Jace’s First Birthday and The Townsend Adventures

(Jace eats his first birthday cake with a family audience.)

Lisa and I have many reasons this year to celebrate meaningful events and remember our family’s blessings. For instance, Jace’s first birthday occurred on July 1, 2023. The simplest blessings sometimes possess life’s most powerful messages. My children, Annabelle and Jace, are safe and healthy with two married parents who deeply love them. Sometimes I take these luxuries for granted – safety, good health, and a fruitful marriage. Not every family happens to be so lucky.

While sitting down, Jace often sways to music with his two hands in the air, waving them like he just doesn’t care. These sways might be interpreted as his form of dancing. He especially enjoys dancing to the music of movies and cartoons, such as Frozen’s "Let It Go" or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme song (the latest version of the show). As such, we decorated our home for Jace’s party with Ninja Turtle adornments.

My sister, Allison, has two children, Ayden and Brogan. My father, Jim Cartee, Jr., is known as G-Daddy by Ayden and Brogan. Annabelle has since named G-Daddy, JayJay, for reasons unknown to me. The new nickname seems to have taken hold…. Annabelle and Jace say “JayJay” much more often than "G-Daddy." It is endearing when Annabelle constantly asks, "Where is JayJay? Where is CeeCee?” Annabelle has developed a strong sentiment toward my parents.       

CeeCee, JayJay, and Allison attended Jace’s party. In doing so, they traveled from Nashville to Knoxville, a decent drive of approximately three hours. During the occasion, Jace had his first taste of birthday cake. At first, Jace seemed hesitant, like, "What do I do with this food sitting in front of me?" He then wrecked the cake with his bare hands by stuffing the delicious dessert into his mouth. Jace’s reactions to sweet flavors were entertaining, to say the least! 

After scouring the birthday cake, our family shared dinner together. Then Jace opened his presents. Of course, Annabelle was extremely helpful, eating as much cake as possible and then playing with the gifts…all the things a big sister should do. Annabelle now constantly reminds us that her birthday is approaching in August. As a once-in-a-lifetime event in Jace’s journey, turning one, it was wonderful having the family together. These times together used to be more frequent. So, I cherish the few moments a year we are all together.

As I grow older, I have realized how difficult traveling becomes with two children under the age of three, especially on long road trips. We stayed close to home for a summer vacation to keep things simple. We traveled to a small mountain town named Townsend, close to Knoxville, Tennessee. Before our trip, Allison left after the party on Saturday, returning to Nashville.   

Townsend is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains and offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical prominence. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Townsend experienced a logging business boom that fueled its economic growth. The dense forests surrounding the town provided abundant valuable timber, attracting logging companies and sawmills to the area. Townsend now serves as a unique tourist destination on the quiet side of the Smokies, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

For six days, my parents rented a cabin for our family in Townsend. I wish I had taken more pictures of this residence. The house was built by the grandfather of the man who owned it. The craftsmanship was awe-inspiring! The layout of the cabin included one bedroom downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs. CeeCee and JayJay slept downstairs while Lisa, I, and the kids slept upstairs. There was a comfortable space for socialization and watching television on the main level. Another similar smaller space existed in a loft area upstairs with furniture and another television. The cabin felt homey with candescent lights and the fresh smell of mountain wood. The residence occupied property across the street from the Little River, a waterway where thousands of visitors tube every summer in Townsend. I could have stayed several more days in this beautiful home!

On our first day, with the company of my parents, Lisa and I wanted to take the kids to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. We also visited a local moonshine establishment called Sugarlands Moonshine Distilling Company. My parents were soon tired of the July 4^th crowds and the midday heat. So, CeeCee and JayJay left Gatlinburg a little early. At the same time, Lisa, I, and the kids enjoyed an arcade, some light shopping, and the Ole’ Smoky Candy Kitchen. This candy store existed in Gatlinburg since 1952, and this establishment has made homemade taffy since its opening. Their taffy selection consists of thirty-three flavor choices. If you ever visit Gatlinburg, you must visit the Candy Kitchen. Our first day in the mountains was definitely full of action!

