Fall Bound Vacations – Ark Encounters and Cincinnati Parks

(Overlooking Cincinnati, the family and I posed for a picture atop the roof of Rhinegeist Brewery.) 

Typically, Lisa and I take Jace and Annabelle to a football game in South Carolina on a short vacation over a long weekend in the fall. Over my fall break this season, we desired to take a family trip centered on time together, some fun activities outside, and going to museums. Like many sports enthusiasts, I enjoy attending a good Saturday college football game. However, on some weekends, I try to focus on events where I can spend more time with my family instead of watching sports. For instance, taking Jace (a 1-year-old) and Annabelle (a 3-year-old) to a college football game is not necessarily a wise choice. When each child was a baby, we could take them to any type of event, including sports and concerts. When Jace and Annabelle grew up into active walkers, their mobility became a whole new ballgame!  

With these thoughts in mind, we ventured from our hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee to Cincinnati, Ohio, during the first weekend in October. I recently heard positive feedback from a friend about northern Kentucky and the city of Cincinnati, including the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum. The Ohio River serves as the state line that separates these regional areas in Ohio and Kentucky. So, we rented a house in Covington, Kentucky, a town located just across the bridge from downtown Cincinnati. In past years, Lisa and I usually took a short trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary in October. While this trip was meant to serve mainly as a family vacation, we set aside moments to commemorate and remember our marriage. Anniversaries remind us to be grateful for one another in the adventures that we share together.  

In northern Kentucky near Cincinnati, the towns of Ludlow, Covington, and Newport have their own places of interest and tourist sites. If we had only stayed on this side of the Ohio River (across the skyline of Cincinnati), we would have been plenty busy with the hidden treasures that northern Kentucky bestows upon its many visitors.

We arrived in Covington from Knoxville at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET. After a long day of traveling, at the recommendation of our Airbnb host, we ate at the Fort Mitchell Public House. The building that Fort Mitchell Public House resides in possesses a long local history. It was initially built in the early 1900s as a private residence. In the 1940s, it was converted into a restaurant called The Hearthstone. The Hearthstone was a popular spot for many years, but it eventually closed in the 1980s.

The building sat vacant for approximately two decades until Mike Hang purchased it. To restore the building as an original public house from the early 1900s, he renovated the building and opened Fort Mitchell in November 2015. A large outdoor patio with comfortable seating surrounded a courtyard, especially for families with energetic children after a four-and-a-half-hour car ride. As an appetizer, we ordered the loaded Saratoga chips, a wholesome dish of handmade potato chips with made-from-scratch BBQ sauce, queso, tomatoes, and green onions. I honestly thought Annabelle would eat the chips with whole mouthfuls. Instead, she was captivated by the outdoor environment of streetlamps and other patrons in their best Sunday dress clothes. I ordered the fish tacos made with blackened whitefish, flour tortillas, corn salsa, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Lisa ordered the spicy black bean burger on a gluten-free bun with fries. The burgers were made daily by the head chef with black beans, corn, brown rice, chili, fresh corn salsa, and pickles. We ate food at some unique, established landmarks; however, Lisa and I agreed that this restaurant was our favorite place to eat during our five-day vacation.

After a quick trip to the grocery store, we finally reached our Airbnb rental house. The neighborhood where the historic home resided was quaint, with quiet streets and one-family homes surrounded by large oak trees. The home had three bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, and a large den for the kids to play with their toys. Jace is obsessed with dirt, hence why he is often filthy from playing outside these days. This house had several soiled plants with pots inside the house. So, I baby-proofed the house to keep Jace from playing in the dirt of each pot and throwing it across rooms like marbles. It can definitely make a huge mess when playing with the soil inside. For reasons unknown to young parents, the dream of a one-year-old boy is to make messes for Mom and Dad to constantly clean up.

On Saturday, we got an early start to visit the Ark Encounter, the modern-day museum that displays Noah's ark in a life-size replica of the boat. Before going inside the ship, the kids rode a carousel. The landscape of the grounds surrounding the ark was amazing. It reminded me of the picturesque blossoms and flowers at Disney World or Dollywood. While the ark itself was the main attraction, the Ark Encounter resembled a theme park with a zoo. The ark paralleled a long, enormous barge at sea. It was huge!   

