Chattanooga is one of our favorite cities. Not many people know what a gem it is because its so small (in perspective, the county that my parents live is about an hour into the burbs of Atlanta and it is more than twice more populated than the county that has Chattanooga). But what Chatty doesn’t have in numbers it makes up for in gusto. It has a beautiful aquarium – the butterflys here are awesome. The downtown concerts are scenic. The downtown area feels safe and clean and new. And of course, it’s Jeremy’s hometown….so of course, it’s awesome.
We traveled up there to see Jer’s parents and while we were there we hit up some of the free spots. Our favorite is Coolidge Park. It’s right next to the river and the view is spectacular at night. There is a walking bridge that you can take a stroll over the river if you are the walking type. My boys aren’t….so we looked at the boats instead.
And of course, there was some wrestling. Wrestling is a boys version of gently holding your hand and telling you that you are amazing. I have to take some of the blame though….I am totally a wrestler. My nickname in highschool was Disco Inferno. I wish I was kidding.
Coolidge Park has the most beautiful indoor carousel. I love love love it. I wish I could just take pictures of all the different creatures (oh wait I did that) and recreate them at home. It’s only $1 so we always get the boys a ride.
In the park, there are also some fun metal music structures. My music-teacher mother would be happy to know that I spent a solid ten minutes trying to figure out jingle bells on them. Of course, my version of jingle bells is a little like JLo’s lion birthday cake…confusing yet still titillating to the senses.
Weston loved it passionately for .3 seconds.
And we got a family photo (#4). LJ is doing the thinking man. Will needs to go potty. And Weston is watching birds? Hey – one kid looking at the camera isn’t so bad.
Also in Coolidge park is the fountains. I would have let the boys in…but I got vetoed. Jeremy is such a dry-clothes-fuddy-duddy.
Okay. So if there is one thing that you should know about us Bowers, it is that we. absolutely. love. ice. cream. Seriously. SERIOUSLY.
If there is any ice cream brand reps out there that want to sponsor us….we will be fat for you. We eat ice cream every single day. And I am not exaggerating. And in Chattanooga there is Clumpies. Oh Clumpies! When I went to college outside of Chattanooga, we would drive down here for dates and Clumpies (it was brand new then) would be the place to go. That and Rembrandts Coffee Shop. But if you were trying to win my heart…Clumpies was it.
The boys feel the same way.
After we finished eating, we went outside to praise the creator of ice cream.
While we were in Chattanooga, we also took the boat out for a spin on Wolftever Creek. Remember our boat? Not quite the same as when we used to go with Jer’s boat when we were dating…but Wolftever is great. It’s quiet and still and the perfect spot for our family.
Will tried jumping off the front of the boat and turns out that he is a natural at splashing 🙂
We told him that fish were gonna start biting and this was his face. Mr. Literal.
This marks LJ’s first time in the water! He was in a cranky mood so we thought he might be hot in the life jacket and turns out…he loved the water.
Oh and I wanted to show you how the life jacket works on these little babies. It’s got a head flap so the babe uses it as a pillow when he’s in the boat. We’ve been practicing with these jackets in my mom’s pool so now all the boys are used to them. Sometimes that is half the battle – getting the boys used to wearing something new and bulky but safety first, right?!
Weston has been making this face lately and it is hilarious. I’ve only captured it about three times with the camera and each time I die laughing. This guy sure is a munch.
We got to visit Jer’s mom at work (I didn’t take in my camera but I had posted an Instagram photo of her with the boys) and we explored Jer’s dad & stepmom’s garden. It made me miss a garden big time. They had so much zucchini that they were giving it away, baking zucchini bread and delivering it to neighbors. Next year I will have a garden again….I’m promising myself here and now.
Also, I have been trying to practice more with low light conditions. I love this photo. It feels very old school to me. No faces or real expressions. A picture of shadow and light and real life.
And my very very favorite part of the trip was introducing LJ to Jeremy’s grandma. He may be named after my grandpa but he totally looks like this sweet lady to me. I don’t mind…she’s pretty beautiful 🙂
Grandma with her great grandbabies.