On Tuesday, July 4, we all took the kids down by the riverside to swim. Annabelle and Jace would sit in the shallow parts, throw rocks, and enjoy the cool water. At first, both kids were intimidated by the current, but eventually, both seemed to acclimate to the river. At night, the town leadership of Townsend planned a Fourth of July fireworks event. Before the fireworks, there were food trucks and live entertainment with local bands. Annabelle and I threw a Nerf football on a nearby field. When Annabelle and I returned to our chairs, Annabelle wanted to involve CeeCee in throwing the football. Annabelle can throw pretty hard if close enough to your face. She did just that! Annabelle hit Mom in her mouth, knocking her glasses off and messing up a glamorous hairstyle fit for the occasion. I laughed vigorously for several minutes, thus frustrating Mom even more. Annabelle joined in on the laughing escapade as well.

Unfortunately, we might have been too close to the fireworks launch site. It was very loud! While Jace seemed unaffected by the noise, the fireworks scared Annabelle. She has since declared that the fireworks are over and that there will be no more fireworks this summer. The event and celebratory spectacle were phenomenal!

We visited The Dancing Bean coffee house on Wednesday and a few more local country souvenir shops. This coffee shop sits in a large log cabin, close to other shops and a winery. The interior of the Dancing Bean is quaint and homey, with a few tables and chairs. For coffee alone, this is our favorite spot in Townsend. However, if you desire both an excellent coffee and a dessert treat, we also thoroughly enjoy The Chocolate Bar.

We then ate at Townsend's newest restaurant, The Peaceful Side Social Brewery and Craft Kitchen. The eatery includes a microbrewery and a solid food selection. The beer was good, and the food was tasty. The Peaceful Side had a large patio outside and a small playground for young children with slides and a tunnel on what resembled a small hill of greenery. The area's layout was well-designed with families and outdoors enthusiasts in mind. Because Annabelle and Jace enjoyed the river so much the day before, Lisa and I took them back to the same shallow river spot as before. This time, we stayed longer than our visit before, so the kids could soak and swim leisurely. Mom and Dan decided to go home rather than take another swim in the river.

On Thursday, Mom and Dad left to go home in the morning. Lisa, I, and the kids stayed one extra day. While a little challenging with Annabelle, we decided to hike on the West Pong Trail in the Smokey Mountains National Park. The trail is wide and relatively flat with a steady incline, ideal for families with kids. We hiked approximately one and a half miles on the trail before Annabelle wanted me to carry her. We continually try to acclimate the kids to the outdoors; however, kids will be kids. They quickly grow tired and then want to be carried.   

After our three-mile hike (1.5 miles in and out), the kids took a one-hour nap in the car. The Peaceful Side restaurant has a taco bar from Thursday-Sunday during the spring and summer seasons. Lisa and I were eager to try this specific cuisine since we thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant the previous day. The food tasted like traditional Mexican street tacos with delectable spices and ingredients. We again enjoyed being with the kids outside, with the mountains surrounding us on all sides.     

On Friday morning, Lisa and I wanted to visit The Dancing Bean one more time for a last-minute coffee. Townsend has several miles of paved walkways, including alongside the Little River. We walked another three miles with the children in a stroller. Before returning home to Knoxville, we visited the Foothills Parkway, which has some of the most beautiful Wears Valley and Townsend vistas. It is a relaxed road through the mountains without much traffic, so one can pull over and soak in the scenery. It was a solid note to end the trip on! 

Because of Jace’s first birthday and our trip to Townsend, I was reminded of some valuable life lessons. For example, swimming in the river and savoring the taste of moonshine again taught me to find happiness in life's simple pleasures. Life is full of everyday moments that can bring joy if we are present and appreciative of them. This trip reminded me of the importance of living in the present, fully engaged in each moment, just as I was fully present in nature's embrace.

The memories I created with my family during this trip are precious. They reinforced the significance of nurturing and cherishing connections with loved ones, as these relationships enrich our lives.

Nature operates on its own terms, reminding me that there are aspects of life beyond our control. Sometimes, the best approach is to let go and trust the journey, just as I have trusted trails that led me through the wilderness while hiking.

(Jace loves playing with balloons!)

(I kept laughing at Jace shoving the cake in his mouth.)

