Spring Break- Chattanooga Style

We are so lucky to have a little free time and some awesome places close by to head out of town for a quick "Spring Break trip." We headed out for our weekend excursion Friday morning, dropped off Lexi and hit the road. Two scenic hours later, we were in Chattanooga. Nick came here once for work, but it's a new town for the rest of us to explore.

We stayed right downtown, so there is a ton to do right by our hotel. Plus, there's a free shuttle that runs all over town right across the street. What would a trip here be without a visit to the "Chattanooga Choo Choo?" Now it's a hotel- there are even rooms in some of the old train cars! The boys loved pretending to drive the train and checking out all of the railroad themed things there.

After dinner, we walked across the Tennessee River on a really neat pedestrian bridge. We were excited about the park that awaited us on the other side, only to find out that the carousel was closed and the shuttle service back across the river was done for the day. At least the boys got to experience a shuttle, pretend to be on a train and ride in a cab, all in the same day.

I think we could've saved a lot of money on our "vacation," if we would've just stayed in a hotel down the street from our house. Several times, the boys said they just wanted to be at the hotel. I really think that's the highlight of the trip! We made the most of our hotel experience by swimming in the pool when we got back. The boys LOVED swimming on their own and jumping in and going underwater (in life jackets, of course. They aren't THAT brave, yet). It made me a little more excited for summer and all the time we're planning to spend at the pool. I think we have some swimming lessons in our near future.

Fortunately, Saturday's plans included some more indoor activities. It rained all day, so we tried to stay dry on our way to the Tennessee Aquarium and running between buildings. Some of our favorites were: the talking parrots (The boys thought they were HILARIOUS, saying, "Hello!","Goodbye!" and "Peek-a-Boo!"); the penguins (we could even call them by name, based on their arm bands); and touching sting rays and sturgeon fish.

After quick naps, we discovered some more indoor family fun... mini golf! All the boys got a hole in one... Jack even got TWO (I think his golf lessons this summer will be perfect)! I was the only one without a hole in one, but managed to beat them all:) After golf, dinner at Sticky Fingers and more swimming, we settled in for our last night at the hotel.

Will was surprised to open the bedroom door Sunday and find streamers all over the living room. He's THREE! We opened some presents, had breakfast, checked out of the hotel and hit the zoo before we left town. It was a little chilly, so there were hardly any other people there. We got to see lots of animals, but it's not too big, so we managed to do it all within an hour or two. We even got our own private carousel ride. Jack got nervous about the zebra going up and down, so we had to move to the sleigh, while Will rode the frog & Nick got to ride a wolf. Lots of fun!

It was such a great time, just the four of us, getting away and not having to worry about anything other than spending time with one another. I can't wait for lots of family vacations in our future!