Nashville

This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Nashville for the MOPS International Convention. It was an incredible weekend, let me tell you. Not only was it fabulous being in Nashville - and among dear friends, but the conference turned out to be one of the most encouraging, uplifting events I've ever been able to experience.

I've been to other Christian women conferences that have been great, but there was something about being there among moms (with kids less than five years of age) that was especially amazing. Maybe it was because everything was really applicable. Or because the speakers were all inspiring (Max Lucado, Laura Dungy, Tim Kimmel & Mary Beth Chapman to name a few). Or maybe it was the music (Travis Cotrell, Sara Groves, Mandisa & Steven Curtis Chapman). I'm sure it was a combination of all of the above. All I can say is that I came home inspired - to love my husband well, to look at each day as a gift, and to feel confidence in the importance of my role as mama.

Here are just a few highlights of the trip...

Carly and I were lucky enough to fly out the night before the conference began. We got into Nashville really late (or rather early in the morning) thanks to a storm during our layover in Denver. And our bags were soaked on arrival. Luckily we had a few dry items to wear the first day - and the hairdryer came in handy as well.

Jonathan has family in Nashville, and his aunt Caroline was kind enough to pick us up from our hotel Thursday morning, take us to breakfast, and show us some of the great sites in Nashville. It was such a special treat to get to spend time with her. Thanks, Aunt Caroline!

We went a little overboard on breakfast. We just had to try all the delicious southern food!

Along music row in downtown...

Trying on some cowboy boots (how could we resist?)

Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame

If she hadn't given us this tour, we would've seen next to nothing of the actual city. Our hotel was a bit crazy and we only stepped outside the doors twice during our three day conference (to head back to the Cracker Barrel for two more meals).

The funny thing was we never felt cooped up indoors. This was probably because our room had a balcony overlooking a very large garden (one of three in the hotel), where Carly famously commented, "I think it's windy outside" (translation: the air conditioning is blowing some tree branches).

It was great to feel pampered. And to travel child-less. And to eat out. And to stay up late enjoying good conversation. And of course to have bed jumping competitions. Here is Lisa's expert landing.

Here are a few pictures of the four of us. The first was taken at one of our lunches out together - and the next was on a hotel balcony. It was so wonderful spending time with each of these ladies and getting to know them more (Katie, Carly, Lisa & me)

But of course we were all missing our families by the end. And some good home-cooked food. And our own beds. And the "real" outdoors. Here we are, ready to see our families on the last leg of the plane ride.

Nashville, I will come back. And MOPS, I really do love you.