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Opryland 2016


Yesterday after work, we picked up the kids and headed to Nashville for our annual trip to see the lights.


I love doing this because not only is it free, it's also a tradition that we can carry on as the children get older.  Eric and I hope that we are blessed to one day bring our grandchildren back to enjoy the lights.



We're in a season of life where we do our walk-thru very quickly.  The kids lose interest in a very short amount of time, so we have to keep moving.


While we don't spend a lot of time in each room, we get to see the highlights and keep the kids entertained at the same time.


Some day we'll take it all in at a much slower pace, but for now, it's just right.  The memories we create are what it's all about.


My favorite atrium is this one.  I forgot what it's called but I feel like I'm walking in a winter wonderland every time I see it.


The kids like the Cascade Atrium because of the waterfall. 


Walking outside is magical.  Ellie hates to be cold, so she was trying to rush us.  Plus, Eli ran out in front of car resulting in me screaming like a mad woman.  I think I embarrassed my hubby, but it scared me to death.


Once my nerves calmed down, we walked to see the Nativity Scene, which is beautiful.  Jesus is the reason for the season, and I love that the hotel has never lost sight of that. 


They have a recording of someone reading the Bible story.  I honestly don't remember hearing it this year, but I'm sure it was there.  My nerves were still shot from Eli running in front of the car.


After the lights, we walked back through the hotel and across the parking lot to Opry Mills Mall.  We decided to eat dinner in the food court so that everyone could enjoy whatever they wanted.  It ended with everyone eating at Panda Express, which lead the kids to declare that they hated the food...go figure.


After dinner we separated, and the boys headed to Dave and Busters for the Arcade Games while Ellie and I did a little shopping.


Ya'll, she is a horrible influence on me.  She convinced me to buy several things including this Mulan costume from the Disney Store.  I only obliged because I have never seen one before, and it was more than 50% off.   She's shopping deals already.



Plus, Eli was getting treated to arcade games, so she deserved something too.  Eli was so happy to spend time with Eric.  He loves Dave and Busters, so he was thrilled with the way the evening ended.


We headed home around 9:00 with two sleepy, happy kiddos and two exhausted parents.

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