Steppesister
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2013
With a bunny under each arm?
We’ve seen this before from you. But Walmart ain’t no Vegas!
With a bunny under each arm?
But it should be!We’ve seen this before from you. But Walmart ain’t no Vegas!
With a bunny under each arm?
Nah. It turns out they are annoyingly loud when they get alarmed... and they get alarmed a lot.
We ate ours.
We’ve seen this before from you. But Walmart ain’t no Vegas!
But it should be!
I'm sure you would have no complaints!
Satisfies a need, no long-term care required. I like it.
Just when I thought there was no way to make a Walmart any scarier...
I didn't last time, in Vegas.
(Or did you forget that one?)
Well.... I forgot to serve it on waffles. Slight fail on my part.
You realize that there is literally no bottom to the well of Walmart scary crap.
Not at all, I assumed that's what you were referring to.
It's ok, Liesa wouldn't have eaten it that way.
It was a little over two hours’ drive from the Smoky Mountains to the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
we were skipping some of the more famous attractions such as Ruby Falls.
You have to prioritize, and once again the priorities were largely governed by the budget.
Side note: Chickamauga and Chattanooga hereby are nominated for the Pantheon of Great Location Names in the world.
If you recall, my previous nomination was for Banff
a tall bluff just south of the city
They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day.
Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.
We didn’t have time to do a full tour of the battlefield (just east of Lookout Mountain), for which my kids were eternally grateful. Their definition of a “battlefield tour” is “a glacially slow drive through an empty field”.
As always, whenever we hike/take a walk, the kids went tearing off ahead of us. It’s what kids do.
We halfheartedly told them to wait and then gave up. It’s what parents do.
And you can pretend you’re obliterating it off the map.
Not sure where Chattanooga is? Drew will point it out for you.
We figured this was as good a spot as any to try for the ever-elusive family Christmas card photo. And you know what? We actually pulled it off.
visited a brewery and did not end up trying any of their beers, due to our family “Waters Only” policy.
Plus, it was mostly in the 90’s on this trip so a glass of ice water was pretty refreshing on its own.
Julie got a bowl of sausage/beer/cheese soup which she raved about for months afterwards.
She also got the greatest salad ever. It achieves this status by negating the rabbit food and any nutritional value through the addition of steak and french fries.
Dave had “pizza rolls”, which were egg rolls stuffed with pepperoni and cheese. Also awesome.
(we left out the mushrooms, because we don’t like fungus in our food).
You know where this is going, right? Two meals, two awards so far on this trip.
“Did you see the face your son was making in that photo?” she asked.
Um, no. No, I didn’t. Let’s check the film.
But now Drew had gotten everyone’s attention, and knew he had an audience, so he went for the repeat trick while trying not to smile.
Fear not. The Force is still strong with him.
Coming Up Next: One of the greatest Civil War stories you’ve probably never heard, unless you’re into obscure Disney movies.
\Well.... I forgot to serve it on waffles. Slight fail on my part.
You realize that there is literally no bottom to the well of Walmart scary crap.
It's ok, Liesa wouldn't have eaten it that way.
the old crappy Batman TV series
But such is the life of the insane roadtripper—you just can’t see everything, no matter how much ground you cover. You have to prioritize, and once again the priorities were largely governed by the budget.
There’s also a funicular
Point Park is located at the top of Lookout Mountain, a tall bluff just south of the city that provides a spectacular view for miles around. They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day. The area is protected as part of a larger battlefield park, as there were several battles that took place in the area during the U.S. Civil War. Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.
So I’ve learned not to get bogged down in historical detail with them. Just explain the highlights, why it was important, look for key scenic and/or historic spots, and move on. Works much better that way.
We halfheartedly told them to wait and then gave up. It’s what parents do.
We drove down the mountain, trying hard not to burn out the brakes since this was our van taking the abuse on this trip. Brakes are very underrated.
Plus, it was mostly in the 90’s on this trip so a glass of ice water was pretty refreshing on its own.
Fear not. The Force is still strong with him.
Ah, I recall our fond visit to this park. Riding up the funicular, walking 1/4 mile from the station to the park to find it...closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.Point Park is located at the top of Lookout Mountain, a tall bluff just south of the city that provides a spectacular view for miles around. They claim you can see up to 7 states from there on a clear day. The area is protected as part of a larger battlefield park, as there were several battles that took place in the area during the U.S. Civil War. Chattanooga was an important city due to its strategic location on the Tennesee River as well as its status as a major railroad hub. During the war, it was a key location in the supply chain for the Confederate Army. Through the summer and fall of 1863, the armies of the North and South fought over the area, with the Union (North) ultimately prevailing and capturing this key city on its way to ultimate victory in the war.
