A Non-Traditional Easter

Last weekend, we celebrated Easter a little differently than we normally have in the past. It was perfect though. Instead of spending it with family, which would have been impossible, we decided to take advantage of the summer-like weather that we've been having and head into the mountains. After we went to an early church service, we hurried home and got everything together. I had made deviled eggs and a fruit salad the day before to take along and we also had some ham sandwiches, pasta salad, chips and pretzels to add to the mix. So our meal still had an Easter vibe but just served a non-typical way.

We picked up Cody along the way and headed to the Smokies by way of Gatlinburg. It was in the mid-80s and we weren't the only ones that had the idea of a non-traditional Easter. There were hundreds of people at the picnic area that we found in the Smokies and hundreds more that were roaming the streets of Gatlinburg. But it didn't seem crowded at our picnic. The area was perfect sitting next to the river that passes through the national park and the water drowned out all the noise of the people. We ate some food, played some cards, took a walk, experimented with the new camera and got plenty of sun. It was a great way to spend a day that celebrates new life and our risen Savior.







The following pictures were all taken by DJ. He is loving the new camera and I am loving the fact that we may have found an activity that we can enjoy together!






Stinkerbutt, as we so lovingly call our dog, got to come too.




Of course I had to get some pictures of the magnolia tree. I've never seen such a tree! It's so gorgeous with its giant flower blooms. And the peach trees and dogwood trees (didn't get a picture of the dogwoods yet), are also in full bloom. I love this time of year!