She is in a nursing home and we brought her a few things (a plant, a bunch of photos in a big frame, candy) but we didn’t really know what she would like. We asked her if she wanted a rug or something new for her room but she just laughed. Do you have any good ideas for things the-worlds-sweetest-lady in an assisted living home would like? Any tips?
Okay – so that wraps up our most recent Chattanooga visit. We will be back tomorrow with our regularly scheduled programming 🙂
Carrie says
I feel you on the ice cream! I had the great fortune of managing an ice cream stand in college and it was the best. THE BEST. People always asked if I got sick of ice cream… umm no… never… is that even possible?!
For Grandma I would recommend a blanket. In my experience with family, they tend to be more cold in general and have little to no control over the temperature – especially in the shared areas. I’ve made the simple no-sew fleece blankets with patterns (such as sports teams) and those are always a hit. It also might be helpful to put together a basket/care package of personal or hygiene items. Yes, they can often get those through the residence but I’ve noticed it makes a difference to not have to ask a nurse or wait for an outing to go shopping – it helps with the feeling of independence.
K says
I’d check with the nursing home before bringing anything or mailing her a gift, sometimes they have restrictions.
When I was caring for my grandparents we had a few staples:
M&Ms
individually wrapped crackers
toiletry set (new comb, toothbrush, shampoo, hand towel)
throw blankets for winter, the elderly get cold often
simple games like dominos
a flashlight (candles are usually a no but after a power outage Grandpa showed off his flashlight to EVERYONE)
always updated pictures, don’t need to be in nice frames. If you’re so inclined label them with names to help failing memories
cards and postcards for any and all occasions
live plants
fake flowers
new sheets or pillows
super soft tissue in pretty boxes
light sweaters, zip or button up front, no hood
magazines like National Geographic, Reminisce and decor magazines
If you’re closer to the family member or know who is their primary care giver in the family you can also arrange a shopping trip to replace undergarments, get some nice new t-shirts or even just fresh socks or new shoes. It’s usually a tiring expedition for them but incredibly sweet.
Don’t send:
nuts and seeds (allergies and diverticulitis)
jewelry unless it’s costume and you’re fine never seeing it again
items that are easily breakable like glass vases or antique bowls
food in large quantities
DVDs or electronics
cash
expensive or hard to put on clothing
clothing if you don’t know the size/preferences
I think that’s it… I spent 7 years taking care of my grandparents in 2 facilities before they passed away and the best thing you can give is time. If you’re not close enough to visit regularly then send small things and call often
Alison says
We’ve lived in Chattanooga for 10 years now and it is the most amazing and beautiful and fun place to live. I don’t think we’ll ever leave. I have to admit, though, I’ve never heard of Wolftever Creek, we are going to have to check it out! Two of our favorite free places to hang out are Chester Frost Park and Raccoon Mountain. The pumped storage facility at Raccoon Mountain is super cool!
Amanda says
I totes agree about Clumpies – Yum! But, have you tried Ice Cream Show on the other side of Walnut Street bridge? They have this fancy machine that mixes whatever toppings you want in with chocolate or vanilla ice cream… and then plop it in the most delicious waffle cone you’ve ever tasted. Its love in a cone right there 🙂
Also – the burgers and milkshakes at Urban Stack are our favorite in town!
Lauren says
Clumpies is the best!
Maggie says
For Jeremy’s Grandma: We always made our Grannies a little welcome sign to hang on their door, it was a nice homemade gift that let them know we were thinking about them. Added bonus: It also helps them differentiate which unit is theirs in the hall.
Lauren bonnema says
We always get my husbands grandma who lives in assisted living crossword puzzle, sudoku, and word search books and a new package of her favorite pens.