Or, dragging along behind. Some families are lucky enough to have kids that do both!As always, whenever we hike/take a walk, the kids went tearing off ahead of us. It’s what kids do.
It's a shame that they place it so close to the edge that no one can look directly into the barrel.
Don't forget to tip your tour guide. Cash is acceptable. So are fruit snacks.Not sure where Chattanooga is? Drew will point it out for you.
Great picture.We figured this was as good a spot as any to try for the ever-elusive family Christmas card photo. And you know what? We actually pulled it off.
You know how you can ask the waiter for a slice of lemon in your water? Next time, try asking for some barley and hops.I visited a brewery and did not end up trying any of their beers, due to our family “Waters Only” policy.
It does contain all 3 Wisconsin food groups. Mostly.Julie got a bowl of sausage/beer/cheese soup which she raved about for months afterwards.
We've passed through Chattanooga many times on our way to Knoxville but have never stopped so I really enjoyed your pictures. Oh Mr. Drew! How you just made me laugh. He is such a cutie even when he is pouting.
Been there! It was the scene of the infamous "floating chicken" incident of '87.
Dang. I wanted to see that too... and never have.
I like Kouchibouguac National Park up here north of the border.
All right, I'm calling your bluff and raising you.
Interesting.
State of despair
State of happiness
State of confusion
State of inebriation
State of exhaustion
State of anxiety
State of emergency
Yep! Seven!
Interesting. I don't know enough foreign history.
Reminds me of my Dad getting annoyed when I was upset that the peace accord between Israel and Egypt interrupted MASH.
Pretty darned impressive gate!
You would have been right useful in that civil war.
Beautiful.
Makes me wonder how many centuries until it becomes an oxbow... barring efforts to prevent it of course.
Thank goodness! I was looking up!
Yes you did! Nice photo!
Hoisted by your own petard.
Uh, huh. You just keep on telling yourself that.
Maybe some day you'll even believe it.
Probably not, though.
mmm... must try to remember that.
Next time, tell 'em to "hold the lettuce".
You took the fun right out of it.
Uh... Sarah? Bandit! Nine o'clock!!
Not as good as the first, impromptu one.
Lovely. You should frame that one.
Or foreign history.
Darned tootin'!
Oops, sorry. Excuse me. Bunny and waffles.
It was not crappy. It was BATMAN and it was in color. To a young 12 year old boy in San Jose, CA who loved comics, it was AWESOME!
Hmm...I'm not familiar with that one. A quick google trip didn't help, either. Now my IT section wants to know why I'm searching for floating chickens in Chattanooga.
It looks pretty cool. I wish we'd had the time/money. Hopefully we'll get back to see it someday.
Seriously, that's an awesome name. How do you pronounce that?
Crap. I fold.
That all sounds like the state of parenthood.
Well, we all have our priorities.
Pretty cool when that happens. Like you said, I suspect man may intervene here, given the development on that peninsula area.
Thanks! It did indeed make it onto the Christmas card this year.
I seem to do that a lot.
In 95 degree, 90% humidity weather? Ice water is very welcome.
You don't win friends with salad!
You saying I'm not a fun guy?
Isn't it, though? Surprised he didn't perform that trick for you in person.
Hey, you didn't need to learn this stuff for a test in class. Hopefully I'll tell the story well.
I watched it fairly religiously as a kid when it was shown in reruns during the afternoon. Even as a kid, I could tell that it was extremely cheesy and the actors were way, way over the top.
Note: this did not prevent me from watching, because it was Batman.
Yep. Been there and done it lots. Lots. And gonna do it again when we head to Bryce and Zion this summer.
Watch yo mouth!
(Okay, I shame-facedly admit, I have to look this one up. I think I know, but need to make sure.)
(Yeah, I was right- tram.)
Thanks for the history! I really do enjoy it and yet...
This is a good tactic with kids in tow.
Nicely done!
"Hey, is that brakes I smell?"
"No, sorry, that was the BBQ from yesterday."
And it's better than beer.
OH Scotty. The Force is strong. Force it enough, and you might stab your brain.
