The kids and I just returned from TN with my dad and L where we visited my brother. He is interning at my former workplace there. It was a great visit! Here's a short summary...
On the way down we broke up the drive in Brown County, IN. Great state park, fun town - go if you have the chance!
Before dinner the kids had to trial the playground. We aren't quite sure what A and K did to it, but this one was closed the rest of our visit. Yikes...Keelyzilla is just a nickname...she might be taking it too seriously!
The state park is littered with awesome views. Winding down the 4 mile long road to the campground once in the park, on each side of the truck we saw this:
God's handiwork is breathtaking!
Wednesday night we ate at the Muddy Boots Cafe. Rustic aura, live music - and they have games for the kiddos to play while waiting for food. Definite plus!
Thursday morning we attended the state parks Nature Center, and learned a lot about pond life. Since A's current fascination centers on frogs, she was super excited to see tadpoles in real life.
They learned about pond life that sustains itself, as well as the pond life that feeds off of other animals. Quite interesting.
After, we drove into the town of Nashville, IN and toured the city. Full of unique and fun art, and good handmade ice cream. Baby J proceeded to poop on everything I had brought, prompting a quick dash to clothe the naked baby.
Wednesday afternoon we traveled into Columbus to see L's cousin's family that we discovered lived down there. Her cousin's daughter just had a baby girl 7 weeks old. J thought that was pretty sweet.
The playland at the Commons where we met was a bit frightening (read: very tall structure), but awesomely free. Look closely, there's A at the very top in the blue rectangle! My brave girl...
Soon afterwards, K thought she'd try it. Turns out she's not so keen on heights...
Friday dawned warmer and grew into steamy hotness. We drove to Nashville and took a dip in the pool at the campground. It felt heavenly.
But it was even better to see Ryan!!!
We love this boy :)
Saturday morning we woke up early and traveled downtown to watch Dad, L, and Ry run the Dash for Dads - a fundraising 5K for Prostate Cancer. Ry, bless his heart, forgot his shoes and still ran a stellar race. Congrats on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th place age group finishes! Y'all rock!
After nearly cutting K's toe off in the stroller wheel (really just a slight scratch, but enough to scare me), and some awesome arm art, we returned to the campground for showers.
Saturday afternoon we traveled back to Nashville to eat at McDougal's Chicken. Super hot outside, but gnawing on a thick chicken sandwich on the patio was a treat. I will admit, I'm not sure what was hotter - the Buffalo sauce on my sandwich (Mmmmmmmmm.....!!) or the temp outside. I think my nose started running.
Anyway.
Afterwards we shot over to Centennial park to see what was hopping. An art fair and music fest in the park, of course!
3 clay figurines and 3 lost balloons later, we met Ry's host parents for dinner at their house. We ate nummy pulled chicken and scrumptious cold corn salad stuff (need to get that recipe). His host parents are super sweet, and the girls loved playing house while the adults talked.
Sunday - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY and HAPPY BIRTHDAY RY! we attended church with Ry. Quick fun fact: the church he's attending is on former lead Newsboy singer grounds, and former former plantation grounds. Love the history around Nashville.
Sunday lunch we met up with my dear friends Tiffany and Colin, and for the first time met their now 2 year old daughter C. Can't wait to see your baby boy in October, and it sure was good to see you guys!
Sunday afternoon we tried to come up with something to do. The Hermitage was too expensive for 2 hours, so we toured the gift shop and went on.
The Opryland Hotel was a definite hit.
Ry and I returned at night to see the sights in the dark. We sat in on a musical fountain. I love musical fountains. Find them mesmerizing, for some reason.
Well Ry, it was grand seeing you. Can't wait until you're back in town, but we are so glad we got the chance to visit you down there!
Baby J is glad to be home I think, but he misses his Uncle. I know, he told me.
