buzz is that the original cast will be returning! Nostalgia overload!
• This is genius! A vase that not only holds your flowers but also has a built-in stand for your phone. Perfect for displaying your blooms and catching up on your favorite shows at the same time.
• A heartwarming story: A woman rescues and houses nearly 100 dogs after Hurricane Dorian caused widespread devastation in the Bahamas. A true testament to the power of compassion.
• Looking for the perfect gift? This personalized cake stand makes a thoughtful housewarming, wedding, or bridal gift. Add a personal touch and make it extra special!
• Planning a baby-friendly backyard? Check out these 10 pro tips for creating a yard that’s safe and fun for your little one.
• The ultimate baking nightmare: Your cake getting stuck to the pan! Learn how to avoid this disastrous dilemma with these helpful tips and tricks.
• Obsessed with this AirPods case! It’s too cute to resist and a stylish way to protect your precious earbuds.
• A cautionary tale: A teenage boy goes blind from a diet consisting primarily of french fries. Maybe we’ll skip that extra side of fries tonight… moderation is key!
• Everlane just launched their new menswear Uniform collection, and it comes with a 365-day guarantee. That’s how confident they are in the durability and quality of their clothing!
• Inspirational! A 104-year-old woman becomes the world’s oldest street artist. Proof that you’re never too old to pursue your passion.
• We’re always on the lookout for a good jumpsuit. Bonus points – this one has a wrap front, which will be super convenient when we have to start nursing again. But honestly, we dread those days…

Family Travel Tips for Tennessee and Beyond

Traveling with a toddler, especially on a long road trip, requires planning and flexibility. Here are some tips we’ve learned along the way to make family travel smoother and more enjoyable:

• Pack plenty of snacks: Hungry toddlers are unhappy toddlers. Keep a variety of healthy snacks on hand to avoid meltdowns.
• Plan for frequent breaks: Stop at parks or playgrounds along the way to let your little one burn off some energy.
• Bring familiar comfort items: A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or book can help your child feel more secure in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Embrace the chaos: Things will inevitably go wrong. Try to stay calm and remember that it’s all part of the adventure.
• Don’t forget the entertainment: Load up a tablet with your child’s favorite shows and movies. Audiobooks are also a great option for long car rides.

Exploring the Smoky Mountains: A Family Reunion Getaway

The Smoky Mountains offer a wide range of activities for families, from hiking and scenic drives to Dollywood and Ripley’s attractions. We’re excited to explore the natural beauty of the mountains and create lasting memories with our family.

Some of the activities we have planned include:

• Hiking: We’ll be taking some easy hikes with Gwen, focusing on trails that are stroller-friendly or have minimal elevation gain.
• Picnics: Packing a picnic lunch and enjoying it amidst the stunning scenery is a must.
• Dollywood: A visit to Dollywood is always a highlight, with its thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious food.
• Scenic drives: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Newfound Gap Road offer breathtaking views of the mountains.

Preparing for Baby Number Two: Tips and Tricks

With baby number two on the way, we’re starting to prepare for the arrival of our new little one. Here are some things we’re doing to get ready:

• Setting up the nursery: We’re repurposing some of Gwen’s old baby gear and adding a few new items to create a cozy and functional nursery.
• Stocking up on essentials: Diapers, wipes, and baby clothes are all being added to our shopping list.
• Preparing Gwen: We’re talking to Gwen about the new baby and involving her in the preparations.
• Taking a childbirth class: Refreshing our knowledge of labor and delivery is always a good idea.
• Resting: I’m trying to get as much rest as possible before the baby arrives!

Thank you for joining us on our Tennessee family adventure! Stay tuned for more updates from the Smoky Mountains and West Virginia.