Chattanooga

The second half of spring break we spent on a mini vacation to Tennessee. We had considered DC but it was intimidating and expensive. My folks met us there and we did all the touristy things it had to offer. It was probably torture for Dad who hates heights and was finishing off a bout with vertigo. The Epley Maneuver has never been attempted so many times in a vacation rental.

Ruby Falls- This was the favorite of the grown-ups. 

 

Rock City- They had this sign when you walked in. At first I was insulted. They kind of broke their own rule by adding the garish glowing nursery rhyme scenes at the end. All attempts at art look pretty silly next to creation. The view and rock formations were really cool. This was the favorite of the kids.

  

 

Incline Mountain Railroad- Underwhelming. Also, accidentally paid twice because I am an idiot.

Cloudland Canyon State Park- Very pretty. Terrible map. We definitely got lost.

We stayed in a "treehouse" that was really just a tiny house on stilts with branches hung on the walls as decor. It was cute enough though. It had an outdoor shower and was pretty high so as to feel very connected to the neighborhood squirrels. Rory lost his other front tooth!

 

Chickens!

We hatched eggs from Julianna's hens. It was so fun! Highly recommend. Unfortunately as many times as I Google it, the city and neighborhood restrictions for chicken coops don't change. They will be heading back to the farm when they get feathers in a few weeks, but they are so sweet to have while they are here. After the bunnies, I needed a win and was thrilled that once I removed the non-developers after candling at week 1, all 14 of the remaining eggs hatched a lovely chick! Please note, we collected the eggs on the muddiest day of the year.

This was our first one out on Easter evening! Glory! and then Rochelle!

Then the next morning, nine were out! I think we saw 4 actually hatch in total.

Here is the whole line up...

       

Raven is our favorite, but I think Wren is and will grow up to be the prettiest. I also love Jasmine (Last out of the big green egg!)...and Ramona...and Pepper...and Glory...and...

We have some kind of meat birds with feathered feet (the 4 yellow ladies and Jasmine), Silkies (Wren, Rochelle, and Michelle) Polish ones (3, with the big foreheads), one Serama (Raven), and two Showgirls with naked necks (Sondra and Ducky). I am pretending they are all girls (even though there is no way to know), because I don't think non-layers last as long in the chicken world. All except Romeo, who I didn't name. I loved the whole experience!