Alimusa's take on Knoxville

Every summer, my sister and her family from Arizona head to Tennessee for an extended visit. It's a great time to catch up and this year they headed up to Knoxville for a few days to check out our new house. They usually stay at my mom's and we come to them, but it was a nice to have a few stolen days to myself. When we lived in Seattle, we got to see them more often and the time zone difference wasn't so hard so we talked a lot more. It was some much needed sister time! Since Emily is headed into her junior year of high school (really- how did that happen?) we scheduled a visit to UT! They had a great time and I think it helped Em decided big schools may not be her thing.

The next day we drove down to Sweetwater to The Lost Sea. I had never been and we thought it might be a fun adventure to beat the heat. If you are in the area- GO! It was a lot of fun and a great workout.

Before entering into the cavern.

The beginning of our journey down (and the only part they blasted out) 

the rest was was a red clay packed floor.

Mason and Aunt Mel checking out the rock wall.

There is a lake in the cave and you take a short boat ride to explore it. Mason and Reagan did really well on the boat- I'm the one who dropped a water bottle into the lake -oopps. But Mel was quick to scoop it up before it got away from us. After the boat, you have to head BACK up the cave...and that is where the exercise begins!

The Lost Sea also had a nature walk, picnic area and place to sift for stones. Mason and Reagan loved playing with the water.

Mason and Reagan ate up all the cousin time they had!

Since we were already 20 miles down the road, we decided to go another 7 and visit the Mayfield Dairy.  Unfortunately they don't offer tours on Wednesday (note to self) but we did get some yummy icecream and you could explore the store and visitor center a little by yourself. Mason and Reagan LOVED milking the cow!

We hung by the cow for a long time. 

I loved this sign. And as a mom, it made me appreciate Mr Mayfield for more than just his ice cream.