Heidi says
Oh my goodness, all of these photos are just so warm and happy! It looks like you all had a wonderful time.
http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com
Haley says
I love your posts about your visits to Chattanooga! I am a proud Chattanoogan and love raising my two girls here. Playing at the Riverfront, hiking the many trails and boating down the TN River are some of our favorite pastimes. Everytime I read these posts I secretly hope that I will run into you and your adorable family someday while walking around downtown or browsing Homegoods. 🙂
Susan M. says
I suspect that your visit alone will provide Great Grandma with food for thought as well as talk for a good long bit. Follow it up with snail mail that includes the picture of them in her lap and maybe pictures that the boys have drawn. A “surprise” box, decorated from the inside out, and filled with little “sillies”, will bring a guaranteed smile to her face and warmth to her heart.
Melissa says
I think you nailed it with spending time with her and bringing photos. Send her ALL the photos! As someone who used to work in an assisted living facility, I guarantee she will love showing them off to friends and staff. And with 3 little cuties like that, who could blame her! 🙂
Jessi @ Our Midwest Nest says
Ohh I love Chattanooga! My husband and I lived in Tennessee for about a year – and I’d choose a trip to Chatt over Nashville any day! It’s so charming! We weren’t in the area for long and I have to admit, I don’t recognize many of the locations you were. I guess that just means we will have to go back sooner rather than later! 🙂
Eve says
We love Chatt too! I think the aquarium is way more fun! Less crowds and lots to still look at. Have you guys been to Aretha Frankensteins? It’s our favorite place to eat breakfast and they sell the pancake mix in Publix here in GA. Love the picture of Will jumping in the water, he looks like a superhero!
Mary says
You gave her the best present! Which is time and pictures of your family. You can’t put a price tag or compete with time with little kids. THanks for sharing!
Alane says
When my grandma was in assisted living, we were able to install a bird feeder outside her window. She loved looking at the birds! There are even some bird feeders that use suction cups to stick on the window that work pretty well (check Amazon).
Melissa @ HOUSEography says
Jeremy’s grandmother looks so sweet! My grandmother always liked pictures of my kids and candy… lots of candy!!
Betty Becca says
My grandmother liked candy, “puzzle books” (crossword, word finds, etc.), puzzles, playing cards, photos, etc. She was really anti-clutter though so she didn’t have any time for extra stuff in her small living quarters. But mostly…I bet she wants visits and calls. When you visit, help her Skype with other members of the family she doesn’t normally get to see or talk to. Or when you call her, conference in someone else so you’re holding the other grandkids/family accountable for talking to her. Write her letters (or send her the boys’ artwork) from time to time. I know easier said than done..but you could prep some mailing envelopes and throw things in from time to time and then mail them off when you accumulate a few things. So many people don’t know how to interact with elders, and it doesn’t take much to make their day. It makes me happy to see you doing it with your family.
Laura says
Chattanooga is one of my favorite cities. I went to college near there too (Bryan College) and I have so many good memories of going to Chatty on a Friday night and then rushing back to make sure we got in before curfew (yes, we had a curfew). And I have literally had dreams about Clumpy’s!
Sam says
What an adorable city! And those boys of yours!
I think for Jeremy’s grandma, the sentimental stuff is probably the best. Space is usually limited, so anythung that be hung on walls is good. Perhaps some more photos, or a framed piece of collaborative Bower Brother art? My grandparents seems to really like stuff like that.
Xo
Sarah says
What a lovely trip! I love those small cities that seem to have everything you’d want or need in one place.
I struggle with what to give my grandma. She’s 100 years old and in a nursing home. Every Christmas her present from us is a gift certificate for her hair and nails that will cover her for the entire year. In small places like these, tangible gifts are hard! On her 100th birthday she received many cards and I taped them up on her walls so she’d be able to see them all. Otherwise they would be living in a drawer! She really appreciated it. The little things matter most. Time spent visiting, errands run…Grandma looks delighted just to be with the little ones!
Denise Z says
Do you think Jeremy’s grandmother might like a digital picture frame? Would show a lot of pictures while only taking up minimal space.
Rebekah says
Sounds like fun times! I went to college close to a Chatt and Clumpies was a favorite for my husband and I too.
