Road Trip - Memphis

As we left Kentucky and headed into Tennessee the rain finally stopped and we had beautiful weather once again. We stopped somewhere in the middle of Tennessee to have lunch at Loretta Lynn's Kitchen. A little restaurant with tons of Loretta Lynn memorabilia and a pretty tasty buffet. Good thing about the kids being so little was that most places we went the kids ate free.


We called ahead to Memphis and made a reservation in downtown Memphis at a hotel close to the restaurant we wanted to eat at. Here's the view from our room!

We saw this restaurant featured on Man vs Food as one of the best places to get BBQ. It was so close to our hotel that as we were swimming in the pool we could see and smell the smoke from the BBQ wafting over us. It was amazing. If you find yourself in Memphis definitely check out Charles Vergo's Rendezvous.

"walkin' in Memphis"

and running in Memphis!

Beale Street. Reminded me of Bourbon St in New Orleans and 6th St in Austin. Definitely the place to be for the night life. There were walk up stands that you could get frozen drinks and beers at. We got a drink and found a place to sit and listen to live music.



The next morning we woke up to a fire alarm and saw a ton of fire trucks down below, but still didn't feel the need to evacuate.

We were right across the street from the world famous Peabody Hotel. Its the one that has ducks in the lobby.
It was Thursday and we had planned on getting back home on Saturday but we felt like we'd had enough, so we went to Graceland on our way out of town then made the big push home. Both kids had fallen asleep by the time we drove the ten minutes to Graceland and we debated whether to get out and see it or not. We are really glad we did, it was really neat to see the inside of the house. Nothing has changed at all since Elvis died and its really a unique time capsule.

Dining Room

Living Room


His parent's room on the first floor. We weren't allowed to see the upstairs because Elvis never allowed guests upstairs.

Media Room.

Jungle Room.

Pool. I wanted to jump in, it was a HOT day.

Front of the house.

Even though we were on our way home I still wanted to stop in Natchez, MI and see my favorite antebellum home there. I had gone before when I was a kid and the house really made an impression on me. We got to Natchez at dinner time so we thought we'd stop and have a nice dinner. Both boys were asleep when we got there, we got them out of the car and they both cried for 45 minutes straight. We gave up and just left but not before driving by Rosalie, it was still as beautiful as I remembered!



Next Stop: Home Sweet Home

Ohio and Kentucky

When we left Michigan and headed south it started to rain, and rain, and rain. We had to stop under an overpass for a little while because it was getting impossible to even see the road. We got to Mansfield, OH where Kirby was able to visit the memorial of AJ Vandayburg.

We then headed to Columbus.

The next day we had lunch at Schmidt's an awesome German restaurant thats been around since 1886. We actually ate there once before in 2007 when we went to OH to visit some friends. Since then I've seen it on a bunch of travel shows and was excited to go back.


Horse mounted police in the old German town part of Columbus.


The weather seemed nice when we left Columbus but as we headed into Kentucky it began raining again. Camping was out so we found a Bed and Breakfast in Cave City, KY.


Cave City was a totally unplanned stop but we were happy we got to see the area and they had an awesome Dinosaur park.






Next Stop: Memphis, TN

Road Trip - South Bend, IN and Northville, MI

Our next stop took us to South Bend, Indiana to visit Kirby's college pals Kris and Rachel. We had a great time hanging out, grilling, and relaxing with them. It was great to get off the road for a couple days.

Potawatomi Zoo



Oliver had a great time with the Morgan's daughter Leila and he even warmed up to their very big dog Lucy. She's a great dane and has the best disposition. So pretty.


After leaving the Morgan's we drove up to Michigan stopping briefly in Hillsdale to see the campus of Hillsdale College where Kirby went. Then we were off to Northville to see Will and Steff. Will is another college buddy of Kirby's.
Here we are enjoying a kid free dinner courtesy of their babysitter extraordinaire!

Had a BBQ with another couple that Kirby went to school with Jim and Leigha, here's the guys and kiddos with a "funny face" picture.

The Ladies.

Road Trip - Saint Louis, MO

We finally made it to St Louis, too bad it was a month after Andrew and Sara moved away:( But it is a place I'd always wanted to visit and I'm glad we got the chance. We went to Grant's Farm in the morning. It was the perfect size for small kids. Dashel was able to walk around the whole time. Plus they are at the age that once they see an animal they are ready to move on, which was good because it was HOT.

Looking at the map deciding where to go first.

On the tram.

Grant's cabin, I think.

We had to stop at one point to get the buffalo out of the way.


Petting the goats.

Kids with kids. haha

Loved the turtle.

Bald eagles are a big favorite.

Aaaah Beer. Dash really liked his too.

We drove into downtown to see the Arch.

Both kids fell asleep on the way there, Dashel was able to stay sleeping...

Oliver just stayed grumpy.


We ate lunch at the first place we could walk too since it was super hot and I was carrying Oliver. Turned out to be a great restaurant called Caleco's.


Next Stop South Bend, IN