Exploring Nashville

I became a little stir crazy last week. I wanted to spend time outside exploring Nashville in person and get the kids away from four of their favorite pastimes: iPhones, iPads, and computer and television screens. That led to our Saturday family outing. 

We started our little adventure with a trip to the Nashville Public Library for an amazing puppet show. The kids remained engaged for the entire 30-minute production, a sure sign of success, and had the opportunity to explore the set afterward. They managed not to break anything, which is perhaps an even bigger success. Our first two photos below are from outside the theater.

Afterward, we picked up some coffee (just the adults) and visited Cumberland Park. We tried to go there once before but were unable to due to a football game. The parking lots were being used for tailgating. This time, we encountered very few people due to the chilly, overcast conditions. Graham and Aubrey enjoyed the playground, open spaces, and outdoor stage. We also headed up to the walking bridge and took in some gorgeous views of the city. 

After the puppet show.

Graham enjoys a hands-on display outside the theater.

Aubrey, Erica, and Graham take advantage of the side-by-side-by-side slide. If it was a race, Graham won.

Graham practices for American Ninja Warrior. He was proud of himself for climbing the rope course.

All smiles at Cumberland Park.

Graham takes in the sights. 

Aubrey climbs just high enough to peek at the city.

The Nashville skyline from atop the walking bridge.

A view of the Titans' stadium, home of some memorable Ravens victories :-)

Erica used to work in the building in the background, which is nicknamed the Batman building. 

As we struggled to get a selfie, a passerby reminded us that not all photos have to be of the do-it-yourself variety.

Aubrey Turns Two

Our little girl turned two this month. She enjoyed a multi-day celebration that started on her actual birthday and continued during a weekend party with family.

Aubrey's big day started with a trip to the living room, where gifts and a birthday balloon awaited. 

Graham was more than happy to help Aubrey open her birthday gifts. Turns out he's been pretty excited to play with them as well. 

Aubrey relaxes in her new chair from Mimi and Pop-Pop.

We enjoyed a birthday dinner at Fazoli's and then stopped back at the house for cupcakes. The gift bag for Aubrey's present from her cousins and Aunt and Uncle was big enough to fit five people (and probably more).

Nothing says "Happy Birthday" quite like Minnie Mouse cupcakes. Between our family lunch at Red Robin, dinner at Fazoli's, and cupcakes for dessert, we had full stomachs that day. 

Enough photos, just let me eat my cupcake already. 

That's the stuff.

Elmo helped us celebrate Aubrey's second birthday during a family party on Sunday. 

"Hey cousin, that's MY cake!"

I swear Graham was smiling in the other versions of this photo. Unfortunately, I had my eyes closed in what would have been the best one.

Mom and Dad with the birthday girl.

Blowing out the candle. 

Graham and cousin Kora, aka Knight and Princess. They played dress-up during the party.

Graham and cousin Rachel. 

Fall Fun

A few weeks ago, we played in the leaves in the yard. The kids discovered that it's not quite the same as when the Peanuts gang jumps in a pile of leaves. Lots of fun nonetheless. Graham and Aubrey also got some time on the play set, which has been a favorite activity of theirs during the time we've stayed with Erica's parents.

Up to his neck in fun.

Ladies in the leaves.

Erica looks like she's making a silly face; she's actually yelling "Help, I'm drowning in leaves. Put down the camera and come save me."

You can tell this is staged because our kids are awake and we look relaxed. 

Aubrey loves to swing.

Halloween

Captain America and Minnie Mouse braved a rainy Halloween night to gather candy during the Trunk or Treat event a Moss Wright Park. We also made a stop to see Graham's new friend, Kellen, in what will soon be our neighborhood. It's a popular trick-or-treat spot, so much so that Kellen's parents rant out of candy despite buying $65 worth of goodies. Much to our surprise (and delight), Graham shared some of his candy with trick-or-treaters after they ran out.

Summertime Adventures

What better time to post summertime photos than November? I was looking through photos on our camera card this morning and discovered some fun images from our adventures in Maryland. How can it seem like so long ago?

Our summer visit to Maryland started with a visit to Chef Paolino's in Columbia to celebrate Mimi and Pop-Pop's birthdays. I love this photo of the kids. 

Emily and Pop-Pop with the ever-popular Maryland bow tie. 

Now that's a sharp looking couple.

Emil and Ryan get ready for the pirate adventure in Annapolis.

The pirate ship had a strong crew that day.

Lindsay and Pop-Pop. Two peas in a pod.

Speaking of peas in a pod, here are Graham and Madelyn.

Somehow Graham convinced the crew to let him wear a pirate flag as a cape. There's truth to the adage, "You never know unless you ask" 

The pirate adventure wasn't just for kids. 

Sydney and Mimi. Must've been around nap time. 

Sydney aboard the pirate ship.

Everyone looks pretty happy given it was hot and this photo was taken at the end of the adventure. Aubrey still bursts out in spontaneous chants of "Heave, Ho" to this day. 

Hoop Dreams

Graham's basketball career is underway. His first hoops experience will be in the Upward basketball league with practices in December and games starting in January.

We attended evaluations Tuesday night. They ran Graham through offensive and defensive paces, having him shoot from three spots on the floor and do defensive slides.

Graham kept cheering (loudly), "Go, go, play defense!" while he waited in the stands and watched kids of all ages complete their evaluations. However, he couldn't wait to shoot once they put the ball in his hands.

The shooting drill was timed. Graham kept taking shots before they said "Go." The evaluator was patient and chalked them up to practice shots.