It sounds like you gave their grandma EXACTLY what she would like best. A visit with her great grand children and lots of pictures! My husband works at a retirement village and when we visit with residents they love sharing about their grand and great grand children. It really is what they love!
Sarah says
We love Chattanooga too :-). When my grandmother was in a nursing home, we bought her a CD player one year for Christmas and all the church hymn CDs we could find (pre-Amazon days!). It was one of her favorite gifts and she said she listened to it every day. We would also make her DVDs of home videos of us (we were young). And my aunt converted all of their old home movies into DVDs so she could watch those too whenever she wanted.
Audiobooks might be a good idea too.
ryan says
How about audio books for the great grandmother? If you get her a series you can build on it later, like for holidays : )
Margriet says
I came across your blog for the first time today, and i’m absolutely hooked! Your life seems wonderfull and you have a great way of writing about it. I love your crafty topics and I’ll be back soon for more stories.
About ice cream: I know a good recipe for healthy watermelon ice cream. Just mash up some watermelon with a peach in a blender, ad a little bit of sugar. Fill a mould with the stuff and pop it in the freezer… mmmmm!
Kelly says
Chattanooga is awesome in so many ways. It has come a long way from when I lived there… but it is shining now! What school did you go to out side of Chattanooga? I went to school in a small town outside of Chattanooga… and remember all those places. Just wondering if we were in school together. Weird? Small World?
Alyssa says
She even looks sweet!! I think pictures colored by your boys would make her smile for sure!!
Dayna says
You just described our perfect day in Chattanooga!! We try to make it up there at least once a year for a visit. And we also love Clumpies!!! We do let our kids run through the fountain – you’re only a kid once, right? In this summer heat, they dry off fast. Where did you go to college? I went to Berry which is about halfway between Atlanta and Chattanooga. We should meet up next time you’re up there!
Heather says
Looks like so much fun!! An idea for Jer’s grandmother that I thought of could be a photo album, not a huge bulky one, but a nice hand held size. I’m sure she would love flipping through and looking at photos of your adorable boys! And I recently saw that Hobby Lobby sells mini albums that are made for instagram photos..must have one of those 🙂
Laura says
I thought for a full minute about what Great Grandma might like as a gift, and then it was like “Oh, duh!” More phone calls, more visits. That’s all she wants and I’m certain it fills her with unmatchable joy!
Janice says
Great pictures and wonderful memories!
Lori says
She might like a prayer shawl
Also if I were you…I would ‘accidentally’ let the pacifier fall in the lake….time to be rid of it!
Natalia says
Jeremy’s Grandma is the most beautiful lady!!!
Lindsay says
Almost didn’t recognize Weston without his binky! Lovely pix!
Hannah says
Thanks for showing off our great city! I’ve lived in Chattanooga my whole life, and love raising my kiddos here. It’s come a long way, and I’m happy your family enjoys it! And, yes, clumpies is the best!
Pamela says
Oh, that carousel! It may date from 1894, but the animals are new. They were carved by Bud Ellis and his team of craftsmen and volunteers at Horsin’ Around in Soddy Daisy TN. You, too, can recreate them at his studio, if you have the time and the money. Periodically, they close down the carousel for maintenance. I had a chance to go meet Bud at the carousel and be introduced to all the animals (they have names). I also visited his studio and spent most of a day watching students creating these magical creatures. Your boys are too young to be in this workshop, but if you ever get the chance to visit, it is an amazing place.
darcy says
MUST HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT AWESOME NICKNAME!!!!!
Chattanooga looks like a very lovely little city — must get there one day!! And anytime you have a full post devoted to looking at your 3 cute kiddos…well count me as a very happy reader!! 🙂
Stacie says
We had the same problem with my hubs grandfather in his assisted living facility. We ended up making him a calendar with all the grands and great-grands pictures on it, so he got a little peek each month and it didn’t take up much space! They don’t need/want much, just our love. She looks like a super sweet lady!