(Annabelle loves her Aunt Allison!)

(Jace enjoys the river with JayJay’s assistance.)

(When we hike as a family, Jace rides and enjoys the scenery.)

(One of the viewpoints on the Foothills Parkway.)

(Annabelle plays nicely with her brother, Jace, in the river.)

(Annabelle smiles and snuggles with CeeCee during the 4^th of July event in Townsend.)

(Jace likes holding the markers more than actually drawing with them.)

(Jace thinks, “Is my second birthday here yet? I need more cake!”)

#JacesFirstBirthday #FamilyCelebration #PreciousMoments #Blessings #BirthdayCake #SiblingLove #FamilyTime #MountainTown #TownsendTN #GreatSmokyMountains #CabinLife #NatureBeauty #RiverSwimming #GratefulHeart #LifeLessons #Contentment #SimplePleasures #AppreciatingLife #AdventureAwaits #MakingMemories #DaddyDestinations #Daddy #Dad #Blog #Family #DaddiesAndDaughters #Destinations #Memories #Story #Narrative #Inspiration #JamesCartee

Pop-up Camper Maiden Voyage – New Nature Adventures Begin!

(A video tour of our pop-up camper)

About nine months ago, Lisa and I bought a 2000 Coleman Fleetwood Westlake model pop-up camper. This pop-up model includes an indoor toilet and shower. While we will probably use the indoor bathroom sparingly, the potential option might work to our advantage with our two tiny humans. I took the camper on its maiden voyage this past Memorial Day weekend. Thankfully, to support me with the new hobby endeavor, my father (now known as JayJay with Annabelle’s nickname) helped me with this brief camping trip. We camped at Panther Creek State Park on Cherokee Lake near Morristown, Tennessee. Panther Creek covers approximately 1,444 acres with seventeen hiking trails. Annabelle was fascinated with the playground at the state park, which continues to be one of her favorite recreational activities, specifically with the slides and swings.  

My mother (known as CeeCee by the grandkids) hosted a picnic for the entire family on Saturday. Annabelle was fascinated by the new toy (the pop-up camper) that she self-proclaimed was "Annabelle's." Her favorite words these days are "No" and "Mine." A two-year-old's life can be confusing and turbulent for a new parent. Concerning the camper, Annabelle was most intrigued by the door with all of the modern-day features offered. 

While I do not mind the labor involved with the pop-up camper, it involves a lot of work to set up. You practically unfold the machine like an accordion. The roof rises. The beds slide and extend outwards. The camper reminds me of a transformer robot (the weaponized machines in cartoons and movies that turn into common vehicles). While many new RVs involve a button that balances the trailer without much labor-intensive work, everything on this trailer is manually geared. There are no shortcuts or easy fixes.

The campground was covered with luxurious, multi-thousand-dollar RVs. There was only one family with a traditional car camping setup. Perhaps they were the only real outdoors enthusiasts who knew what “roughing it” truly meant. In a few conversations, some of the supposed other outdoors enthusiasts looked down on pop-ups by saying negative comments. It gave me the impression that the less expensive rig was beneath their standards. I never saw some of the millionaires even walk outside. In other words, many people visibly stayed inside their RVs without ever taking advantage of the many amenities at the state park. This observation seemed a little sad…. maybe you should watch television in your real home and save yourself the hassle and investment of an outdoor recreation vehicle.

I want Annabelle and Jace to enjoy the outdoors and grow accustomed to activities in nature. I desire for them to grow up without being glued to a screen for every waking hour of the day. Being outside is fundamentally beneficial for children, whereas inactivity through technology usage seems rampant in society these days.

The one major downside of a pop-up camper involves rain. If rain appears and you fold up the camper, it can quickly build up mildew and easily damage it. This impact factor does not affect a traditional enclosed RV, where rain bounces off these vehicles like driving a car through a mellow storm.

I plan to take the camper out three to four more times this year. Hopefully, the kids will be sleeping under the stars in the beauty of nature soon. While a pop-up camper might be another version of glamping, these nature activities become an excellent opportunity to spend time with my family and make memories we will cherish for many years to come.     

Please enjoy these pictures from this camping trip and other miscellaneous cute moments of Annabelle and Jace.

