Sunday, August 22, 2021

Creative Camping


July 4, 2019, in the Smokies was a hoot.

That summer for the first time, Hubby and I joined a coastal Mississippi contingent of more than 40 relatives and friends. 

We all booked campsites at Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for July 4th week.

A nephew and his fellow firemen whipped up delicious breakfasts and suppers with others in the group contributing tasty sides and desserts.

The Independence Day rule that year was to join the group costumed as an American icon, whether real, fictional or non-human. 

Lady Liberty, Hollywood stars, fast-food items and well-known TV characters were among costumed campers gathered for breakfast, photos and a morning parade through the campground. 


Son Walt as the wrestler Rick Flair


Marilyn Monroe, AKA daughter-in-law Sarah, works on
our grandaughter Stella's braid for her Wizard of Oz character Dorothy


Nephew Ryan (right), as exercise guru Richard Simmons, leads the parade of campers.

Sister-in-law Anita with her husband and offspring

Anita came as a Brownie complete with the authentic beanie. Her costume choice triggered memories of days in the second grade when my mother and other moms volunteered to lead me and my friends in crafts and adventures. 

Eagle Scout and Rosie the Riveter
That's me as Rosie the Riveter next to my Eagle Scout. Never did get Rosie's polka dot head gear tied right!


Hubby joined his sister in the Scouting theme. He actually is an Eagle Scout. He earned all those merit badges on his sash during his youthful scouting years. 

When 2020 rolled around, everyone congregated in Elkmont again. With COVID uncertainties, plans were fluid. That held for the 2021 Smoky's gathering, too.

Several things didn't change, though--good food, good fellowship and good fun!
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15 comments:

  1. what fun and i loved all the photos, if i were picking 1st place for costume I would pick Pocohontas. Every time I ever dressed up it was as a squaw, except when i was a witch in first 3 years of school,

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    1. If you have photos of you in those costumes I'm sure I'm not the only one who would love to see the Madsnapper in costume! Hope things are looking up for you and Bob!

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  2. What fun to see everyone's costumes. I don't know how she managed to find a dress that looks so much like the Marilyn one! The two of you are so cute!

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    1. My daughter-in-law definitely rocked as Marilyn. And everyone was in awe that she made it from her campsite to meeting site in high heels!

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  3. What great costumes and looks like everyone had a grand time. Sadly, that was the last time we could gather freely with no reservations.
    Great job as Rosie and I thought those probably were his medals when I saw the picture. Be proud.

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    1. Yep! Proud of him and he deserves a lot more medals for helping me to continue having adventures after my stroke!

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  4. Replies
    1. Great times indeed. We still meet up for July 4th week in the Smokies, but COVID has required a bit of simplifying the fun times.

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  5. That MUST have been loads of fun! Such great costumes!!!

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    1. Lots of laughter. My immediate and extended family are definitely creative!

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  6. Great costumes, and what a fun idea! My favorite is the Brownie. I’m sure you all made tons of memories.

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    1. Will have to let my sister-in-law know that one of my blogging friends ranked her costume your fav!

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  7. What a wonderful family gathering. I love all the creative costumes, you make a terrific Rosie the Riveter...
    Sue

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  8. Sounds like a very fun weekend.
    I enjoyed looking at all the costumes.

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