Sam M says
Our 4 year old daughter is spending the week in Chattanooga with my parents. They were at Coolidge Park yesterday. I know the chances are slim that you were there at the same time, but I had to do a quick scan to see if I could spot her on the carousel or in the fountain. Ha!
Angela R says
What a lovely trip!! I’m thinking about your sweet grandma. When I worked at the nursing home they loved pictures of family with sweet notes. They would show it off to who ever would look. I bet she would love a note or piece of art from your sweet kids. Or- if she’s religious a nice bible verse quote/art is always nice too!
Patricia says
My mom spent the last three years of her life in a wonderful nursing home. She loved having her nails polished … it made her feel pretty. Also some nursing homes have a beauty parlor or someone who comes in to cut and style hair. Gift certificate for that can be a lovely treat. A bird feeder that hangs outside her window (if she’s on the first floor) so she can enjoy the pretty birds visiting. Or a bird house for nesting if she’s near a tree. And soft comfortable clothes easy to get on and off … I bought mom velour pants and jackets with elastic waistbands and front zippers (on jacket) for easy care as well. Be sure to sew her name tag into anything you buy.
And for a special treat, I’d bring her strawberry milkshakes bought on the way.
Betsey Lippert says
Buy Great Grandma practical things. On I’ve found is an assortment of birthday, plain and sympathy cards. Along with stamps and return address labels.
Kate Robertson says
In terms of things for Jeremy’s grandma- try beautiful photos. Of the boys, of you two, a beautifully framed image of her husband, her own children. My Mother-in-law, & my grandmother-when she was still alive, both loved nothing more than images of their family to have decorating their homes….
P.S. Love the photo of Will jumping off the boat- my little man does that same flying leap. I’m in awe of their fearlessness!
Angela says
Oh man! That last photo of Jeremy with his Grandma, got me, tears! How sweet. My man loves his Nanna in this way. She just had her 100th birthday and she’s still so spritely, although ready to leave this earth. I can understand that. She has lived 40 years without her husband, that’s a whole second lifetime! As for what to bring her, she doesn’t truly want for material things, if you could visit her more often, that would be the greatest gift to her!
cathy says
I do know what to get parents or grandparents in assisted living!
1. A photo album full of their life’s moments
2. Something useful that is in their taste. For my dad it was a pendleton blanket. He was always cold, even in the summer.
3. Stationary or cards with already stamped envelopes. Just makes it easy for them to whip up a letter when the mood strikes.
4. A tape recorder ( or similar) so they can put down memories.
I am sure there are hundreds of good suggestions out there. Remember the best thing to do for elder love ones is to love and enjoy them as often as you can. And listening to them is such a wonderful thing to do.
Jane says
I don’t think I have ever posted but that picture of Jeremy and his grandma is priceless. I think of the best gifts is a framed picture of her and Jeremy and the one of her and her great grandkids. Also, is she is on a first floor, you can get a hanging birdfeeder for outsider her window with a big bag of sunflower seed to fill it. My grandma loved that when she was in a nursing home.
Cair says
I’ve been thinking about Jeremy’s grandmother – who does seem like quite the sweetie. I think what she would appreciate the most is contact with Jeremy and your family. Of course, first would be you being there to visit. Since you can’t do that very often I think sending her pictures with little notes, and videos, and phone calls are what she might appreciate the most. Being involved in your lives in whatever way you can make that happen is probably the best gift you can give her.
Ida says
Awesome post. All of you look like you had the most wonderful time. I agree, LJ does look like his great-grandma!! Weston scrunched face is adorable,my son used to do it too!!
Jen says
Make her a quilt! My family did one for my Grandma that actually ended up in a quilting magazine as an idea. It was just large squares with stripes of fabric in between to make it the desired size. Super easy. Each grandkid made a square and then we put them all together. You could use baby clothes from each boy, or applique of trucks or a Lion, something the represents each kid.
