We ended up leaving the camp around 8:30am and off we went! We thought we'd be at Larry's around 9:30, but it was more like 10:00. I haven't seen my cousin in so long, I was so excited and so was he! When we pulled into his driveway, there he was waving his arms, excited just like me! We were so HAPPY to see each other again! We hugged and both of us got tears in our eyes, it felt like we were embracing our childhood memories in those hugs.
It was so nice to finally meet Larry's wife Darlene. They both invited us into their home along with the boys, we were a little nervous at first since they had Kitty Kat's, so we kept them in the fenced back yard. What a beautiful home they have! Larry and I enjoyed talking about the good'ole days while John and Darlene hung out in the screened porch. Poor Larry, I couldn't seem to stop talking...that's what happens when I get excited!
Once I stopped to take a breath (ha!), Larry invited us to go on their boat down the Tennessee River for lunch at Calhoun's. We packed up, put on our shorts and flip flops and off we went! It's crazy how close they are to everything here. The dock where their boat is moored is only a mile down the road. They have this really cool boat lift that keeps the boat out of the water. It's SWEET! It was such an amazing experience to be going down the Tennessee River on a Beautiful boat owned by your cousin who's drivin' the boat and you as a passenger can close your eyes and remember the last time you were with this person on a lake, in a 12 ft. aluminum boat tied to the shore pretending to be in control!
The Tennessee River had some amazing sights to see. The homes are incredible! The boat ride was crazy fun and fast! We got to the restaurant and enjoyed a fantastic buffet. I have never had creamed corn as good as this in my entire life! John and I enjoyed the catfish as well. My Lemon Drop Cocktail was by far the BEST I've ever had (I had two). Freshly squeezed Lemon...Fabulously refreshing! Thank you again Larry and Darlene for a wonderful lunch....I'm still full!
After our lunch we went back to the house, clouds were moving in so we were anxious to get the boat moored before it started to rain. We made it!!! The rain was spotty, nothing heavy at all.
We spent the rest of our day in the screened porch visiting. We left around 7:30pm. A lot of good stories were told and we can't wait to spend time together again. This by far has been one of the highlights of our trip. Incredible day! Thank you Larry & Darlene.
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| Larry & Darlene's House! |
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| Happy Hearted Cousins!!! |
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| Captain Larry |
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| Darlene, John and Larry |
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| Lunch at Calhoun's....Amazing |
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| Darlene & Jackie |
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| Good Times!! Larry & John |
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| Yipes!!! Forgot my brush! |
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| Fabulous day! |
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| Frankie & Kristie....exhausted after a hard day getting to know each other! |
Jackie, have to admit this was one of the best days of our vacation, along with our family visit to Iowa it was wonderful. The days that we spend with family are the most memorable.
ReplyDeleteJohn
ps you're doing a great job on this blog!!!
I made it! i feel like a rock star to have made it on this great blog.Jackie and John you are so awesome and i am blessed to have had your company here with us. Jackie 32 years? really? we did not miss a beat and if you didnt tell me how long its been i would have thought it was last weekend.I had a great day and needed it so much, cant wait to go visit you in Pigeon Forge, see you then. Love you both!
ReplyDeleteLarry, you are absolutely right! It seemed like we just picked up where we left off when we were kids. Our relationship is very special to me and I promise you we will be seeing more of each other! We were lucky kids to have each other and we are even luckier we have each other as adults! Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of days!
DeleteI made it too! It was a WONDERFUL time, so great to meet ya'll and hang out all day...can't wait to do it again :)
ReplyDeletelovin' your blog Jackie!
Darlene
You and Larry are funny!
DeleteYou both have a beautiful home and we really appreciate your hospitality! Looking so forward to spending more time together. I'm so glad Larry has you in his life Darlene....Talk about a Good Catch!! See you soon!