Great Smoky Mountains and Laurel Falls.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently graduated college. Which meant my momma came to town! Somehow my mother has only come to visit me three times in Knoxville while I was in school but you know, she's a hard-working woman so I understood. Not only did she fly in, her current boyfriend came as well. On top of all that, her ex-boyfriend (who is basically like my stepdad) surprised me and flew in as well. Since the three of them had ever only been to Knoxville once (or never), the weekend was of course filled with showing them around the coolest part of town, and meeting my boyfriend.

After my graduation ceremony, we all went to lunch, took a nap, and decided their trip wouldn't be complete without going to the mountains. So that's exactly what we did. My mom found this place called Laurel Falls in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. A 2-mile roundtrip hike gives you incredible mountain views as you hike up the mountain. Eventually you begin to hear the sounds of the waterfall before finally reaching it.

Yes, I hiked 2 miles in sandals....

I don't know if it was because it was a Saturday afternoon, during summer, but this place was packed. There isn't much to do besides feel the cool, crisp water, and experience its beauty, but definitely still worth it if you like to hike. It's a great, simple hike to bring the fam or a significant other. Unfortunately, my boyfriend was working so he didn't get to experience the waterfall, but you better believe I'll be taking him back sometime.

Since my boyfriend was working all weekend, he joined us when he could. After he got off work, and we finished hiking, he met us in Pigeon Forge. We all had dinner, and then raced each other in go-karts. My mom, her boyfriend, and ex decided to head back to Knoxville while my boyfriend and I stayed to play arcade games and have some time to ourselves.

Overall, it was a great weekend and I'm so glad my boyfriend got along with everyone (and that everyone approved of him). I'm extremely blessed to have these people in my life and wouldn't trade them for the world.