This day was the big day. Our road trip. We decided to do the Chattanooga Aquarium and Rock City. All those years of seeing "See Rock City" finally worked.
I took an obscene number of pictures. That may have been my favorite part. I also loved the aquarium. I honestly could have stayed there much longer than the 3 1/2 hours we were there. Being that close to God's creation stirred worship in me that I don't often get to experience. It's really hard to worship as you're chasing 3 very excited kids through that huge place, though. I reflected on that for days after, but I really find myself wanting to go back, maybe even by myself (in my dreams) and just spending time in deep worship.
But that may be kind of weird. Maybe? Having church in an aquarium? Makes sense to me, though.
I was blown away by the giant (tank) aquarium. It was 3 stories tall and just completely overwhelming to look at. Going under it was the most soothing and beautiful thing I've seen in a while. It was mesmerizing.
I could have looked at the jelly fish tank all day. That was my other favorite thing. The way they move was most tranquil and hypnotizing. Actually, I think I loved every minute of that place. Now I want to go to Atlanta's aquarium.
Rock City was amazing too. I really didn't have any expectations at all, having no idea what we were going to. Seeing a Starbucks at the top of this magical place pricked my cynical side, but I'm glad I soldiered on. It was a beautiful place, and I could have stayed there all day too. I love being in the woods. Emerson said, "In the woods we return to reason and faith..." I don't care how he meant it. It rings true in my spirit. I loved the views from the top of the mountain too. Reminded me of Stone Mountain and how I used to hike up that big rock and lay down and look at the sky for hours. I need to do that again soon. I've been craving that. I'm NOT taking the kids either. :)
My one regret may be that we didn't make this an overnight trip and see more stuff. This was perfect, though, and I'm so glad we did it. Chattanooga was a beautiful city. The mountains were gorgeous. The weather was perfect. I was blessed, inspired and touched by this day. I'm so thankful.
My self portrait. :)
The pictures went all wonky when I tried to capture them, so I'm not going to. Except I have to tell you what one of them should be, because it was my favorite quote of the day. There was this giant rock overhang at Rock City. The picture up there shows the three kids walking up out from it. The overhang made an open room of sorts, and Jude, when he saw it, said, "Hey! If we get poor, maybe they'll let us live here!" That kid and his brain amaze me. I adore him. Zane was a trooper this day too. He walked every step and never complained. I was so impressed. That kid has changed so much. Laney soaked it all in and she loved it too. We marveled at their perfect behavior. That was amazing and awesome.
Friday was kind of a normal day. After another morning in pj's with lots of coffee, I went that afternoon to help out a friend. I took the kids, so hubs got an afternoon to nap and veg. He needed that, and it was good for him. We rounded it out with a normalish weekend, and that was the end of the Staycation.
I did end up missing the beach, but this week was good. I'm thankful for the fun and the time the kids got with their daddy. That was a blessing!
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