The Smokin' Smokies

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On Christmas eve eve, after a short stay in the cuse, we made the 12 hour drive to Knoxville Tennessee, home of the "sunsphere".

After our long drive, we arrived at Aaron's grandparents - Pa & Gigi, and stayed with them on their farm in Surgoinsville.  Relaxed there for about week, walked around the fields to visit the cows, did some bow & arrow shooting, quartz hunting, boggling, testing our 'Brain Age', and learning Sudoku.

After Christmas, we drove to Knoxville, to stay with Aaron's U.Art & A.Judy.  Their newly remodeled basement showcases a crisp 100 inch television, where we enjoyed the life of luxury we wont be seeing for awhile.  We also spent time hiking in the Smokies.

One of the twins at breakfast
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One of the highlights was discovering that, unlike Massachusetts, fireworks are legal in Tennessee!  Store after store with names such as 'Laughin' Larry's', and 'Daisy's Discount' Fireworks beckoned us, and sure enough we walked away with a sweet collection which we ignited for New Year's.

After New Year's we drove to Birmingham Alabama for Aaron's cousin Kevin's wedding.  The wedding was beautiful and traditional right, down to the bouquet toss and the garter fling.  Aaron was the lucky recipient of the garter - he was pretty psyched.

View from Pa & Gigi's
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The morning after the wedding, we said our tearful goodbyes to Aaron's family and headed onwards to Orlando.  Thanks to everyone for everything, great food, drinks, and company - we look forward to stopping by when we return.

Some pictures from our stay in Tennessee should be coming soon!