In addition to the ground level, the ark encompassed three floors. There were spaces where Noah’s family lived, and the animals were stored in baskets, cages, and other containers. The boat was built to the exact specifications of the Bible, and the nautical operations of the boat were also thoroughly explained. It seemed like there were millions of available details and information tidbits in the museum. So, one day alone does not suffice to fully appreciate the craftsmanship and history of the ark, even if exploring the ship for five to six hours. Annabelle and Jace lasted about four hours, which I was pleasantly surprised to see. Annabelle wanted to stop and stare at every scene, statue, and fake animal in the museum. The exhibits included information about Noah’s life, a blacksmith shop, animal care, the animal species carried in the boat, dinosaurs, and educational films in multiple theaters. The ark's size and the volume of included knowledge about this historical event were overwhelming, to say the least.

While skipping our usual lunch time, our ark museum adventure made us hungry. We ventured to a southwestern-themed outdoor restaurant. It was a cooler day without extreme heat because of the fall weather. I had chicken tacos, despite just having fish tacos the previous evening at the Fort Mitchell Public House. Lisa ordered a burrito bowl with rice, black beans, cheese, vegetables, and chicken. Annabelle and Jace also ate tacos. There were plenty of places to get food in the park, especially since our visit turned into a full-day excursion. Annabelle loves animals. So, we visited the zoo before leaving the grounds. The zoo had several types of animals, including birds, lemurs, reptiles, kangaroos, a petting zoo, and several other creatures.

For a simple yet tasty dinner, we ate at Chick-fil-A before returning to the Airbnb. While we do not eat at Chick-fil-A often, our kids really like their food. We quickly gave the kids baths and put them to bed after the long day of festivities.

On Sunday, I really wanted to venture into downtown Cincinnati, so we could take in some of the local sites on the other side of the state line between northern Kentucky and Ohio. We rested in the early morning and left our Airbnb around lunchtime to eat at The Findley Market, which resembled The Quincy Market in Boston, Massachusetts. Like the structure of an open-air narrow warehouse, Findley contained a food marketplace with cuisine vendors from all over the world. Chefs made these meals fresh on the spot for those looking for an affordable meal with a delectable taste. Like a food court, the advantage is that anyone can find an interesting delicacy one might savor. The market is filled with businesses and chefs taking orders from hundreds of people, all there for the same purpose to enjoy the local flavors. There were a few open tables to sit down and eat. I got the impression many people arrived to order food on the go. There was live music outside, and there were several local shops to buy souvenirs. There were also some artists with outdoor tents. Lisa and I finally found a table for all four of us to sit down outside. I ate an Italian sub. The kids had deluxe grilled cheese sandwiches. Lisa ate some grilled lemon pepper chicken with fried rice and vegetables. All the food choices were excellent!  

After spoiling our taste buds at the Findlay Market, we walked over to the Rhinegeist Brewery to drink some local brews (gluten-free cider for Lisa) and socialize with more Cincy locals. Rhinegeist inhabited an entire city block in a building that was over one hundred years old. Similar to the interior of an old factory, the brewery's interior was larger than a football field with a rooftop bar. Of course, there were cornhole boards, indoor swings, and other family festive activities. We stayed at the brewery for a couple of hours, and the kids loved playing indoors, like an outdoor playground. It was lightly sprinkling rain outside. So, Lisa and I ventured into Deeper Roots Coffee Shop until we could walk back to the parking garage. I did not drink any coffee. Lisa drank the barista’s seasonal version of a Pumpkin Spice Latte. The coffee shop provided a chill place to relax until the sprinkles subsided to go back to the car.   

To visit the Findlay Market and the Rhinegeist Brewery, Lisa and I parked at Washington Park in central downtown Cincinnati. We brisked quickly through the park. It was another spacious outdoor green space with unique visuals and walkways that added to the memorable décor and scenery of the city.

We ventured next to Smale Riverfront Park, which had unique playground features. Annabelle loves slides, and several slides were etched into small hills within the park, rather than having a traditional playground that includes handmade structures with slides. Smale Park bordered the Ohio River with an impressive view of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Paycor Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds, were within close walking distance of the popular green space. There was a rope bridge, several metal musical instruments, a walk-on keyboard, an Oinkithopter (a flying pig that kids climb on and into), and several streams and water play areas for kids.  

