Treehouse - Finished!

After leaving Birmingham, we returned to Nashville for a few more days on our way back across the country. While I was shopping in Birmingham before Sherri' & David's wedding reception in Atlanta, Stan stayed here to get it finished. And I'm very impressed with how fabulous it looks! Natalie is very comfortable climbing up the rope ladder that Larry designed and tied himself. And he designed it so that even if she falls out of the doorway, the only place to land is on the ladder. Very cool, Larry!


This "back" view shows the windows with working shutters.


Amelia shows how easy it is to climb up.


And Andy says you can also do this, which is fun . . .

Grampa still prefers resting on the hammock in the back yard.


Natalie wonders: Who's that bright pink *monster* going into the treehouse?


Oh it's just Amelia playing dressup.


And Grampa gets into the act!

One night we went to the famous Loveless Cafe on Nachez Trace Parkway near Nashville. We LOVE to eat here for down-home Southern cookin'! Never been here? Check it out RIGHT HERE! and you can some of their delicious entrees.


Andy's ready to eat.


And so's Amelia!


Outside, it's fun to play on the old tractor.

Andy Shops for Back To School!

We're at Andy's school for today. Grampa and I will entertain the girls while Lisa & Andy shop for his back-to-school supplies. Andy is very excited to be starting 2nd grade and the girls will be in Pre-K. They're all just growing up so fast . . .


The girls play well together.


And Grampa poses with them for some pictures on the stage.


Amelia & Natalie


Amelia, Natalie & Grandma (me!)


I liked this poster in the gymnasium. There were several more with inspiring words as well.

Williamson County Fair, Aug 2010

Inside the air-conditioned arena at the County Fair - where a lot of events are being held (thank goodness!) since it's still VERY hot around Nashville. This was our last night before we flew back to Las Vegas to spend a few more days with Heather's family before we return to Japan. Our summer vacation is almost over, and it's difficult to think about not seeing these children again for a while . . .


The children are rivited by what they are watching.


Tennessee & US flags.


BMX Pro biking trick team was really run to watch.

Look at that bike up in the air! And the children were REALLY impressed when they found out that their daddy (Larry) used to do *some* of this stuff on his bike when he was much younger . . .


Sandbox?


No, it's corn!


I had never heard of this type of HUGE horse . . .

Inside the Children's Barnyard, we found a Llama with a head on only one end . . .


And Natalie pets a little pony.


All 3 enjoy the bunnies.


This was very cool - a little farm where the children can see for themselves everything that happens on a farm. They participate and even get paid with play money for their "work" before they leave. Very well done & fun for the children.


Andy "drives" a tractor.

Two antique workers . . .


Andy milks a pretend cow while the girls look on.


Amelia, Natalie & Andy


Now - finally! it's time for the rides! Lisa took Andy off for the "wild" rides & Stan & I accompanied Larry & the girls for the milder ones.


Oh - the merry-go-round!

Daddy Larry stands on the ride and watches Amelia & Natalie . . .


But not Grandma (me!). This is STILL my favorite ride . . .


Natalie


Security personnel were on bicycle. And yes, we did get a funnel cake while we were waiting . . .


One last view of the rides before leaving the fair. Read more about the fair RIGHT HERE!

Dreamland BBQ on Birmingham's Southside

No trip to Birmingham would EVER be complete without eating ribs at Dreamland! So, we're meeting Sue & Bill for dinner on this hot August night. Colorful outside . . . but the delicious fragrance draws us inside. When we first moved back to Birmingham from AZ in 2001, we rented a house nearby, and the delicious smell nearly drove us crazy!


Looking into the open hickory smoked pit where the succulent ribs await us.


And here we are! Our ribs (sauce on the side please), marinated coleslaw and white bread. Maybe not a balanced meal, but definitely satisfying!


Best friends Bill and Sue enjoying theirs! Read more about Dreamland RIGHT HERE!

Peanut Depot - downtown Birmingham

One day, Stan & I drove downtown & were pleased to find that the old Peanut Depot on Morris Avenue was still there. Hooray! That's Stan in front with some hungry pigeons waiting for a handout!


Next door, an owl wards off the pigeons from this upper window.


Inside, we have a friendly conversation with the proprietor. Nice that some things never change! Read all about Birmingham's Peanut Depot since 1907 - RIGHT HERE!


Oh - there is a change - now they ship them! Hmmm . . . guess they wouldn't still be warm though.