Long Time, No See

Normally Scott’s mom comes to visit Mason and Morgan. Last year due to our Australia adventure, we were unable to schedule her annual trip. Now that our children have become jet setters, we decided to visit Grandma ReRe in Tennessee. Scott grew up in a tiny town called McMinnville where his mom still resides. We decided the best place to meet would be in Nashville, only a short hour and a half drive away. The kids were thrilled to see her as well as the treats she always provides. Within minutes of our reunion, we were off to our first stop: Fort Nashborough.

The word “fort” conjures up images of a sizable stronghold. Not the case here. It’s a small settlement hidden behind the modern architecture of the big city. Soldiers no longer grace the entrance of this fort, just the homeless. We did not stay long due the stench of urine permeating throughout the area. Thankfully we had a long list of things to explore in Nashville. Next stop: Belle Meade Plantation.


Side Note: On our way to Belle Meade, Grandma ReRe told Morgan a story of how she and her sisters would get into so much trouble in the department stores for trying on hats. Oh how they loved wearing those big, fancy hats! I thought Morgan could continue that tradition once we arrived at the gift shop, and was able to sneak in a few photos of our hat-capade! And this time no one got in trouble.

Talk about your typical southern setting… beautiful clear blue skies, front porch, rocking chair, cool breeze – the only things missing was a nice tall glass of ice tea and a dog panting by your feet (Stole that from ya’, Amy C.!) Our tour guide of the mansion was full of dry humor. Thankfully our large tour group found his style funny. I guess the past year of dragging Mason and Morgan through museums and tours paid off. Their behavior was superb. Mason even asked questions about the antique home. There was even an interesting quest for the kids. Whoever could find the rat (fake) in the kitchen would win a prize. Talk about motivation! Both kids did and received a small bag of plastic horses. (You’ll understand why in just a moment.) It was a hot day though. Poor Marie was having a hard time keeping up with us. She enjoyed sitting underneath the stunning magnolia trees watching all of us explore the gardens. When in Nashville definitely make this a stop on your trip. It was interesting to hear the history of this home and land which raised racing horses. Sea Biscuit belongs to this long prestigious racing breed line. Needless to say between the warm day and non-stop exploring, all of us needed a nap.

Once refreshed, it was time to own up to the promise we made to our children – a boat ride. We originally planned on the General Jackson Showboat, but due to the fact of the three hour commitment to stay on that boat, we decided to choose a 15 minute cruise inside an incredible hotel, The Gaylord Opryland. Let’s just say that if we had not promised the kids this special treat, we most likely would have passed it up. Very expensive for what you get. All in all though it was worth it to see how much Mason and Morgan enjoyed it. We topped it all off with ice cream and watching line dancing. We were beat!