The Music Capital of the World

Last week we vacationed in Nashville, TN. A year ago we drove through Nashville and dreamed of vacationing there one day. Last week it became reality. Despite the 110 + degree weather we had quite the terrific time. We went spelunking in Mammoth Cave (with a tour guide) and boating on a platoon {cook out and all}.  We watched Alyssa blow hot dog chunks out of her mouth all over Erik's shoulder at the local mall food court and we listened to Craig Campbell sing Family Man at the Grand Ole Opry. Did you know Nashville had a flood in 2010? A flood that put the mall out of commission for 2 years!?! And now it is in serious dry drought. The grass was dry and the air HOT!

Alyssa and Maria hanging out in the loft.

Nashville Visitor's Center and Hockey Arena

Music City! {We now have a renewed love for country music.}

DougDocta is throwing Erik the Villain off the GIANT locomotive.

Green Room at the Grand Ole Opry

GOO

We said good bye to Doug. He's now in the MTC, commiserating with Ben(?). And we said see ya later to everyone else because our next vacation is 2 sleeps away! We are going to the Land of Fire to watch Zion burn in all of its glory and also to celebrate a wedding and see a few friends and families. We are blessed to travel so much this summer and spend time with those we love. It is fun to share all of Alyssa's sillies with everyone. She changes so much everyday! One day we are begging her to fold her arms during a prayer and the next day she just does it without even asking an consistently continues to do it. 

Bye Doug!

For the 4th of July we went hiking and swimming and firework chasing. We also had a great time with some of the friends in the area and their kids. Alyssa is the only girl amidst the dashing young suitors...all of which are very dashing and young. She gets along quite well though and loves telling them "hi!" For breakfast we made a flag coffee cake. Can you tell? There are rice squares for the stars and cream cheeses for the stripes! We love the 4th!

Alyssa is more interested in eating it than the picture.