Hayley says
Hmmm, maybe something just pretty? My grandma would love a pretty throw pillow, or trinket, or blanket? And maybe something for entertainment, to keep her busy. Like crochet or embroidery kit? Or an old movie 🙂
Katie says
I love the birdfeeder idea! I will have to ask the admin about that!
xo – kb
Katie says
What a good idea! The hair idea is great!
xo – kb
Katie says
haha! We have lost one in the water at Stone Mountain! And we usually opt to let the kiddos keep the paci till after their second birthday (it’s what our pediatrician recommended)…but I am ready for rid of it too!
xo – kb
Katie says
I almost went to Berry! I went to Bryan for three years before transferring.
xo – kb
Katie says
Are these hard to get? I’ve never really even considered them.
xo – kb
Katie says
Sounds delish…although my boytoy rarely eats fruit. I wonder if I could get him to try this.
xo – kb
Katie says
Bryan College in Dayton 🙂
xo – kb
Katie says
That’s a good idea!
xo – kb
Katie says
Oh yes. I remember curfew well. And I remember getting points quite frequently for breaking curfew 🙂
xo – fellow Bryanite
Katie says
Yup! We sure have been to Aretha’s! In fact, when I was being induced with LJ, Jeremy ran across the street for some fried chicken 🙂
xo – kb
Katie says
ooohhh….That sounds amazing! I will have to check it out next time!
xo – kb
danielle says
“praise the creator of ice cream” ha! Love it 🙂 My boys always hated the life vests when they were younger. My youngest did fall out several times of the canoe and he popped right up with his head protected so I am going to say the screaming is worth it 🙂 He never did learn his lesson, he would go right back to leaning over the side while his brother would become more cautious…
Ann says
One christmas I put together a little manicure kit (tools, emery boards, neutral-colored nail polish, etc) for my grandmother who lived in assisted living. She loved it! It was one thing she could do without help that made her feel “put together.”
I also second jane’s birdfeeder suggestion from above. My grandmother loved that too! She knew all the birds after a while.
Jamie says
Now I have the Chattanooga Choo Choo song stuck in my head! I worked in a nursing home for a time and I will tell you that nothing made those folks happier than a visit. Family would come through those front doors and everyone stopped for a second, held their breath in hopes that the visitor was there for them. The residents that had regular family visits did very well enjoying their remaining days, the ones that didn’t get visitors ended up sullen and depressed some staring out the window all day. It was a very sad sight indeed. Go there, bring your boys and just enjoy her company I promise it will mean more than any”thing” you could bring her.
Emily F. says
Been a reader for a while but never commented. I live in Chattanooga and I love reading your blog even more when you talk about Chattanooga! It is fun to see it from some else’s eyes. We love Southeastern Salvage too! 🙂
Britt says
Phone calls. Grannies in homes wants phone calls. I should give mine a buzz while we are on the topic.
karen says
NO RUGS! (tripping hazard)
Photo book of family
Individually wrapped candies
small water bottles (easier to handle)
notepad & pens
flashlight (easy to hold – not heavy)
new pillow cases (something pretty!)
new washcloths (facility uses harsh detergents – they get crunchy)
seasonal wreaths for door (my mom’s facility had contests for door decor!)
Visit with kids! (this means more than any of the above)
Amber says
Haha you guys had it easy over at a nice little place like Bryan 😉 I went to TN Temple, where the curfew was to keep you from getting shot when downtown chatt turns into gang town! But we still stayed out late anyway and spent many sunsets at the hang gliding place up on Lookout Mountain. The points and fines were always worth it!
Kim says
I wish I could post a picture in this comment….my oldest son (now 2.5) TOTALLY used to make that same face that Weston is making these days! How can you NOT die laughing…every.single.time!
Anne says
All of my grandparents are 89+ and in assisted living. They don’t want more stuff. They want notes, pictures and – most of all – visits.
Reenie says
For Gma, anything that would make her room look and feel more like her home. If there is a courtyard for flowers? If the facility doesn’t provide them, maybe you could put some potted plants out there ~ if she or the staff would water them.
