Spring Pictures 2016

A couple of weeks ago, Amelia had her pictures taken at preschool and since the photographer does great work, I decided to have some done of Elliot too. And of course I wanted a sibling picture too. So here are the new Spring pictures of my two babies:

Since the photographer took candid shots at the playground in black and white, Amelia wanted to wear her favorite pony-dress and rain boots. She is my little silly princess:

 

My handsome little boy, who does look much older than two:

 

My favorite picture of Elliot and Amelia:

Spring Break in Nashville - Part II

While we explored some sights in Nashville, TN, we also had plenty of time to discover new playgrounds and parks. This playground was at the best location ever: in a shopping plaza (surrounded by a big grassy area) that is home to Target, Marshalls, Ross, Publix, a book store, just to name a few. 

You know you are in Nashville, if you find guitars everywhere (same shopping plaza as above):

 

Even though Derrick had to work, he also had some time to spent with us. The kids loved playing outdoors with him: 

Before dinner, the kids enjoyed going down to the marina to feed the fish:

It rained on Thursday, so I decided to take the kids to the famous Gaylord Opryland Resort and the Opry Mills Mall. The Gaylord Resort is the biggest hotel I have ever seen. It has over 2,900 rooms, 3 pools, features 17 restaurants and 9 acres of indoor gardens with waterfalls. It was amazing to see. 

The kids loved to run around in the big open halls:

In front of an Irish Pub and an "outdoor" cafe, inside the hotel:

The main area of the hotel with the indoor gardens:

Every night, there is a fountain show, choreographed with lights and music. Also, the hotel offers daily Riverboat tours down the scenic river winding thru 4.5 acres of the indoor gardens. 

Next, on our way to the Opry Mall, we stopped by to see the Grand Ole Opry House, which hosts the weekly country-music stage concert that made Country music famous.

The Opry Mills is located right next to the Opry House and is a super-regional shopping mall. It has several restaurants and big anchor stores, such as Bass Pro Shop and Rainforest Cafe. My kids love visiting their aquariums and fun decorations. 

Despite it being a very dreary and wet day, Thursday finished on a high note: two beautiful rainbows at once.

This concluded our spring break in Nashville as we were headed back home on Friday. The drive home went smoothly and without any interruptions and we were delighted to be back where we belong. Especially our cat was happy to see us: 

Till next time, Nashville!

Spring Break in Nashville - Part I

While Derrick was for business in Nashville, TN, this past week and Amelia had spring break, we decided to all be together there. While the drive by myself with the 2 kids was no joke as Elliot had a fever of 103F (and threw up in bed before we left) and Amelia got car sick over the Great Smoky Mountains, the 400 miles road trip was exhausting. But at least we were reunited with Daddy again. Because the weather was so lovely on Saturday, we went out and drove around Nashville and stopped by at a nature reserve. We walked the trail a bit (we had to take it easy as Elliot was still sick) and then threw rocks in creek.

 We finished the park visit off with a yummy doughnut and a family picture:

While we spent Easter Sunday at the ER (see previous post) and then the hotel, on Monday we stayed in and recovered. Luckily, by Tuesday Elliot's fever broke and the kids and I decided to explore Midtown for a bit. The Parthenon was our first stop. This full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens was built in 1897 and stands as the centerpiece of Centennial Park. 

 

The Parthenon is home to a 42 feet (13 m) high, golden statue of Athena and also serves as an art museum. While the kids enjoyed looking at the art exhibition on the lower level, they were mesmerized with the statue on the upper level. Especially the snake was most intriguing to them. 

 

Amelia posing with a Gryphon statue (she is in to making silly poses):

Looking at plaster replicas of the Parthenon Marbles, which are a direct cast of the original sculptures from the pediments in the Athenian Parthenon. 

The huge columns in the main hall where great for playing peek-a-boo:

 

Outside,  the 132-acre Centennial Park was beautiful. Tulips were blooming, the trees were blossoming, the ducks and geese were chatting in the lake and the weather was perfect (cooler but sunny). 

The flower garden:

 

The park also displays a steam engine and a F-86L Sabre Jet: 

 

At last, we completed our sight-seeing tour by having some fun at the park's playground:

On our way back to the hotel we stopped by Vanderbilt University for a quick photo op:

Of course, there was lots more to see in Nashville and thus, part II of our spring break adventure will follow tomorrow.