A Slice of the Pi Life: Nashville Vacation

We recently got back from a week-long vacation in Nashville. I know you're thinking it. "Of all the places to spend a week, why Nashville?" Well, when you have two toddlers, you look at vacation-y spots that are within an eight-hour drive. Plus we were able to stay at a Wyndham Resort that had two bedrooms and two giant bathrooms, so each kid got their own room! Parenting priorities! (Yes, one kid slept in the bathroom.)

We didn't pack or tell the boys about the vacation until the day before we left. As soon as Jeremiah woke up the morning we were leaving, he started excitedly saying, "Trip! Trip!" over and over. He settled in for the drive quite well!

And then kept doing it every time we got in the car and asked me to take his picture. (Notice he can't go anywhere without his blankie!)

Josh quickly discovered the best way to transport the boys from our room, into the elevator, and out to the car. We did it every time we came back too! Work smarter, not harder.

When we got to Nashville, we still needed to eat supper, but wanted something quick. We decided the mall was a fine choice (it was about a 1/4 mile from where we stayed). The food court had a carousel, so after we ate, Josh and Jeremiah went for a ride. Why not?! It's vacation!

Afterward, the attendant gave Jeremiah a horse stamp on his hand. He immediately started saying he was going to "show Hanna" (our dog). We have no idea where that came from, but convinced him showing Hanna a picture of the horse would suffice so he could wash his hands.

The building we stayed in had a playground just behind it that you could see from our room. It didn't take long before the boys found their way down to it.

The weather started out fairly warm, so we went to the Nashville Zoo. Maybe it was because it's technically winter, but most of the animals were not out or the exhibits were under construction. We did a lot of walking to see giraffes, a leopard, and fish/reptiles.

On Sunday, we went to church. We just picked one from Google. We thought Jeremiah would enjoy playing with all the other kids. Turns out, nope.

There were several great places to eat that also had an entertainment factor for the boys. We had pizza where you could watch the cooks throw the dough up into the air. They let kids play with some of the dough, too.

We had lunch one day at an "Amish" restaurant. It was more of a marketing ploy.

Supper at the Aquarium restaurant was a hit. Both of the boys loved watching the fish, manta rays, and sharks.

Josh surprised me with a trip to the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, KY one day! He even tolerated taking me to visit a couple quilt shops! (You can read more about that on my quilting blog.)

Later in the week, it got cold and snowed. We took the opportunity to do more inside activities.

One of our favorite activities was the Adventure Science Center. We left for lunch, but Jeremiah wanted to go back in the afternoon. We spent the whole day there!

When I stepped back to take his picture, he started pooping. Great photo op...

We watched a movie in the planetarium (similar to an IMAX movie). About 3/4 of the way through, Jeremiah started screaming and had to leave. We think he was getting motion sick. He must take after me.

We stayed very close to the Opryland Hotel, so we didn't miss the chance to tour it. It was pretty great for not being in Vegas and not being a casino!