I’m posting these photos mostly for our family’s benefit.
I doubt anyone from outside of the family would find any of these interesting…
One Last Piece of Advice From Lynnette’s Dad
Jim got an earful from my dad on this night. It was their first time meeting each other. Dad told Jim every funny (and embarrassing) story he could think of about me that he’d retained in his memory through the years. He also left Jim with one final piece of advice before dating his daughter: “Don’t screw it up!” I remember dad being so proud that his daughter had finally found the man of her dreams.
Surprise… We’re Here!
My mom and her friend, Jane, drove from Indiana to Pensacola, Florida to surprise me for my Birthday. They stayed at the Five Flags Inn on Pensacola Beach — an awesome little hotel in the heart of it all on the beach. UPDATE: After Hurricane Ivan, Five Flags Inn was rebuilt as a Best Western.
I Gotta Hand It To You…
…you really know how to have a good time. Mom and Jane were acting like a couple of kids this weekend. First stop: The Gulf Breeze ZOO where I was working at the time!
She’s Got A Ticket To Ride
Jane is a long-time friend of the family, and she’s always been young at heart. Jane and mom had fun spending the afternoon at The Zoo where I worked in Pensacola.
Strike A Pose
Gettin’ silly with it. Mom and Jane having a good time in Destin, Florida.
Dear Old Dad…
My dad visited me often — especially all the years I lived in Orlando. He enjoyed checking out the Daytona 500 races each February, and fishing in the Gulf at other times of the year.
Father Knows Best
Dad was having a ball teaching Jim all the tricks to cleaning fish. He even gave Jim his favorite knife sharpener and a hand-me-down fish scaling board.
I Catch ‘Em You Clean ‘Em
I’m not sure how Jim talked me into letting him clean fish in our kitchen sink. I guess I felt bad for catching more fish than he did.
Hot Diggity Dog
My dad loved dogs. I can’t remember a time growing up when our house was without one. He even breeded and raised Beagles as hunting dogs when we were young kids, but then he changed his focus. Through the years, black labs kept finding their way into his yard… and ultimately into his heart. He kept every one of them!
Brother-In-Laws Meeting For The First Time
This was the first time that my brother Mike and met Jim. It was in Peru, when we were home for a visit in July 2000.
A Toast: Coors vs Bud Light
Brother and sister are enjoying a friendly argument over which is better: Coors or Bud Light.
Jim Is Your Friendly Computer Repair Guy
Jim is in his usual position whenever we’re visiting relatives: glued to their computer trying to fix whatever isn’t working right at the moment. Jim earned his degree in “Parent Computerology” over the course of a couple holiday seasons spent seated in front of our parents’ computers. He goes back for advanced certification every December. Here, mom was frustrated that her anti-virus program wasn’t working, and a virus had squeaked in. No major damage though.
Mom’s Here!
My mom decided to drive from Indiana to Nashville on the spur of the moment to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. She left in the wee hours of the morning and arrived early in the morning — Nashville time. We were looking forward to her visit. This was our first Thanksgiving in our new house, and we had prepared a turkey and all the fixins. So did she. That’s right, we had double of everything!
Two Turkeys
Two turkeys: Mother and daughter. No, really. Mom brought a turkey that she’d cooked all night. And we had our own turkey ready to be cooked for a late lunch!
…I Still Love Ya, Mom
Thanksgiving 2002 was rather memorable because we did something “traditional” for once. We usually break all the rules and go for a turkey sub at the local Subway, then take in a movie or go fishing or something. This year, for a change, we spent Thanksgiving with family!
What?!… Decorate A Christmas Tree???
This was a year filled with new surprises. Not only did we break tradition of being non-traditional on Thanksgiving, but we decided to get with the program for once and decorate a Christmas tree too!
The World’s Best Bow-Maker
We opted not to have your standard angel or other Christmas topper on top of our Christmas tree. Instead, my mom had the idea of making a fancy bow for the topper. Here, she’s about to pee her pants laughing while holding a decorative twig in her mouth — used to ultimately prop the bow to the top of the tree.
Home For The Holidays
Each year at Christmas, Jim and I spend a few days with Jim’s side of the family in Ohio and we spend a few days with my side of the family in Indiana. Here’s our annual holiday photo around the fireplace with my family.