It was quickly getting dark outside. So, we spent less time in Smale Park than we had initially hoped for. I promised Annabelle we would come back first thing the next morning. We were surprisingly hungry again, quicker than usual. We wandered into a restaurant called The Yard House. It was an upscale sports bar that just so happened to welcome families with young children. I ate chicken nachos, and Lisa ate ahi tuna with asparagus on the side. We ordered Annabelle some chicken fingers. Typically, Jace eats off our plates, and we share with him, even though he has a considerable appetite to consume his own food now. The food and the service at The Yard House were exceptional! We stumbled upon this restaurant by accident mainly because it was close to Smale Park and within walking distance.

As promised, we took Annabelle back to Smale Park the next morning, walking approximately three miles on the sidewalk along the river. Annabelle played for another hour in the park, mainly on the slides. It was nice enjoying the park without being in a rush.

For budgetary reasons, we ate lunch at Taco Bell and then proceeded to the Creation Museum. The Creation Museum was part of a three-day combo ticket with The Ark Encounter. There were several exhibits at the museum, including information about how Intelligent Design compares and contrasts with evolution. I remember enjoying some of the displays and statues of dinosaurs and the development of babies in a mother's womb. Much of the tour involved more information about Noah's Ark, dragon legends, an insectarium, the history of the Bible, and other creative exhibits. Like the Ark Encounter, there was a smaller zoo and botanical gardens on the museum grounds. Again, I enjoyed both the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. It was evident that the responsible engineers and designers invested many resources in these tourist destinations. If you visit these sites, the three-day pass is a logical choice, given that it takes hours to tour these museums and truly enjoy them. Set aside at least one day for the Ark Encounter and at least one additional day for the Creation Museum.  

We ate dinner after the Creation Museum at The Hebron Grill, another locally owned restaurant. Surprisingly, our kids were terrific in all the restaurants we attended. I was proud of their well-behaved demeanor in these public places. I ordered the southern fried chicken parm, and Lisa ordered a salad with salmon. Annabelle had pasta with marinara sauce, and Jace shared all of our dishes once again. I was impressed with the restaurant selections in northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. We ate very well and enjoyed our many meals together as a family. 

We returned to our Airbnb in the early evening, where we watched the movie, Kung Fu Panda, with the kids. Our sweet and short time away was coming to a close since we had to head back home the following day, Tuesday. Even one month after taking this trip, Lisa and I are still talking about how much fun we had with the kids on this trip, spending time together as a family. As parents, we have decided to intentionally stop and savor every precious moment with our children. As life moves forward in time, each passing moment is a fleeting gift that warrants appreciation to the fullest extent.

Browse our favorite photo moments from our memorable trip below. 

(You can imagine the vast size of the Rhinegeist Brewery with this picture.)

(Rhinegeist Brewery resembled a playground for the kids. They played there for a good while.)

(After several hours exploring Cincinnati, the kids were worn out from the day’s many adventures.) 

(Annabelle championed the slides at Smale Park.)

(Near Smale Park, these Cincinnati fountains brighten the evening for a picturesque scene.)

(The family poses in front of the ark at the Ark Encounter.)

(Annabelle and Jace enjoy watching the animals in the zoo at the Ark Encounter.)

(Jace smiles while petting goats in the zoo at the Ark Encounter.)

(Annabelle slides down the hills at Smale Park several times.)

(John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge sets the scene over the Ohio River, viewing from the Cincinnati side.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family # Cincinnati # CincinnatiOH #Ohio #NorthernKentucky #Kentucky #ArkEncounter #CreationMueseum #SmalePark #adventures #destinations #memories #story #inspiration #JamesCartee #goodness #faith #vacation #legacy #travel #JamesCartee #JamesLCarteeIII 

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

The Creation of Life versus the End of Our Journey – Miracles All Around

 (Annabelle and Jace hang out in the crib together.)

