Date Night

We made it to the Wild Horse Saloon a little after 6:30. I was told when we ordered the tickets that the doors opened at 6 and the first show (Fisher Stevenson) started around 8:30. Perfect, we were not suppose to be there until around 7:30. Good thing we left early. There was a wait to get in (even with tickets). We got in sat down, around 7:20 and Fisher went on stage by 7:30...nice! Glad it started right away, SUPER mad if we would have come later.

I thought this horse was cute. I got a little bored waiting in line, what can I say??

Jimmy and his "lady friend".

Me with that same lady. Jimmy was not excited about all the photo opportunites, but he played along...FOR ONE PICTURE:)!

This is Keith Anderson. He did a really good job. This is the only good picture that I took that actually show how close we were. You know what I mean, we had GREAT tickets, but my camera made us look like we were in nose bleed section that or someone kept putting a "body part" in my shot.

All in all terrific! I think I almost liked Chris Young better. He won Nashville Star, love country music, have never watched Nashville Star! He did a good job and I actually have heard quite a bit of his music on sirius. Gotta love sirius!!!

We are heading home today~see you when I get back!!!!

We Made It

Two days down, two days to go! This is us waiting for the taxi to take us to the hotel. Notice Jimmy already doing work. Gotta love it!!!
This is the original "paper" to the song Swingin' by John Anderson. Not a big deal really, but it was my favorite song when I was about 4 years old. I use to sit on the toilet singing this song...swingin' no less.
Outside the Country Music Hall of Fame. A really cool place to go if you are ever in Nashville. I have to say that Nashville really is a very nice place. LOTS to see and do and everyone is SO NICE!!!
This is me on stage at the Ryman. A very cool place with a lot of history. It was almost humbling to be on stage there. Sorry the photo is kind of blury...an 80 year old man took it! I really don't have any super cool pictures. I have learned a long time ago not to take a lot of pictures of "things". I like to have people in the photos with the "things", being that I am by myself, "things" is all I can take pictures of. Did that make sense?????
Bar after country bar where everyone singing is really good. I am telling you, Nashville really is a cool place. Everything is right there. All the record labels are on one street in these small plain buildings, the capital is right there, a hospital, BAR AFTER BAR...all right there. Yet, it is very clean and fun.

We also went to Jack Daniels. I did not bring my camera, it was raining when we left and I was told most of it was outside and I could not bare the idea of "hurting" my baby:)! There was really not a lot to take pictures of...nothing really to it, but I did meet a new friend, Goose. A BIG guy, missing some teeth, wearing overalls...but GREAT! He hooked me up with some Gentlemens Jack...smooth going down...his words not mine...I thought I was going to shoot out fire. It was burning ALL THE WAY DOWN! But, I had to drink Jack and Jack Daniels. Jimmy only drank beer...what a dweeb!!!

Today I am going on a tour of Belle Meade Mansion, having lunch, and going to do some "upscale shopping". What ever that is. I so do not fit in with these ladies! Oh well, I am in Tennessee, I might as well make the best of it!!!

Thanks again Mom for taking the kids. I know they are a bit much:)!!! I hope you learned your lesson, don't take three kids grocery shopping by yourself. Crazy fool took the Camp Chaos kids shopping...ALONE...I am not sure what she was thinking...she must have been drunk with all the love she was receiving from the kids! Don't worry Mom, I got you a bottle of that smooth Gentlemen's Jack...it will make you forget all about the week with my kids!!! Love you Mom, Dad and you crazy kids!!!!

Sparklers

I was playing with the different settings on my camera and I think these turned out rather cool. I have not mastered the art of the sparkler and the kid both being in focus...maybe you can't. I guess I won't know until next year when I play around again. I love my camera and taking pictures...especially when I get to play around with new settings. I wish I new how to use the different setting more...Dirk that is a hint if you are reading this!!!!

Had to get one picture of Brady. I am trying to like this dog...go with it! He really is a good dog, we just don't have time for him. Poor thing!!!

Hangin' Out at the Fireworks

We got extra lucky this year, my parents and Jimmy's parents both went down to watch fireworks with us. Thank you guys ALL for coming. The kids, Jimmy and I all had a great time. Brady too...yes, we took "Bunches of Brady" (as Poppy TenBrink so lovingly refers to him as). This was the first time in YEARS that my parents came down. I hooked them up with chairs and a blanket...just to insure that they come back again next year! Only person (people) missing were the Stratton's. They BETTER be back next year!!!




Jimmy and Ashley playing "airplane". I think this is one of my new favorites of Ashley. This is her real smile...I love it!!!

Glenn and Evvie hanging out waiting for the fireworks. The best was when Ashley put her blanket and Eeyore's blanket on my dad. Then Alli and her teddy bear blanket were on my dad. Alli got down, Dad had three blankets...he was happy. Then Al needed her blanket back (anyone who knows Alli know that she can not live without teddy bear blankie!). There was my dad fighting with his 5 year granddaughter for a pink teddy bear blanket! It was quite the sight. In his defense, it was getting rather cold! So he covered up with Ashley's blanket. That didn't last long when Ash came back for her blanket and Eeyore's blanket. So there was my dad, no blanket, but at least Eeyore was warm!!!!

We ran into the Stark's (both Anne and Todd and Jeff and Chris). The kids wanted to watch fireworks with "KyleStarks".

Alli and Poppy TenBrink

Family Photos

Ok, we can not have a family function without a few family photos. I have learned over the years to just take the time and take them. I like, ok I love, to take pictures, look at pictures, frame pictures, scrapbook pictures. I am a little obsessed, but this is my thing. I like to take the moment and capture it. So thank you everyone for letting me capture my moment.

My go to girls...my mom and sister. What more can I say???

Ashley and her Aunt Maddie

Jodi and Keith, still in love after all these years. It has been almost 4 years, you know!!! You can't fake that love!

Our version of love, notice my hands holding him there:)! He really does love me and if he doesn't I have enough control in this relationship to tell him does and that is good enough. I love wearing the pants in this family...I get what I want...including his love:)!

More Family Photos

Dad with his girls.

Me and my baby girl.

Ashley taking her first photo with my camera. Not to shabby, I think she is actually better than her father! Not bad for a three year old...not bad at all!

Me with my baby, my mom with her baby:)! The circle of life...gotta love it:)!

Isaac ~ 4th of July

Isaac wasted no time jumping in the pool; he loves to do cannon balls off the side!

And cannon balls off the diving board...as long as the goggles are on!

Coming up for air!

Cuddling with Dad hoping to stay a little warm. If you look closely, his lips are purple. Yes, he was that cold. Also notice that handsome nephew of mine. Caleb is growing up WAY TO FAST.