Let’s Meet Under The Mistletoe
Here we are opening gifts around the Christmas tree at my mom’s house.
A Picture-Perfect Christmas
Mom never liked having her picture taken, but she’s gotten much better since she’s realized that we always have a camera in our hands! Here, she’s even getting into the holiday spirit by using her disposable camera to photograph Christmas.
Eat, Drink, And Be Merry
Jim’s mom specializes in homemade potato salad. My mom specializes in homemade macaroni salad. We love Christmas because we get to enjoy BOTH!
Outburst: A Game For All Seasons
Mike and Jim make quite a team each year for our annual “Outburst Family Challenge”. We usually play guys against the girls, and these 2 keep the party alive!
Games People Play
Here we’re playing Outburst – girls against the guys – at Mike’s house.
On The Other Hand…
Mike and Jim are strategizing their next move — counting out the number of answers they’re likely to get right.
Born On The 4th Of July
Lynnette’s an Aunt now!This is Karly… my brother Mike’s daughter born on July 4, 2002.
Karly In Daddy’s Arms
Mike holding Karly at 3 months of age.
Giggling And Cooing
Here’s Karly having a good day at 3 months of age.
Fun With Cameras
While it looks like Kay is taking a picture of us photographing her… she and Mike are actually trying to get baby Karly to smile for the camera.
I’m A Dot.Com Mom
There’s always plenty of computer time when we visit our relatives. It’s that annual time of year when we “tune up” their computers for them — fixing minor glitches and updating programs. I think my mom is glad she’s got a couple of computer geeks for her daughter and son-in-law.
Okay, I’m Smiling!
Is Karly… a) glad to see Aunt Lynnette and Uncle Jim; b) playing along with Daddy and Grandma — smiling to make them happy; or c) passing gas?
Answer: a) glad to see Aunt Lynnette and Uncle Jim — it’s been a year since we last saw her.
I Think She Likes It, Don’t You?
Always one to enjoy pink and frilly things, little Karly wasn’t having anything to do with this pink and frilly hat that Grandma was trying to put on her!
Our Annual Holiday Photo In Indiana
This was our annual holiday photo… posed outside… in the snow… without coats… next to my mom’s giant inflatable snowman.
Karly… Twistin’ The Night Away
Karly appears to be somewhat twisted and uncomfortable, when actually she’s preparing to flip over for the first time!
…Did I Do It?
Karly looking astonished by what she’s accomplished: flipping herself from her back to her belly.
A Bit Wobbly
Karly’s just a bit wobbly in the sitting position and needs a hand from Dad.
Kissing On Karly
“Give me a break, boys… There’s enough of me to go around!” Jim and Mike are kissing Karly goodnight before she goes to sleep.
Talking Karly To Sleep
Here, Daddy is sweet-talking Karly trying to get her to enter sleepyhood.
The Tickle Factor
Karly’s a little giggler, so it’s especially funny to get her on a roll while tickling her.
Babes In Toyland
Jim playing with Karly during Christmas.
Cat Got Your Tongue?
Karly just woke up and was a bit startled by the flash from the camera.
About Face
Karly getting to know Uncle Jim… and his prickly beard.
A Few Fries Short Of A Happy Meal
Before we starting playing games, my mom broke out the summer sausage that she found on sale at the grocery store. From the look on Jim and Mike’s faces, it appears there was a reason it was on sale!
Karly Learning How To Play Outburst
Karly’s always been intrigued by her Uncle Jim. Here, she’s watching the guys playing a game of Outburst.
They’ve Got Their Game Face On… Again
Here it is, the annual guys against the girls game of Outburst — where we find the guys up to their no good tricks of “strategizing” again!
It’s All In The Family
Look what you’ve been born into Karly… a family of nothing but craziness!
This Computer Repair Man Works Holidays
Jim’s giving my mom’s computer a once-over, making sure she’s virus-free, spam-free, automatic-updater-enabled, and really to start surfin again!
Big Sounds From Such A Little Girl
As evidenced by the milk around her mouth, the bottle was quite tasty, and now it’s time for a good burping. Who knew such a little girl could make such big noises?!
