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Nashville, TN: I've talked a lot about Goddaughter #2, Lennox. One, because she's awesome and two, because she arrived after I started blogging and doing photography. That provides a lot of room to brag on such cuteness. But if there's a #2, there's got to be a #1... and this #1 is pretty ridiculously amazing too.
Meet The OG (Original Goddaughter), aka #1, Arielle. Today she turns 17 and last week she spent a few days with me in Nashville to celebrate.
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| Isn't she gorgeous?!? |
I was actually lucky enough to be in the room when sweet A came into the world. Of course, that was before digital cameras (and stylish glasses, clearly), so this is a scan of one of our first moments together.
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| No judging either one of us. We both had a really long day. |
Over the years, I've seen her during holidays or at concerts (she gets the royal treatment when she visits me on the road, of course), but we haven't had a lot of bonding time together since we live so far apart. I thought this would be a special time that just she and I could connect. Plus, it was a great excuse to get out and do some of the things in Nashville you really don't ever do unless you have visitors.
First order of business: a ride on the Cumberland River via the General Jackson. A few tips if you ever try this yourself:
- when the ticket sellers tell you they have burgers on the outer deck that you can buy instead of the buffet / sit down meal inside, they're lying. you will, however, be able eat different forms of cheese (fried, cubed or melted) and you will like it.
- the midday cruise is normally set to run 12pm - 2:15pm UNLESS there are two buffet seatings. In which case you don't return for an additional 30 mins. Just good info to read before you plan out the rest of your day.
- you may get photo-bombed while on the boat. Which makes for a fun picture afterall.
Next up, a stop at Roberts. Arielle's first time in a bar (I'm such a proud Godmother!).
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| Don't worry, Mom. We just drank Dr. Pepper. |
In the evening, we enjoyed competitive fun at Dave & Busters. Air Hockey still rules.
Wednesday morning was spent with the lovely ladies of Thistle Farms. I'm so glad she had a chance to meet the women that make her Christmas gifts.
Lunch, naturally, at
Fido. How could I not introduce her to the Snelly Special?
The afternoon was spent with Goddaughter #2 for some family photos and an impromptu tea party hosted by Miss Lennox herself.
And for a surprise treat, a trip to TPAC to see The Nutty Professor, which I (the ultimate non-musical-theatre-lover) actually loved!
On her final day, we took a trip to visit the Parthenon. Granted, it wasn't as cool as her trip to the REAL Parthenon earlier in the year, but I did what I could. Oh, and we also stopped by Starbucks on our way there where she had her first White Chocolate Mocha. Welcome to the wonderful world of caffeine!
And before I knew it, she was saying goodbye....
But she did fly first class home, so I guess that's not a bad way to say goodbye.
All in all, it was a magical trip. I worry sometimes that I've failed as a Godmother. Was I there enough? Does she feel like she can talk to me about anything? Did I offer any guidance on her spiritual path? From those precious three days, I was able to bond with the sweet, smart, funny girl that I am so proud to call my Goddaughter. I guess we both turned out alright.
Finally, a few pictures from our family photo shoot (shot by the gracious and über talented, Becky Fluke). I wonder sometimes why I don't have kids. From these pics, I'm pretty sure you'll agree... who needs kids when you have two amazing Goddaughters?
Happy 17th Birthday, sweet girl!