(I stand proudly by my pop-up camper for her maiden voyage.)

(Annabelle loves to eat various types of meat with protein and her daily vegetables. I sometimes wish these details were a true reality.)

(Jace loves to eat more than his sister and will ingest anything in front of him.)

(Jace is such a handsome boy!)

(Annabelle swings on the playground at Panther Creek State Park.)

(Jace enjoys swinging on the playground at Panther Creek State Park.)

(Annabelle sneaks a peak through a crawl tube at the playground.)

(Annabelle and Jace interact with this monkey at the Knoxville Zoo. The monkey was very interactive as if participating in a real conversation.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #lifelessons #nature #camper #RV #popupcamper #camping

Take a breather for yourself and others! Take time to refresh….

 

(The roaring waters at Cumberland Falls State Park in Kentucky)

In order to be the best version of yourself for the people in your life, sometimes you need to refresh and step away from the everyday routine. That might look like practicing five minutes of mindfulness meditation. It might be a weekend away, spending time with God and nature. It might even mean splurging on a reasonable shopping spree to buy something nice for yourself.

My wife, Lisa, and I saw Noah Kahan perform at The Signal in Chattanooga, Tennessee this past weekend. Kahan represents a folk-pop voice that boasts of a New England upbringing and mental health struggles. His music presents real-life scenarios with an authentic voice of pure honesty. Kahan is certainly not afraid to write about personal turmoil in his crafted lyrics. Almost every show on his current tour has now sold out! I felt privileged that I was able to attend his concert when the supply of tickets seemed limited.

We also spent time with my lifelong friend, Jason Coffey. Jason, his wife, and some hired babysitters were willing to watch our kids on this date night out. We hung out Saturday, eating good food, watching movies, and reminiscing about family memories shared with the Coffey’s. I definitely have many evident lifelong blessed relationships, including my friendship with Jason.

On another recent outing a couple of weeks back, I took a whole day to drive to Corbin, Kentucky. I enjoyed the small Appalachian town, Corbin’s version of Main Street, and Cumberland Falls State Park, where I hiked several miles. Cumberland Falls is considered the “Niagara Falls of the South.” It is one of the few locations in the eastern United States where you can actively view a moonbow, a rainbow where light from the moon becomes refracted through water droplets in the air. I would enjoy seeing such a majestic natural phenomenon! This occurrence happens several times yearly with a calendar on the Tennessee State Parks website.

The waterfalls roared with a blissful mist! I took a few minutes to pause and pray in the moment's beauty. I needed some fresh mountain air on this specific day to get away and breathe. Please see the pictures of this fascinating place below.

Corbin is home to the famed Colonel Sanders, who started Kentucky Fried Chicken. In fact, you can eat at the original KFC restaurant in town. Corbin also has a pottery painting studio and a pinball machine museum. After a long hike at Cumberland Falls, I ate at The Wrigley Taproom and Brewery, where I ordered the Harvest Buddha Bowl. This dish consists of grilled chicken breast, charred carrots, red cabbage, pickled cauliflower, crunchy quinoa, cranberries, rice, and maple miso dressing. The meal was a delectable delight to my taste buds. I drank one local microbrew with my fresh farm meal. There were some quaint stores on Main Street Corbin, a coffee shop, and a few other one-of-a-kind dining establishments. It was a jewel of a town on the outskirts of the Cumberland Plateau, where nature meets the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Williamsburg, Kentucky, home of the University of the Cumberlands, is directly south of Corbin. On the way to Knoxville, I stopped on this town’s Main Street to visit the Moonbow Mercantile, where I treated myself to homemade ice cream. I also visited The Suds Barn and Boutique, a shop specializing in individualized crafts, jewelry, and bath essentials (soaps, bath bombs, lotion, etc.). I spoke personally with the owner, Rebecca Lunsford, for a good while. She answered many more questions I had about the region and other undiscovered treasures. I bought a few items to take home, including a butter lotion that has helped Jace with some recent mild eczema. Rebecca makes all these home remedies and highly recommended the cream for Jace.