Just Say Goodbye, Mike
Mike won this Budweiser golf bag in a tournament, but he had never used it so he gave it to Jim — who was desperately in need of a new golf bag to hold his clubs. Only, Mike had a harder time parting with it than he thought.
Karly At 8 Months
Karly is 8-1/2 months old here, and, despite the fact that she’s teething, she don’t seem to be bothered by it at the moment!
Attempting To Stand Up
Karly is attempting to stand on her own two feet… with a little help from Daddy.
She’s Crawling Up A Storm
Karly’s got the crawling thing down… now it’s time to start working on the walking.
Kids Make The Cutest Faces
Like most kids, Karly is famous for her funny faces.
Open Wide And Say Big Bird!
Karly using her big-girl silverware at 11 months. Good thing she ate a lot when she was younger, cuz she’s lost her appetite in toddlerhood
Playing Patty-Cake
She’s such a happy, giggly child. Here, Karly is playing patty-cake with grandma.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Karly’s first birthday. She was born on the 4th of July.
The Birthday Girl!
Happy Birthday to you, Karly! She’s a one-year-old today…
A Reason For Celebrating
It’s Karly’s first birthday. Who’s having more fun, Daddy or baby?
Uh Oh… She’s Growing Up!
Karly was born on the 4th of July. This is her “formal” birthday photo. (Needless to say, she owns a lot of red, white & blue!)
These Are Finger Foods, Right?
Karly’s supposed to be using her new spoon when she eats. But she still prefers the fingers!
Karly’s Jeepin Just Like You, Uncle Jim!
A new birthday gift… Karly’s first Jeep.
Elephant Rides At Circus City Days
There’s a unique phenomenon in the sleepy town of Peru, Indiana called Circus City Days. Being the “circus capitol of the world“, Peru really does it up big with a week-long festival each July. Growing up in Peru, everyone who was anyone was in the circus. (I wasn’t.) In fact, most who grew up in Peru actually return each July to enjoy the amateur circus, museum, displays, performances, rides, booths and parade (last saturday in July). Here, Karly is enjoying her very first elephant ride, while Daddy tags along. Look how high they are… just check out those street lights! Peru has been known as the Circus City since 1884, when circus performers used to winter in a field outside town. Here’s a history of the Peru Circus. Then check out how Peru came to be known as the Circus Capitol of the World. For the record, Peru is famous for a whole lot more than just the Circus… Cole Porter was born there too. Check out Peru’s rich history.
The Mamas And The Papas
Our parents didn’t actually meet one another until a year and a half after we were married! Here, everyone gathered for our own mini-reunion at our rental house in Nashville, Tennessee on the day they met.
In-Laws Meeting For The Very First Time
This was the first time that Jim’s parents met my mom. This was in the living room of our Nashville house that opened up into the backyard/deck area.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
This was my mom’s first time visiting at our home in Nashville. People always say that we look alike.
A Night On The Town
We thought we’d show our parents what Nashville’s all about, so we took them downtown. We went in all the classic Honky Tonks on Broadway. They had fun!
Jim’s Got Some Big Shoes To Fill…
My mom is used to golfing with semi-professionals, so the pressure was on for Jim to bring his A-game. This was the time mom visited Nashville and brought her golf clubs. I went along for the ride (in the golf cart) and the laughs!
Like A Fish Out Of Water
Jim’s a good sport. He may not be the best golfer (he only plays twice a year at most), but he’s got the best sense of humor! Here’s he’s taking 2 shots with 2 different balls. (It’s only cheating if you get caught, right?)
Framed
My mom golfs year-round, and she participates in a lot of tournaments too. She enjoyed a more relaxed round of golf on this day.
All Bundled Up
It was a very chilly day on the golf course in Nashville, so I spent most of the time bundled up in jackets, blankets, and gloves.
Santa Mike
My brother plays Santa every year — wearing the traditional Santa hat while he passes out everyone’s Christmas gifts.
Look What I Got!
My mom opening one of her Christmas gifts: yard art!
They’re Up To Their Old Tricks Again
Mike and Jim are “strategizing” again… at another game of Outburst. It was girls against the guys.
At The Nashville Home Show
Since we were in the process of building a new home, we figured a stop at the Home Show at the Nashville Fairgrounds would be enlightening. Instead, it was a bust! