Recap of a Reunion and a Wedding

We're back from Birmingham and the Smoky Mountains. Four days later and I'm still unpacking the car.


I intended to take a few pics of the car fully packed with luggage and loaded with me, my sister, and our kids. In reality, we were a bit in survival mode on the way up, so that did not happen. Caroline and I alternated the roles of driver and passenger/snack/drink distributor. We brought a little mini-slingshot and whichever one of us was in the front passenger seat would load the slingshot with fruit snacks, goldfish, etc., and launch the snacks to Matt and Louise in the row behind us and to Ann and Margaret in the row behind them. They'd all raise their hands and catch the goods...kind of like at a Mardi Gras parade.


I kid, I kid:) But our car was well stocked with snacks and drinks, and we were handing them out on demand...key in surviving the multi-hour trip northward. Our most notable stop was in Chattanooga, Tennessee at Sugar's Ribs for lunch. There to greet us were these friendly fellas, seemingly somewhat domesticated:

Following the feeding of the goats, we went in to Sugar's Ribs for BBQ, grilled okra and a few tunes on the jukebox, setting the stage for a dance party for these two:

After lunch we reloaded the car and were off to our final destination, to meet the mountains, the rest of our family, and the bride. As my aunt Lynn says, the trip was no doubt "a memory maker," and here are some of the best memories of the week:

Caroline and Ann

Louise hanging out with the bride

The back porch view of The Smokies

The resident bear, Grrrrrrr!

Hanging out with cousins

Aunt Lynnie

Jim and Uncle Paul, with synchronized leg positions 

Papa, a winner with all the grandkids

We managed to squeeze in a morning at the local aquarium.

Before we knew it, the week was over and it was wedding day. We were ready to roll (pardon the pun)...

The ceremony and reception were mountainside and a family throw down...

Jim with his three moms sisters

The grandchildren

Erin and the F.O.B

Taking a break with our cousin, Phillip

Ann and her dance partner, Andrew.

Margaret and future F.O.B.

Sisters...

And more sisters

Mr. and Mrs. Sulc

My sweet cousins, Max and Margaret

And the finale:

Congratulations Erin and Jason!