Thanksgiving

The whole gang is here! It has been a while since everyone has been able to attend a function at one time. There were 29 of us today - plus the newest member of the Stoves family - Timber. He's adorable. Other tidbits:

• We had new "official" members of the family join us. Beau, Jason, Ron, and Trace!
• Austin was late because he was saving his girlfriend's apartment from a potential flood. He's a hero.
• The weather has been unseasonably warm and we are in a drought, but that made for a great day. Highs in the 70s and no rain. 
• Rylie escaped, fought with a cat, disturbed the neighbors, was captured by Amanda and brought home.
• Kelsey shared wedding and honeymoon photos. So gorgeous. I think we all want to go to Hawaii now.
• She also shared old family photos and Linda was the historian of who was who.
• Firetrucks and other emergency vehicles went to the Scotts' house. Amanda and I had a better view from the Zinsenheims' sun room. 

Rylie's head is bigger than all of Timber.

Look closely - Brian left a cup in the lampshade. I can't wait to go to his house and leave objects in random places!

Mallory - neighbor/Zinsenheim cousin - came over to meet Timber.

Madison and Shelby's roommate's puppy also met Timber.

Nashville

Alan and I worked Mon. and Tues. and then headed to Nashville to meet Sara Lee and Kevin. We had a great time! 

Sara and Kevin - Let's do this again!

Tuesday evening - At the Opryland Hotel. It is beautiful inside.

Sara and Kevin in front of the waterfall.

Wednesday - The 50th CMA Awards. We didn't get tickets. Too expensive.

We did see Carrie Underwood walk in. We also saw Stevi Nicks, Clint Black, and Charlie Daniels enter.

Since we didn't get in, we went to the Wildhorse Saloon to watch the awards on the big screen. Granger Smith was playing afterwards, but he was too slow and we left before he started.

On Thursday - We played tourist and visited the Hermitage - home of Andrew Jackson. This is the garden area. 

The burial site of Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel in the garden area.

The back of the Hermitage. 

Tourist photo op

After lunch at Chuy's Tex Mex, we continued to play tourist by visiting the Grand Ole Opry. 

Thursday evening - We went to Broadway Street downtown and listened to music. This was our first stop. She was really good.

On Friday - We continued to play tourist and visited Fontanel Mansion - Barbara Mandrell's former home - The largest log home in the U.S. There is an indoor pool under the glassed area.

Alan and I in the master bedroom.

Alan trying on Kenny Chesney's jacket.

Playing Jerry Lee Lewis's piano in the Great Room.

Playing Buck Owen's guitar.

I have Miranda Lambert's guitar. 

We ate lunch at the Merchant's Restaurant on Broadway and then walked over to the Ryman Theater for a tour. It was the original home of the Grand Ole Opry.

We stood in line at the Blue Bird Cafe, but it didn't look like we would get in. Alan called the Ryman, which was sold out earlier, to see if there had been any cancellations. Six seats were now available. We debated about going. Thankfully, Sara Lee said "get the tickets". We saw Jamie Spears, Jamie Johnson and Allison Krause, Kristian Bush, AND surprise guests - Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood!!! Fabulous!

Saturday was our last day. We ate at Pharmacy Burger and then headed back to Broadway. A lot of motorcycles came down the street - including one with Santa.

And then it was time for our Redneck Comedy Tour. This was our last event before heading home.

And we made it back to Rylie. She missed us.