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.

October - Festhalle, Kelsey's wedding, Owl-o-ween

We have enjoyed October! The weather has been great. We celebrated Neida's 50th birthday with a weekend in Helen. We attended the Octoberfest celebration at Fest Hall on Friday night and the winery tour on Saturday.

The following weekend, Kelsey and Jason got married. It was beautiful. And once again, the weather was fabulous.

The next Friday was Amanda's last day at Publix. On Saturday, we went to Owl-o-Ween with the Ripleys. On Sunday, Lisa and Ron got married.

Labor Day 2016

Hurricane Matthew blew by on Friday - just to the east of us. We didn't know if we would have damage or not until we arrived on Saturday. NO damage. The patio furniture was blown to one side of the deck and that was all. The hurricane even blew the bugs away! But the Saunders and the Bells decided to stay home and clean up. They had more damage than we did. The Goulds just threw some limbs out of the way and plowed thru. They stopped at Publix in Tallahassee - it was a zoo. Apparently Tallahassee took a hit and power was out - except at this Publix.

Alex and Amanda joined us. Chloe brought a friend named Chloe. After Alex and Amanda left, Eric and Joe came down. We had a great weekend - even though the toilets backed up and Alan had to find his inner plumber. 

30th anniversary!

Today is our 30th wedding anniversary. Alan gave me a ring. It is beautiful. Then we celebrated by touring historic homes in Roswell. First we visited Bulloch Hall - where we were members of Gina and Steve's wedding party. They do not allow weddings in the house any more. Then we ate at Tafa's - very good. Clove in the tea. Yum. We then toured the Smith Plantation. The tour guide there was excellent. Finally the day was completed with a $1 movie - The Jungle Book.

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