Nashville + Nickel Creek + Best Bud= Good Times!

I just remembered what I needed to catch up on: My AWESOME Bday gift from Cody: a trip to see one of my fav bands on their reunion tour with my best friend (sister really) Heather!  It was very strange at first being away from the Daily Mommy Grind but it was SO worth it.  Plus, I always feel that I come back a better mom after a few days away.

We went to Nashville to see Nickel Creek.  There are no words.  Let's just say that I TOTALLY get the whole girls jumping up and down crying/fainting for the Beatles etc.  Not that I felt like crying but when they ran out on the stage I was totally giddy and could NOT stop smiling :)

The whole weekend was awesome we took a bus tour around town, we saw the life-size replica of the colosseum, ate at some GREAT places, talked a TON and caught up and of course the concert.

Together at last:

The colosseum:

Apparently there's an art museum inside but we were there after hours. 

Downtown Nashville:

Country walk of fame- was kinda underwhelming/not that many stars

Looking at the Country Music Hall of Fame/Museum

While some of the things were interesting to see the evolution of country music etc most of it was "meh" to me cause I'm not THAT hardcore.

A Golden Piano (maybe it was Elvis'?)

Dixie Chick outfits:

Rascal Flats outfits:

on the tour bus:

good ol' southern BBQ:

Park near the capitol building

Chuy's' jalapeno ranch sauce!! I've missed this place since we moved

I forgot the name of this road but it's the one with all the bars/famous cafes where a lot of musicians get their start like the bluebird etc.  like honky tonk blvd or something?

AND..... Nickel Creek! performing in the original grand ol' opry- such a cool place/vibe!  If you don't know Nickel Creek, you NEED to- SO much talent and they're so GOOD live which is rare these days sadly enough.  And their newest album destination is amazing and a must-have.

that this was interesting:

I LOVE this song:  (first one on the new album) swoon....

later in the same song:

And because I've taken the time to post like 10 VIDEOS, I'll leave you with this adorable clip-kinda makes me want raspberries- even bunnies can get me craving stuff, must be pregnant...

Oops..

Wow, I can't even remember the last time I wrote in here and I'm too lazy to look, so....sorry guys!  There were so many times when I thought- oo! I'd love to write about that/ I need to write a blog on that etc.  And here we are- however many months later.  I can at least sort through the big stuff:

We're expecting baby #2 later this year in November!  I'm in the 2nd trimester now and am feeling better- tho I wonder if true energy will come back- chasing after a toddler all day pretty much has convinced me that 2nd trimester energy is only true for first time moms and a myth for those of us with little ones to look after already.  I can't decide what I want which is for the best cause whenever I get my heart set on one it's invariably the opposite.  I was convinced that Jake was a girl until the morning of our ultrasound.  I'd like a boy so jake can have a lil buddy and partner in crime but then again I want a girl so I guess I can't lose.

We just went to Houston for my younger brother's wedding.  The Richards' clan are all officially married so I guess we won't have any more weddings until Code's side starts (we're hoping it won't be for a lil while ;)  It was a great wedding and Rosie is a wonderful girl and I'm excited to get to know her better since they'll be moving out here.

I have tons of pics of course but I'm waiting for them all to upload.  We also got family pics done while there-the first time we're all together/with significant others + kids.  I'm very excited for them to be done and hope they turn out well/ can't wait to hang some up.

Jake is doing great and it's hard to believe that he'll be 2 in a few months.  He LOVES nursery and never cries or looks back when we drop him off which I'm really pleased with.  He's such a sweet and tender heart- I don't want him to be shy/clingy on top of that so I'm happy to see him be independent (it also doesn't hurt that there's toys and snacks galore.)  We'll prolly move him out of the nursery and into his "big boy" room complete with his own bed this fall so he can adjust before the baby comes.

Riley, our puppy, is doing well.  I realize I've never really written about him or posted pictures of him haha.  But he seems to be settling in well and we're close to being fully potty-trained and now we're working on his jumping up/nipping.  He's pretty good with Code and I, but still takes advantage of Jake-I think Riley sees Jake more as a fellow puppy/peer so that can be frustrating.