Regarding these recent events, you have to take care of yourself, and this revelation involves doing things for yourself. Now, some people are not going to like the progressive steps you take to enjoy your days and practice methods of mental health self-care. You are having fun when they might not be. You feel that you should be working or doing something productive. At least, these self-thoughts sometimes plague my mind. While I rarely feel guilty taking a little time for myself, sometimes I need to pause more, put down the work, and remain present. Again, this mentality takes many various forms. This breather might be going out to eat alone. You might seek to take a hike near a beautiful waterfall. It might be spending time with your spouse and/or children.

It is vital to stop and enjoy yourself. To care for your own family, you must care for yourself. That means not feeling guilty when you do so. That means taking action without remorse and without caring what others might think.

God cares for you, and He desires for you to enjoy life. He wants you to accomplish great things but also that you take time to recognize those great moments.

One of these immense moments for me was standing at the edge of some of the grandest waterfall cascades in the southeast. I will remember that prayerful moment at the edge of that canyon river for many years to come. For further long-term appreciation, I will remember Cumberland Falls. I will remember my date night at Noah Kahan. I will remember the vested time spent with my dear friends like the Coffey’s.

These are the moments I seek to cherish. These are the memories I remain grateful for in the experiences they bring. Now, learn to take your own breather and enjoy your life today as it is at this moment!

(Jace cuddles in the arms of Catherine Coffey)

(Noah Kahan entertains the crowd in concert at The Signal in Chattanooga, Tennessee.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #breathe #rest #timeforyou #lifelessons #NewYears #resolution #resolve

A One-Word Resolution Revolution – “Appreciation”

(Annabelle loves ornaments on the tree.)

As a new year begins, I usually pick one word or short phrase to focus on as an annual theme. One might think of this theme as a resolution. Last year, I chose the phrase "One Step." Annabelle had just learned to walk and stabilize herself. It was an exciting moment to see her walk those first steps slowly yet steadily! As an additional bonus, we witnessed the event with close friends and my parents, who were visiting Knoxville that weekend. The idea behind this chosen mantra was to live and remain present in the moments of today.

With a similar motto, my 2022 theme, "One Step," now leads into my 2023 theme. My chosen word this year is "Appreciation." I hope to show appreciation for the people in my life and the kindness extended to my family by several individuals. I seek to appreciate the blessings found in the present moment with loved ones and close friends. Like Annabelle's first steps walking, rather than being consumed by self-goals and tasks, taking time to be mindful right now seems paramount!

American society rushes through life, sometimes without appreciating the many blessings afforded to this country. New Year's Day becomes a resolution list, rather than another year to really live and celebrate presence over just more stuff to do. The responsibilities of life present enough stuff to do without adding to the pile of endless nothings. The days can seem long when stuck in a perpetual cycle of survival mode and paying bills. With a bit of fun and maybe even doing something for oneself, the year can be transformed into a period of jubilee.

As some readers know, my grandfather, Jim Cartee, Sr, died this past year. I wrote a blog entry to commemorate and honor his memory. His death was instant in my experience. One minute he was here, healthy, and living a good life. And then, he was gone. It made me realize that we should appreciate every blessing and every minute of life. We never know if today will be our last. We must recognize with newfound awareness that today is a gift, and tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. Living with this intentional awareness makes us appreciate where we are right now. 

These photos were some of my favorite captured moments this holiday season. These pictures capture the essence and joy of life in the present.

(Lisa and I attended the annual Festival of Trees in Knoxville, a fundraiser for the children’s hospital.)

(Residents in Knoxville really know how to decorate!)

(Jace sports his smile in a bowtie.)

(Jace looks his usual cute self in a snowman toboggan.)

(We dreamed of a White Christmas and thus received it in Nashville.)

(Lisa and I attended the Zoolumination event in Nashville, Tennessee at the zoo. The decorations represent historic Asian symbols and villages.)

(Jace enjoys hanging out with Michaela, one of our closest friends in Nashville.) 

(Annabelle loves all her presents from Aunt Allison, my sister. Annabelle and Jace were especially blessed this Christmas by many people.)

(We tried to get the Christmas family portrait. Sometimes it works. Sometimes not so much.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration #JamesCartee #Christmas #MerryChristmas #lifelessons #NewYears #resolution #resolve