Nashville

A couple of weeks ago, the Ripley family took a trip to Nashville for a week. Josh had a conference for work, and Norah and I tagged along to visit the city. My mom and Tanya (a coworker and friend) were there too. It was a fun week!

It was also Norah's first time to fly. She did pretty good, although she was very antsy and ready to be done by the time we landed in Nashville. Flying back was a bit more difficult for her. She was tired from a week of sightseeing and because of weather, our flight out of Dallas was delayed so we spent more time at the airport. You've never seen a girl more happy to be home than she was when we got home.

Here are some pictures from our trip:

Norah hanging out on the balcony of our room.

The view from our balcony.

She was showing me the waterfall.

Sculpture in the lobby.

Having lunch at Panera Bread.

Little movie star

In the Cascade Conservatory at the hotel.

We stayed at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. It was SO nice. There were several restaurants, gift shops, and themed areas. I thought it was a lot like a theme park, but without the rides. I really liked staying there.

Check out the moose head!

My Mom

Josh

Tanya

Me

"Hi pup!" Norah thinks all animals
(besides ducks) are pups.

The Garden Conservatory at the hotel.

Checking out the river in the Delta
Conservatory at the hotel.

Playing in the hotel room.

On Wednesday, we went to the Nashville Public Library for story time. I wish I could get across to you how awesome this story time was. There was singing, juggling, balancing objects on noses, drawing, puppets, jokes that were funny for the kids and parents, and of course stories. They did a lot to include the kids in the time. And Norah LOVED the puppets. She and I both had a blast. If we lived in Nashville, this story time would be a weekly must. Afterwards, there was a play area for the kids that Norah took advantage of.

Enjoying the library's toys.

"This place is fun!"

Tired girl, getting some lunch at the hotel.

Later that day, we went to a show at the Grand Ole Opry. So neat to say that we've been there. It was smaller than I expected. Even at the back of the room, we could see the singers and stage well because it was still so close. Montgomery Gentry, Diamond Rio, Jake Owen, and Trace Adkins all played. I think every girl there now has a crush on Jake Owen. Norah did not like it though. It was too loud for her. Josh ended up taking her back to the hotel (which was right next door) after Diamond Rio played. Maybe if she had stuck around for Jake Owen, she would have had more fun ;)

Inside the Opry. See? At the back and still close.

Norah's not even 2 and has already stood
on the Opry stage!

Montgomery Gentry

Diamond Rio

Jake Owen!

Jake

More Jake

One last one of Jake.

Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins

The next day, Norah and I took a trip to the Nashville zoo. It was a very nice zoo. I think my favorite part about it was how, unlike the Abilene zoo, there were trees along the sidewalks so there was lots of shade to keep cool. There was a wide variety of animals, but Norah, by far, liked the meerkats the best. You'll see.

In the petting zoo area. Norah's got a lot of Miller in her. She
really likes goats! 

Checking out the donkeys.

Hello camel.

Looking at the baby leopards.

Getting tired.

Looking at a bird.

"Pups?"

Meerkats

Norah's favorite.

She was captivated

"Hi pup!" She said that over and over at the
meerkat area.

LOVED the meerkats. They were such a hit,
we went to the meerkat exhibit twice for her. 

Her second favorite part of the day, pushing her stroller.

The Pharmacy, a Nashville restaurant, and
Josh's huge beer. That's my iphone next to it
so you can see the scale.

Norah at The Pharmacy.

On our last full day, we visited the Hermitage. It was very neat. However, it started raining when we got there, so we only got to visit the main house. It was still a fun experience, and I want to go back to see the entire property. We also ate Nashville hot chicken that day (very spicy, but also very good), went downtown, and got ready for our flight back the next day.

Ready to start the day!

Outside The Hermitage (no pictures allowed inside).

We had a very fun trip. I loved it - can't wait to go back one day. We had a few more things on our list of things to do there that we didn't get to. I'm looking forward to going back to do those things.