Tennessee FINALLY

Signs you're in the South...

BUC-EES!

Only the most delicious, most grand, and exciting gas station

you will EVER see.

It's seriously a sign of hope.

You are now in the South,

you will never have to wait for a pump here

and you'll get great barbecue inside.

We finally made it to our RV park

for the 10 day stay. 

It was near Knoxville, TN

at Douglas Lake

the RV park is called

ANCHOR DOWN

This place was loaded with so many fun adventures!

PARKER going down the water slide...

...into the lake water at PERFECT temperature.

Britta feeling a little apprehensive at first,

but you can't go down this thing just once.

You get hooked.

It was so safe that even Cora went down constantly.

Colette getting her war paint on!

The faux beach was my favorite spot.

With life jackets on the kids, 

I could easily see everyone from this spot.

But, come on, this place was so gorgeous,

I was in the water A  LOT

playing like a kid.

Mom, Colette, and Cora getting the hang of our new kayak in the shallows.

Here's where we hose off all the sand from our feet!

The pool was also a really refreshing option for swimming.

ALSO equipped with a fun water slide.

Parker AND Britta having fun together?

I don't think we can leave!

We never got tired of the fun.

Sliding for days!

Pool hair!

Don't Care!

(Oh, that freckle face!)

Dinnertime!

Nearest Bojangles... 

51 miles.

Worth it!

Fried chicken to replenish us from the hot sun!

He likes his rice dirty.

Britta! That's a spicy piece!

Mac-n-please!

I can honestly say,

up to this point, 

this was the happiest moment of Mitchell's life.

"Curious apparatus..."

Great, now I have to clean the grease off my glasses.

Colette missed her food and starting eating her bottom lip.

Back to the RV park...

Nighttime on the dock!

(Parker and Colette coming in smooth on the kayak!)

There and back again.

Best teamwork they've ever done!

Seriously, I love family time.

When we only have each other,

and everyone has fun together!

Colette's new signature face, apparently, is biting her lip when you take a picture.

Parker's is pretending he's dead.

Mitchell's nightly attempt to catch some fish.

It was always fun to try.

But, Uncle Ty knows all too well about the Skifton fishing curse.

Cuddle time on the dock with all the kids safely* playing nearby!

*what you don't see are the red hornets, 

mosquitos, and gnats swarming our faces.

But still a good time.

Another sign you're in the South--humidity.

It was always perfectly warm.

We got toasted in the sun,

not third degree burnt like in California.

I'd choose this sunshine for my vacation any day.

So to sum up,

signs you are in the South

1. kind people

2. amazing food

3. great weather

4. you are having the most fun of your life

5. bugs

6. other bugs

Now that we are here,

Richard must go to his class

(we are here for "work")

Stay tuned for many more adventures!