As I read previous blog entries about the births of my children, the creation of life is a beautiful memory! Many years ago, I vividly remember visiting my grandmother, who at the time suffered from cancer, coming to the end of her life journey. Put simply, I have often come to the extremes of individual life spans…the start and the end. I see the newfound energy of Baby Jace, my son, with his cuteness exposed in his plush red cheeks. Each family member cuts in line and argues over who will hold him next. This imagery of Jace is a drastic comparison to the grandmother I saw run a marathon for almost eighty-five years until diagnosed with cancer. She clearly struggled with the challenges of the illness. As I have experienced miracles in my life through my own survival, I have become a miracle by persisting to live. I choose to get up each day, and I choose to keep moving forward. If I can live daily without giving up the fight, then anyone who believes in this same positive mantra can do the same.  

If I am not feeling happy all the time, I sometimes look down on myself. This is neither healthy nor productive. In my day-to-day routine, I do not always feel like the character, Tigger, from the famous cartoon, Winnie-the-Pooh. In fact, I sometimes feel drastically different than how Tigger is portrayed in the show. Some days I am definitely not bouncing off walls with contagious enthusiasm.

Recently, I have witnessed that my lows are really not that low at all. Many exist in worse predicaments than all of us, even if we face adverse circumstances. I expect my daily moments to constantly feel like holding a newborn baby, fresh and exciting. This perpetual feeling thus becomes never-ending with good days every day. However, for most of us, that is not life or our own experienced reality. As the reader, please do not mistake the feeling of being down versus choosing your daily attitude, especially in hard times. These mentalities are distinctly different. Those who feel down may also choose the attitude they personify, positive or negative, for better or worse.

Most believers consider the birth of life to be a miracle. Much like birth, God consistently performs miracles for those who need healing from diseases and serious injuries. I believe the occurrence of a miracle transpires from a prayer request and in the confidence that God will answer that prayer request.

I recall asking for past miracles of healing that God may or may not have answered. These prayers resulted in emotional pleas of sorrow, confusion, and frustration. On the other hand, in the next moment, I experienced the miracle of birth that resulted in emotional prayers of gratefulness (a healthy baby). On one hand, the dualistic relationship serves as a spiritual high through the creation of life. On the flip side, I then experience down feelings of what eventually becomes inevitable for every human, death. The celebration of life mixes with a sad feeling to see one eventually go to a heavenly home.

As I have seen many times in my journey, life comes and goes with miracles through the in-between periods. Some miracle prayer requests are answered, while some remain unanswered.

If you experience misery and loathe each day, life may pass you by. And amidst the grief, you become discouraged as I have in my own past experiences. One might consider these feelings normal for human beings at certain times in life. In other words, we all feel these mixed emotions.

When you give your very best to change whatever creates this experienced misery, the miracle of God's Glory becomes magnified. If you do not give in, if you do not give up, if you do not quit, your spiritual heart knows that God has more for you. In the daily decision a person makes to get up and never give in, good things will start to come. Give God everything you got in the goals and directions that you pursue, and a favorable blessing will eventually emerge. In this pursuit, enjoy the breaks to create, celebrate, and dedicate time to those you love.

This mentality becomes vital at the beginning of one life with birth and the end of another person's life with death. Even if you do not enjoy what you do in your day-to-day routine, you will at least enjoy these precious moments with your loved ones. That may be where the real joy always lies – encountering those cherished few people you leave in the morning and those you return to in the evening. The in-between times during work hours may only serve one purpose for now - to pay the bills. Then even in a day's time, we realize that miracles come at both the beginning and the end of our days, much like the birth and death of a life.

With the experience of these beginning and end miracles, we can all become a Tigger! We can glorify God with the attitude we choose to possess by observing the good around us at the beginning and end of a hard day’s work.   

These tiny humans bring me daily joy at the beginning and end of my many hectic days. Enjoy more pictures displaying their incredible cuteness.

(Jace’s smile brightens my day.)

(When asleep, Jace is so quiet. He is not quiet most of the time while awake.)

(Annabelle rides the rhino at the Knoxville Zoo. Much like her mama, Lisa, Annabelle loves animals!)

(Annabelle was seriously tired after a half-day at the Knoxville Zoo. She clearly had a good time.)

(Jace’s feet are still so small. I try my best to cherish these moments.)

(While visiting the grandparents, G-Daddy reads Annabelle a book before bedtime.)

(Annabelle drives the firetruck at the Discovery Center Children’s Museum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

(Annabelle places G-Daddy’s famed headband on Jace’s head for a photo opportunity.)

#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family #destinations #memories #story #inspiration #JamesCartee #goodness #lessons #family #blessings

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