Whitley's Week: Walking in Memphis!

In July 2012 we had such a blast on our road trip to Jamie and Ty's Mississippi wedding with CC and Day Day that we thought we'd hit the highway with them again this year! We left Friday, July 19th and stopped for the night just before Nashville. Our hotel had a pool, so we spent the afternoon getting a little bit of sun and letting Whitley swim. We got on the road again Saturday morning and arrived at Jamie and Ty's house by lunch. Jamie and Aunt Kim had delicious Memphis BBQ waiting for us, along with beans, potato salad, and one of the best coconut cream pies I've ever tasted. (I ended up eating a BBQ sandwich and slice of pie every day we were there.) Then, that afternoon, Whitley, Jamie, Kim and CC went to a painting studio, while Tom and I visited Graceland. I'd heard mixed reviews about Elvis's home, but I was glad I went! It was neat to get a glimpse of how Elvis lived, see his famous jumpsuits up close, and watch video footage of some of his best interviews and performances. Also, I think it's so sweet that his parents and grandmother lived with him there. :)

Saturday night Day Day grilled kebabs, and Jamie roasted yummy Brussels sprouts. (I'm going to try to make those myself.) Then we spent a nice evening, chatting and listening to music in the backyard after Whitley went to bed. Sunday was a big day! After waking up to the smell of homemade blueberry muffins, we piled in Ty's SUV and headed to the Memphis Zoo. It was a hot one, but it didn't keep us from enjoying the tigers, panthers, snow leopards, cheetahs, hippos, polar bears, giraffes and more we saw there! After the zoo, we met Day Day at Beale Street for music, drinks, and snacks. Whitley was so good as we visited a few different restaurants, playing with a hand-held "ring toss" game CC bought her at the zoo, and dancing to the tunes. The final tourist attraction we hit was the marching of the ducks at the Peabody Hotel. They were so cute swimming around their fountain in the lobby! But Whitley's favorite part was still to come. I asked her after our trip what she liked the most, and she said, "Playing corn-hole with Ty and Jamie." Ty was a sweet and patient partner for Whitley throughout three rounds of corn-hole. They were a great team! We were sad to leave Memphis Monday morning. What a great visit with fun family! We love you, Ty, Jamie, and Aunt Kim!

The famous "Jungle Room" at Graceland. Can you see Tom and I in the mirror? hee hee

Listening to my audio tour and checking out some flashy costumes.

Family grave site.

Jamie was so sweet and doted on Whitley! Here we were playing Memory.

Gathered 'round for supper.

The ladies.

Some of Whitley's favorite people ever!

At the zoo.

Polar bear!

LOVING Ty! She hugged him and sat on his lap anytime she could!

Me and my party man.

Sweet CC and Whit.

Check out those moves!

Peabody ducks.

Waiting for the "March" to begin. (They didn't want to go back to the roof, though. They raced all around the fountain before finally lining up on the red carpet and getting on the elevator. It was cute.)