What a night.

Coldplay was hands down the best concert I have been to. They can put on a show! Our floor seats were amazing. I could go on for hours about how great it was. I had so many favorite parts and songs. I knew Chris Martin was a talented musician, but seeing and listening to him in person was really incredible. It was so worth the trip to Nashville! This was during Green Eyes.....


What a great show! Thanks Hurt for giving us your bed :)

Our Itinerary

We are so looking forward to our upcoming trip!
This weekend, we head to Nashville first for the Coldplay concert. I cannot wait! I have always said they were the ONE band I wanted to see before I die. My life will be complete. :)

As for our Europe itinerary, it's below.

DAY 1-2 FLY TO PARIS.
Travel overnight to Europe. Begin exploring the City of Lights, the captivating capital of France. Dinner that night with our British friends Fletcher and Charlotte at Les Bouquinistes.
DAY 3 PARIS.
A local guide brings you to the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the sweeping Champs-Elysées, and the gold-domed Les Invalides. Admire the interior of Notre Dame Cathedral, famous for its flying buttresses and intricately carved gargoyles. Marvel at the art and architecture of the Louvre Museum.
DAY 4 LUCERNE.
Hop on one of the world's fastest trains, the TGV, and speed to Switzerland, land of crisp mountain air and finely tuned watches. Tonight flags are waved and voices are raised in traditional songs and yodels during a Swiss Folklore Show!
DAY 5 LUCERNE.
The legend of William Tell, the Lion Monument, Swiss "independence", and more come to life in Swiss Life and Legends. This afternoon, ride up Mt. Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel railway. At the 7,000-foot summit, you can see more than 70 peaks and five different lakes.
DAY 6 TUSCANY.
Journey south to the birthplace of the Renaissance, an era that revolutionized European society and paved the way for the discovery of the New World.
DAY 7 FLORENCE.
See the marvels of Firenze with a local guide, including the Duomo, Ghiberti's Baptistry doors, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. View Michelangelo's David at the Accademia. Tempt your friends tonight with Cucina Fiorentina! Cook up a three-course traditional meal with a local chef using fresh local produce.
DAY 8 ROME.
Bring the Forum and the Colosseum to life as you imagine this cultural center as it was 2,000 years ago.
DAY 9 ROME.
Discover the artistic legacy of Catholicism in the Vatican City with your tour director as you visit sites including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica.
DAY 10
RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES.

Want to see where we're staying?

I cannot believe our Europe trip is a week away! 10 days in France, Switzerland and Italy. I know it will fly by. If you want to get a peek at our four hotels (yes, four!) click the links below.

Nights 1 and 2
Paris, France
Novotel Paris Gare Montparnasse

Nights 3 and 4
Lucerne, Switzerland (this one looks incredible)
Grand Hotel Europe

Nights 5 and 6
Tuscany, Italy
Hotel Giglio

Nights 7 and 8
Rome, Italy
Hotel Nova Domus

I am not sure if I will be able to blog at all over there, but I hope I get a few opportunities to. I plan to keep a journal and write in it every night. I can't wait for this fun adventure to celebrate a year of marriage!

Memphis in May BBQ Fest

Last weekend, we celebrated BBQ Fest with a few Georgia friends. It was great to see them, and we had a blast at the Spiderpigs tent. Thanks for inviting us, Pattersons!

First, we attended the wedding of one of my former teachers at SBA on the banks of the Mississippi. Good (interesting) times!


Then, we enjoyed the BBQ festivities. We were so thankful to be invited for dinner Friday night to Swine-O-Mite. Having grown up in Memphis, I am picky about BBQ. This was some of the best bbq I had ever eaten! The ribs were out of this world. Thanks for the dinner invite! I can see why they have won before.

After this, it was party time! Enjoy the pictures! I wish I had taken pictures Saturday night at Gus' Fried Chicken, but we were too busy stuffing our faces. Can't wait for next year!

Brian may have had a little too much fun...

Kate Patterson, me and Kate Wells Friday night

James, Kate, me Kate and Kyle on Saturday

Graduations #2

This past week, we watched my brother Joe graduate from the University of Memphis and Brian's sister Brittany graduate 8th grade from St. Louis. Both were really special and we've enjoyed spending so much family time together lately.

Joe's graduation was the Saturday before Mother's Day, so thankfully I was able to spend Mother's Day with my grandmother as well. Joe graduated Saturday afternoon at FedExForum, and afterwards we all went to Majestic Grille downtown. Later that night, Joe had a bunch of friends over to my parents house that night to celebrate. It was lots of fun to see all of his friends - most of which he has grown up with. Joe has already starting working in commercial lending for Triumph Bank here in Memphis and loves it.

The best part about Saturday was the BIG SURPRISE present for Joe. Of course, my creative mom called the boys party to order, and began reading a poem she wrote. As Joe opened his present, he pulled out a big Eiffel Tower. At the end of the poem, my mom revealed the surprise - HE'S GOING WITH US TO ITALY, FRANCE AND SWITZERLAND. He was shocked and it was a great surprise. I am so glad he is going! It will be so fun!

Joe walking across the stage and shaking Dr. Raines' hand. This was him on the jumbotron.


Nannie and Gramps with Joe in front of Majestic Grille.

My brothers Joe and Mark, me and Brian on my parents patio. They have done so much work in their backyard and it looks gorgeous!

Next up was Brittany's graduation last night. It was really sweet! They had Mass at St. Louis, and had a little reception and slideshow afterwards. I cannot believe she is going to high school. It's so crazy! When we met, she was in 2nd grade. In the slideshow, there were so many cute pictures of her with her bright white hair. We are so excited and proud for her as she begins high school at St. Benedict. Good luck, Britt!


Some of Brittany's friends from St. Louis

Brittany and I after graduation


All five of us after graduation.

These graduations are pretty bittersweet for Brian and I as the oldest in our families. It's fun for us to see our little brothers and sisters not be so little anymore.

P.S. - Also, usually I am not this short. They all had on high heels and I had on flats. However, I was shorter than most of the 8th grade class, which is about when I stopped growing. Oh well!

Happy Birthday Robyn!

Today is my best friend Robyn's 25th birthday! Since 10th grade, we have shared so many memories throughout high school and college. We got married within weeks of each other, were in each other's weddings, and we always have so much fun together. We are both so excited about the future and seem to be sharing a similar life path. I love her so much, and don't know what I would do without her!

UPDATE:

We surprised Robyn with a dinner out at Beauty Shop. Lots of fun! Love you Rob!

Mother's Day

We had a great mother's day. Of course, we spent it with both moms! It was nice that my grandmother was in town as well, so that we could celebrate with her. We had lunch with my family and dinner with Brian's. I've included a couple pictures of us with our moms. We are so fortunate to be close with our mothers. They do so much for us, and I love that we all live in the same city and can see each other whenever we want. We love you!