Chattanooga, TN

 After leaving Hayesville, we drove a couple hours to Chattanooga, TN. After checking in to the hotel, we headed to the Tennessee Valley Railroad and Museum for a train ride.

 Caleb directed us to the train and we gladly took a seat in an air conditioned car.

 After our tickets were punched, Emma Katherine contributed some choo choo sound effects.

 Halfway through the ride, they let off everyone to watch the steam locomotive change directions on the turn table. This was definitely a highlight for Caleb. We also had a brief tour through the shop where cars were being refurbished.

 After our ride, we climbed through the many cars on display.

 Our red cheeks are a dead give-a-way of the heat. We could have stayed longer but we had lots more to do in town.

 Our next stop was the Tennessee Aquarium. Since we were staying right downtown, it was a short walk. We quickly saw why it is the highest rated thing to do in Chattanooga. Before we entered the first exhibit, we received some great views of the river, but no time to stop and enjoy the rocking chairs.

 First we watched the sting rays

 and Emma enjoyed being able to see right through the tank.

 Since this little girl is currently in love with butterflies and rainbows, she thoroughly enjoyed the butterfly garden.

 The silly penguins were a fun favorite as they floated right by the glass.

 The huge shark tank area was impressive. I named this one Photo-Op as he would creep ever so slowly to ensure good pictures. Do these two look ready for their first dive?

 Caleb was the one to discover the tube in the middle of the crab tank.

What is a trip to the aquarium without visiting Nemo and Dori?

 We covered most of the floors of different types of fish and ocean life.

 Miss Emma Kate's face says it all. I loved seeing their excitement!

 Emma wasn't scared at all to put her hands in the water.

 Wow! The world's largest turtle shell!

 The downtown area was so nice to walk around before heading to a local grill for dinner. These two enjoyed the fountains and we like the music festival bands playing until the several stages started to merge. Then the sound was pretty bad and easily coaxed us in for dinner.

Now there's a "You're the Best Daddy in the World" smooch! We ended our fun with a swim in the hotel pool and with such a full day everyone quickly made it to dreamland.