You're right, Norm! Thanks! I wish I could someday raft down the Colorado River! Man, that would be the dream trip for me. But, not with other tourists. I love people and all. But, just would rather go with one or two like Ed Abbey did before they plugged it up with Lake Powell.

Hi Tikanas! I'll answer to this! My Diet Chat name is Wild_Chicken because one of my favorite things to hear and see are the wild chickens, while hiking in one of my favorite places, Kauai. Some people call me BJ, my initials, but I prefer to be called Wild_Chicken to keep my privacy in case any of my relatives or friends are lurking in on me! :) Married, I have 4 kids, all girls, and no pets. My interests change every year, as I am always trying some new hobby or sport that I find I enjoy! I immerse myself in it for a year or more and I'm off to something else. However, I have always enjoyed hiking in whatever place I'm visiting. I hike at a fast pace and enjoy it! I like taking a camera and getting nature shots while I'm out there. I love talking with my kids, hot climates, watching things grow, seeing GOOD, non-violent movies, and cooking meals for people. I like reading in a library setting and get a library card at the local library as soon as I hit town! Lastly, I like to believe you're never too old for anything if you're in shape to try it...so take care of your health and see a doc yearly! As far as weight and diet goes, I am on a HER athlete-based sort of a plan: whole foods, no preservatives, and I eat SMALL meals every 3 or 4 hours, about 6 meals a day total. I try to combine a little protein and carb in each meal. This has keep me on track and I'm not hungry. Most of my food is refrigerator stuff, fresh and from the outside aisle in the grocery: veggies, fruit, whole grain, nutty bread, yogurt, and nuts. This, I find, keeps me CHARGED UP and ready to go! It also reminds me to get out there and MOVE! I have lost over 50 pounds (on WW, SS, and the HER althlete-based plan) and have 12 more pounds to lose B4 I'm at goal! I am hypothyroid and take meds for that; it doesn't make losing weight any easier! I detest sit-ups and push-ups, but try to do them anyway....lol.

It has been a while since we went however there is still plenty of things for you and your young family to do. Isnt Dollywood in that area. I havent been ther but i heard it is fun. There are also plenty of shops and i do remember riding a chair lift up a mountain. That was alot of fun. A word of caution, When i went my kids were very young too. I noticed this man was following us throughout the stores. I knew something was up and i started to yell at him. He then ran away. I approached a police officer and he told me he was probably trying to steal my diaper bag which was positioned between the seats of the double stroller. He said it happens all the time. Be safe where ever you travel.

My sister got a call today with an offer for her dream job. Who gets a job offer on a holiday? Yesterday was the first anniversary of the death of her twin sister (my sister too). We think that her twin pulled some strings for her to get the offer today. Otherwise, she would have had to wait at least 2 weeks for another orientation session.