I’m Goin’ to Graceland

The Mississippi Delta was shining

Like a national guitar

I am following the river

Down the highway

Through the cradle of the Civil War

I’m goin’ to Graceland, Graceland

In Memphis Tennessee…

Rowenna in Memphis

I absolutely love that song and will sing it multiple times on any drive to Memphis. Actually, I love that whole album…but you’re not here to learn more about my musical preferences.

Last week we went to visit Rowenna’s aunt and uncle down in Memphis. Our little girl is an excellent traveler. It’s a 12 hour drive for us including various stops for diapers, gas, and lunch, and she just sits in her car seat, chatting pleasantly or napping.

A visit to Memphis is always an adventure and I have my sister-in-law to thank for that. She’s like a cruise director – she always has something fun planned. Our first day started with a trip to a local cafe that we all love where Rowenna sat in a high chair and charmed the stuffing out of our fellow patrons. I had the world’s most amazing omelet. (No, seriously. It was.)

Rowenna and Her Aunt Having a Chat at Breakfast

Watching Rowenna and her aunt interact is a treat. My sister-in-law is a great woman and I enjoy spending time with her, and gosh – does she ever light up when she’s with her niece. I’m pretty sure she didn’t stop smiling the entire visit and every time I turned around she was right there with open arms ready to snuggle her little niece and shower her with love.

Anyways, we spent the rest of the day buzzing around Memphis, popping into shops and exploring an international grocery store.  We also had some excellent barbecue and I learned that in Memphis, “barbecue” actually means pork and asking for a different kind of meat earns you a confused look from your waitress like you’ve suddenly sprouted a third eye. Knowing that I don’t eat beef or pork, my kind sister-in-law has been taking us to barbecue places in Memphis that serve chicken and turkey as well. This time we ended up at a more traditional establishment and I learned an important lesson!

That night we played many rounds of Trivial Pursuit and Rowenna’s uncle played a little guitar for her. I’m fairly certain I have a little groupie on my hands here. She loves to hear people play guitar.

Rowenna Watching Her Uncle Play Guitar

Truth be told, I also love to watch Rowenna with her uncle.  He is gentle as can be with her. He, too, is all smiles around her and it makes my momma heart swell to sit back and watch my little girl be loved on by her family.

The next day we took Rowenna to see the ducks at the Peabody Hotel. We also took advantage of the sunny afternoon to stroll around the botanical garden which had me wishing with every step that winter would be shorter in Wisconsin. They had green grass and flowers down there, people. I snapped this shot of hubby and Rowenna and I love it for the look on his face. It’s the look he gets when he thinks no one is watching him with Rowenna and it melts me every single time.

Rowenna and Her Daddy at the Garden

All in all, a wonderful trip. I’ll even forgive Memphis for its 50 degrees-and-raining weather we had for the majority of the trip. Thanks to my family down there for showing us another great time, and I’ll leave you with this most excellent shot Rowenna’s uncle took while her aunt and I were oohing and aahing over baby clothes.

Rowenna is All Smiles for Her Uncle