Tennessee

We went to Tennessee two weeks ago and returned yesterday.  One of my favorite parts of the drive on I40 east to TN is crossing the Mississippi River into Memphis. My least favorite part is when you cross the Mississippi from Memphis into West Memphis, AR -- it's like cold water in your face.

I really try to take better pictures, but I'm not a photographer like Mike.  Either that or it's my camera. 

The boys love to splash around in the creek behind Nana and Papa's house.  Getting there is half the fun!

Grandpa Kenny and Karen came from Indiana to see us, too. One day, Great-Grandpa Clo (Poppy) had to check on something at the golf course, so Gaby went along for the ride and did some driving himself with Grandpa Kenny.

We had fun seeing the tractors, too!  

We went with Nana to see 'Toy Story 3' (it brought a huge lump in my throat). We also went swimming at her friend's house -- a most beautiful house on a hill.  Nana also prepared many home cooked meals and Mike and I both gained some weight!  What I love about Nana & Papa's house is the deck with her blooming flowers, the deer in the yard, and the fireflies at night ('lightnin' bugs'). 

Nana and Papa also had friends over to visit.  One night we went to Nashville to see our friends Jeff & Karen along with other old friends Bryant and Linda.  The kids had so much fun jumping on the trampoline (all three got over their fear and bounced away for most of the evening).  But what was most exciting was watching 'Meet the Robinsons' outside on the huge screen.

Last weekend Nana and Papa kept the boys so Mike and I could stay the night in Nashville.  We met up with our friends and went to Printers Alley and other fun places to hear great live music, something I've been craving for awhile.  We also got some much needed relaxation. Later that evening Mike asked me, "Do you hear that?" I said, "I don't hear anything. What is it?" And he said, "Silence." 

The Stogie Boys

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

Sleepy Jojo's foot

I wish I had taken more photos of everyone.  We had a great time and can't wait to see everyone soon.  Nana and Papa will be here for the Balloon Fiesta in a couple months and we're looking forward to their visit.

Oe, Oe, Oe!

Here's our little Spanish cutie, Diego (with friend), cheering on the World Cup Champions!

"Are They Going to Put Pinchy Things on Me?"

Gaby has many doctors: there's his physician, ENT doctor, allergist, and sleep disorders doctor. He is not a sickly child, but he has issues with sinuses, has had ear tubes, frequently has tonsilitis &/or strep while his brothers do not, and in the near future he may have to have his tonsils and/or adenoids removed, which required having a sleep study.

He did so well the other night when he had his sleep study at the lab. Mike went with him and said it took about a half hour to put the electrodes on his head, around his face, and around his stomach and lungs, and an oxygen monitor on the finger. They had time to watch 'Shrek' for about half an hour before lights going off at 10:00 PM and 'wake up call' at 5:30 AM. What a trooper he was.

And even though Gaby had all that goo in his hair and it was standing on end, they went for pancakes that morning. And then he was ready to go play with his cousins who are visiting this week from Dallas!