Ah, I recall our fond visit to this park. Riding up the funicular, walking 1/4 mile from the station to the park to find it...closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Or, dragging along behind. Some families are lucky enough to have kids that do both!
It's a shame that they place it so close to the edge that no one can look directly into the barrel.
Don't forget to tip your tour guide. Cash is acceptable. So are fruit snacks.
Great picture.
But...
Dave has a Grand Canyon shirt. Sarah has a Matterhorn/Disneyland shirt. Scotty has a Gateway Arch T Shirt. You are wearing an Expedition Everest/Disney World shirt. I don't know what Julie has on, but I can make out the words "Discover" "Find" and "Explore" and the NPS Centennial logo. Drew has ... generic anchors. You've got to get out and travel more with that kid!
(Also, I'm just guessing at the names. There were no introductions, if you recall)
You know how you can ask the waiter for a slice of lemon in your water? Next time, try asking for some barley and hops.
It does contain all 3 Wisconsin food groups. Mostly.
I'm sure I wrote about it. It was on a non-stop drive to Florida. We stopped for KFC. Had a cooler of ice. Put the leftover chicken in a baggy and popped it in the cooler. The ice became water and the baggy became a floating morass of wet grey breading, bones and flesh. It was awful. I couldn't eat fried chicken for a long time after that.
Kouchibouguac
Exactly like it's spelled. Koo-chee-boo-goo-ack. Practice saying it a few times until you can say it quickly.
It should. I took it straight from the manual.
MASH is always a priority.
That's what we've done here. Lots of erosion happening so the banks have been built up.
I like ice water too. Well, ice... in my Coke.
Actually...
In all honesty, I was wondering how he would react to a perfect (adult) stranger. He was a bit quiet and timid at first, but very quickly was chatting away.
I was pretty impressed with him. I liked him. He's a good kid.
I actually then typed "Julie did the raising obviously" but... You know what? You both obviously have done a pretty darned good job there. You have reason to be proud.
Oh thank heavens! I can dump all this stuff out of the memory cells now.
Me. Word for word.
And every week, when they'd end with the "cliff hanger", I'd wonder how they'd get out of it. I knew they would, of course. But how?
"Robin. I believe the sun is shining on the steel handcuffs which is melting it enough for me to escape."
Really?
I was disappointed every week. "That's it?"
Kept watching though.
Batman.
Oh, yes! You did tell that story. I just didn't put it together with Chattanooga. I thought you were talking about something relating to the area, not your own history.
Sounds like you're making cute baby noises and then he spits up on you. That's an awesome name!
There's a manual? That would have been nice to know!
Nature usually wins those battles. She's got all the time in the world.
Ice in the brown sugar water. Got it.
Well...(ahem). Thank you. I really appreciate that.
Scotty is probably the most outgoing of all of our kids. The others probably would have been more reserved. Whenever we have a DIS meet, Sarah says it's a little weird that this person she's never met or talked to knows stuff about her, and I can understand that. But everyone we've met has been very thoughtful, friendly and kind.
Julie deserves so much credit as a mom. She gave up her teaching career for a time and spent 16 years at home, as a mom. So yes, I will give her all the credit in the world for raising these kids right.
I'm surprised anyone outside the U.S. would study anything about the U.S. Civil War. Other than very basic broad strokes, maybe.
Nope. I'll always remember Chattanooga for just that reason.
We have several northern towns that were given "English" names... but then they reverted back to their original Inuit (or first nation) names.
Like... (personal favourite) Great Whale. Now called Kuujjuarapik.
(Actually not hard to pronounce. Coo-Jew- and then the word rapid, except with a K at the end.
You didn't get one? It usually comes out with the first one.
I've found that DISers (the ones I've met) are pretty nice people.
And I can certainly see a kid being a bit weirded out by "Hi _____! I hear you've started dating now. Still seeing ____?"
I'm always pretty amazed by parents (either mom or dad) who give up careers of jobs to raise the kids.
Well... that's me. I hear you had something called the civil war. Pretty sure I know who won, too.
Well, I guess it was memorable.
That's way cooler. Same thing happened to Mt. McKinley in Alaska recently. They officially reverted it back to its original name, Denali.
Well, I guess we missed the boat. But not having the manual is now my excuse for just about everything.
Every DIS meet we've had has been great. Lots of wonderful people, and some good friends as a result
It was important to us to not put off the raising of our children to others. We have no regrets. Julie is an amazing mom.
That probably surpasses the knowledge of many U.S. citizens.