Cute cute pics of your babies. 🙂
Mya B. says
I would forgo the rug (tripping hazard) and instead give her more pictures of you all with her! Recent pictures with her and her family are a great way to help keep our parents and grandparents in the present 🙂
Dayna says
Oh no way!!! Too bad you didn’t pick Berry, we would’ve been there together! Wonderful memories from those 4 years…we still go back at least once a year just to hang out on campus or hike to the House of Dreams, its a beautiful place to take pictures too!
Chris says
Love the picture of Weston with the ice cream cone in one hand and his binky in the other.
Tiffany says
Thank you for capturing my hometown Chattanooga! It has transitioned into such a wonderful city to raise a family. My parents live on Wolftever and we spend every weekend with my little boys out on the lake. Always lots of fun.
KathyL says
I didn’t read all the comments, but the rug might be a tripping hazard. Sounds like you had some great advice from people above and your pictures are priceless. Blow up one with her and the boys and frame some art from them? she’ll love it all.
Barb says
Katie:
All the above gift ideas are great, BUT….I think you gave her the B.E.S.T gift ever. The gift of a family visit. It is so important to older people that they see family members…especially the grand babies. So while you may not have given her heaps of monetary gifts…you gave her a smile on her face, a skip in her step, and a memory she won’t forget. You gave her the gift of FAMILY!!!
You are so thoughtful.
B.
Lindsay says
I love Chattanooga! I have a lot of family there (and in Soddy Daisy) and have always liked visiting. 🙂 I looked up the population based on your comment about how small it is. It always seemed comparable to the size of Lexington, but it isn’t even close!
Elaine says
As someone who works in a nursing home…just want to weigh in on the rug for a gift idea. Rugs can be a safety hazard for the elderly as they are more prone to tripping. I loved some of the other ideas that were mentioned though. Things that pass the time are always awesome! It’s great that you are taking an interest and being involved during this time of life for her as they can be difficult and lonely days!
Christy says
Yay, Chattanooga!!! My mother in law carved the horse in the center of the carousel photo. The horse with the short mane and red and green saddle blanket, his name is Rhett. So glad you love our City!
Priscilla says
“we went outside to praise the creator of ice cream” – Love it! You crack me up, Katie 🙂
Katie says
Dude. I used to play there in highschool and that is tough. Although not as tough as Bob Jones (also played there). And NOWHERENEAR Pensicola.
xo – kb
Melissa says
What are your traveling tips with 3 kiddos? Our rides are always stressful and lots of crying hahaha
Renee in Michigan says
We visited Chattanooga twice this summer ! My Dad and step Mom live in Crossville, TN and we try to go down every other summer to visit. Last time we were there we visited the amazing aquarium and the kids loved it and the step waterfall that led out to the river. This time they took all of us to the Creative Discovery Musuem and over to Coolidge Park to show us the carousel and fountains but unfortunately the fountain was closed and being worked on. We didn’t see the music instruments part. 🙁 The other day that we went down to Chattanooga we actually ended up in Georgia at a great little amusement park called Lake Winnie. Kids loved the rides and the water park. Next visit we want to go see Rock City and. Ruby Falls. It is a neat town. We ate at a new bar/restaurant on the north end which I believe was down from clumpies.
Judith says
I love Chatanooga!! I went to Covenant College and remember pretty much all the places you talked about! I keep trying to tell my husband that we ought to move there and that he would love it. I’ll show him this and see if I can at least convince him to visit. 😉 so glad that so many others love the city too!!
Becky says
I’m going to Chattanooga in about a month for vacation! I will definitely be visiting Clumpie’s 🙂 Any other good local food recommendations you could make?
Katie says
We keep on talking about Lake Winnie and how we need to take the kids! Oh and Rock City is really cool (also terrifying) and there are so many cool new restaurants. I wish we had tons of time to visit them all!
xo – kb
Katie says
We do movies and a special treat each hour in the car if they are good. Granted good at 18 months means that he isn’t killing his baby brother. We try to distract and change things up a lot!
xo – kb