Nashville 2015

Our first family (of 3) vacation this year was to Nashville. We couldn't have had better weather, especially compared to the wretchedly cold winter we had at home. While Nashville is known for country music and lots of adult types of fun, there is a lot for families to do here.  We had no problem staying pretty busy.

Of course, we did hit up many downtown Nashville pubs and restaurants. They were fantastic- fun, laid back, and lots of local food choices. (Not very healthy or gluten intolerant friendly, but we were on vacation.)  Even during the day, there was  live music all around. Liv definitely got her groove on.

Day 1- Arrival Day

(also known as March Madness Elite 8 games)

Day 2- Checking out downtown Nashville

We went to four different places and quickly found out that southern hospitality does exist.  People everywhere were so polite, approachable, and just pleasant.  While we didn't buy any cowboy boots, we did sample a few local beers, danced a little, and Alivia was intrigued with a cobblestone street.  Oh, and we did show Liv how to properly "cheers," which is a must in our family!

Cheers!

Day 3- Zoo and Swimming

We spent some time at the Nashville  Zoo. Let's just say that compared to the zoos we are used to and many we have visited throughout the U.S., this one is more expensive and isn't 1/10 as good. It's small, many exhibits were closed, there was no ease of going wherever you wanted, parking took forever, buying tickets was extremely unorganized. The best part was being outside in the bright sunshine.  Okay, enough ranting.

 

We spent some time swimming at the resort. That was nice and relaxing.  Liv loves the water so that helps.  She was so wiped out that night, she fell asleep during dinner. 

  

Day 4- More Tourist Stops

The Parthenon, Centennial Park, Loveless Cafe (yummmm), and Antique Archaeology, and more swimming

Day 5- More Tourist Fun

Visited the Gulch (awesome up and coming hipster type of neighborhood), bought locally brewed beer, ate at Blackstone Brewery, Alivia's first coloring masterpiece was born, went Downtown Nashville and had Jack's barbecue

  

Pretty clean face for eating ribs

Day 6- Bye, bye, Nashville!  See you again.

12 Month Wrap Up

Happy birthday, Alivia!

It's inevitable... once you announce you're pregnant, the advice and stories start coming in like mad! One of things that people tell you the most is to enjoy these younger years because they go by so fast and kids are only little for such a short time.  That is 100% true.  A year has gone by, and it did so in a flash.  I'm always thinking, "I wish I would've taken more pictures" and "Remember when..."  It's all a reminder to live in the moment (which is not always easy for me) and enjoy them.  

As 12 months has gone by, we look forward to the next 12.  Here are some notables from Alivia's 12th month.

She:

- has started walking (all over)

- is obsessed with climbing on anything she can

- celebrated her first Valentine's Day

- went on her first vacation this year

- is saying more words (puffs, Scott, ball, mmmmmmmm)

- is eating most foods that Mom and Dad eat

- went to the Brookfield Zoo

- loves to flip through the pages of books and doesn't eat them

- plays really well independently

- like to "kick" a ball

- is done drinking from bottles and does great with a cup

- has separation anxiety sometimes

11 Month Wrap Up

We're chugging along, and the train is getting so close the one year depot.  Just the other day, we were talking about how we thought Liv would never sleep through the night (and neither would we), or how she probably would never start talking or standing on her own.  Check and check... Next month, she'll probably be driving.  How time flies.  Here's what the Liveroo has been up to lately:

- Lots and lots of talking- more words, more syllables, and more loudly
- We has our first trip to the Brookfield Zoo
- She got her first tooth and is about to have another (both up top)
- She was able to participate in her first Super Bowl gathering and celebrate her first Patriots Super Bowl win with her daddy
- Loves to get into cabinets
- Sledding, while the snow was blowing in her face, and loving it
- Standing for a few seconds on her own
- Climbing stairs
- Eating the same foods as Mom and Dad
- She loves to play on her "bike" and ride it around the house
- Finally looks at books and turns the pages without putting them in her mouth
- Mimics sounds and actions