An Opry Christmas

The Opryland Hotel is one of the more impressive landmarks in Nashville.  At Christmastime, it becomes even more amazing with the addition of thousands of lights and decorations. 

giant tree

When I first learned of my Grandparents and Mom's visit, I immediately looked up when the Christmas displays would open at the hotel as I knew they would all love it.  Luckily, they were set to arrive on opening weekend.  We decided to also add a trip to the Grand Ole Opry to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes.  While my Grandparents had seen the show years ago, it was a first for the rest of us.  We all absolutely loved the show.  I am adding it to my Christmas must-do list for all future holiday seasons. 

outside the Opry

ready for the show

After the show, we walked around the gorgeous hotel and left feeling ready for Christmas. 

Nashville visitors

Because we love Nashville so much, we are always excited to introduce our city to first time visitors.  This past weekend we were lucky enough to have my Dad, Cindy and Alex (not a first timer) for a visit.  Alex and I started our Friday afternoon with lunch at one of East Nashville's new hotspots- The Pharmacy: Burger Parlor and Beer Garden.  It was a gorgeous afternoon and we enjoyed our visit at one of the picnic tables in their big outdoor area.  They have a large and very reasonably priced beer selection and lots of burger options to choose from.

lucky bucket ipa (yum!) and red rye something-or-other

classic burger + sweet potato fries

After lunch we headed home to meet Mike and await the arrival of the others. We had a  nice evening grilling and eating on the deck followed by an entertaining game of Guesstures. 

Saturday morning we were up early (thank you Ellie) for a run and some homemade doughnuts.  I brought everyone into the clinic to show off some of what I do every day.

mold room... those are lungs ;)

thanks Dad for the super attractive pics ;)

We walked around Vandy for a quick campus tour, had a picnic lunch and tried not to freeze to death.

college campuses have such weird statues

Our next stop was downtown for a few of our favorite Honky Tonks.

at legends

at legends

honky tonk row

edge of town

$1 PBRs at laylas... that were actually $2.50- lame.

shuffleboard tables

shuffleboard champ pose?

We finished the night with dinner downtown and were up early on Sunday to fight the lines at Pancake Pantry (for more eating!).  Alex headed out for his drive home a little after breakfast and the rest of us spent an afternoon picnicking at Arrington Vineyards.

It was a great weekend and we hope for more visitors again soon :)

Fourth of July

Between starting working full time (and then some), traveling, and entertaining out of town guests, my blogging has been majorly slacking.

Our holiday weekend was a fabulous one.  We loved getting to spend time with my Mom and big brother Ryan, wife Milissa and the kids.  Plus, there's nothing better than having your family in town for your birthday (especially two years in a row)!  Here's a photo summary of our time...

we made cake balls

and sugar cookies.

Corn on the cob helpers.

Opryland hotel

lots of help opening presents

playing with bubbles

new favorite toy

funny

sharing a drink water at the honky tonks

meeting ol' rusty

cutest cowboys in downtown nashville

opryland hotel

jeep trip

"goin' out with my boots on"

turning 25! ah!

at home firework show

dslr + sparklers = endless entertainment

wizards?

please be impressed.  we took at least 58 of these before one looked right... I won't name any names...

peeing

spiral

who can guess???

happy fourth!

RWB dresses!

spending my birthday, with my mom, at the Stage. So fun!

with the boy

batman building.

BEST fireworks ever! love.

It was such a fun few days and I'm so, so happy to have been able to share it with everyone.  The house was very quiet after everyone returned home.  Ellie excitedly looked for the kids for quite a few days afterward.  I think she misses them as much as we do.

More recaps coming up soon!