Nashville: Hello Music City! I'm here and I ain't never leavin'!

What a great trip!! We've had this trip booked and have been looking forward to it since before Hyrum was born! As HUGE country music fans, we couldn't wait to visit the home of country music and the place that made country music famous... and to eat some good bar-b-que! The first joint we hit was The Bar-B-Que King of Nashville, Jack's Bar-B-Que. The pulled pork was TASTEY! Ammon and I shared a three meet plate and triend their ribs, brisket, pulled pork and yummy mac & cheese. Hyrum loved the mac & cheese! Liz was awesome at finding all the places to go and supplying us with fun info as we went along! http://jacksbarbque.com/

After a yummy dinner we enjoyed walking in the shops of downtown Nashville. We saw some of the fanciest boots and guitars I've ever seen. Next on our "must try" food list was The Pancake Pantry. It was featured on Man VS Food and I guess is one of Taylor Swift's favorite places. YUMMY!

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was awesome. It was filled with treasures from classics like Patsy Cline and Chet Atkins. Elvis' gold piano is there as well as memorabillia from new stars like one of Taylor Swift's dresses. I really enjoyed a video they had palying about controversial songs. One was Tammy Wynette's Stand by Your Man, that came out during the big feminist movement. She got a lot of flack for it. It was interesting to hear her side as she explained she wasn't saying women should be doormats. Some of the other songs included Loretta Lynn's The Pill, Martina McBride's Independence Day; Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue; Okie from Muskogee by Merle Haggard who was sick of the pot smoking hippies. The list wouldn't be complete without a Johnny Cash song. the Ballad of Ira Hayes talks about an Indian WW2 vet.

Taylor Swift's Dress & Brad Paisley's guitar

Country Music Hall of Fame

Cooter's Garage This was a fun Dukes of Hazzard Museum. we learned they used over 300 Generel Lee cars during the 7 seasons the show aired.

The Bluebird Cafe Another place we had to go to was the Bluebird Cafe, where songwriters play. Garth Brooks and other stars were discovered there. Many of the people who play have written hit songs for big stars too. We were all pretty excited to go!! This cozy cafe pretty intimate setting where songwriters take turns talking about their music and playing and singing. We saw Carly Pearce, Bonnie Baker, Jenn Schott and Carolyn Dawn Johnson (CDJ) sing in the round. Carly is an up and coming star. Bonnie and Jenn are writers. Carolyn Dawn Johnson has some big songs like Complicated. and Georgia. She has been on tour singing back-up for Martina McBride and had just sang with her in Phoenix at the George Straight concert. During the show Hyrum was making some noise so I stood up with him and found a corner. Bonnie was the next to go and commented about the added vocals to her song. Then CDJ talked about how much they love kids and about her 2 and 3 year old. After the show we talked with her and she said she was hoping we wouldn't leave and said she and Bonnie are moms and they love kids. she loved Hyrum and siad she just wanted to kiss his cheeks. It was pretty awesome. I told her hearing her song, Complicated brought back memories of when a roommate of mine shared that song with me because it totally described my situation. ...side note -- I am so glad to be married and to have Ammon!

The Grande Ole Opry Definately one of the highlights of the trip. I didn't realize that it's a radio show. It was pretty amazing to be in this historic place that is so significant to country music. We saw Diamond Rio, Montgomery Gentry,the Farm, Bill Anderson, Josh Turner, and others. This was one place where it was tough to have a baby along but everyone was SO kind. People in Nashville were so friendly. What a great night, even though Ammon and I felt like we had lost a wrestling match!!

Our last "must try" place was the famous, Loveless Cafe, It was amazing! Ammon ordered smoked, then grilled pork chops topped with peach jam that was unlike anything I've tasted. My mouth was so excited!

I'm bummed we didn't take any pictures, but we had a great time visiting my cousin, Robynne, and her family. We went to church with them then headed over to see the Nashville Temple. It was small and beautiful.

What a fun trip! Lots of good memories made! We're so glad Liz could join us...anyone up for Settlers. We are addicted to the travel version!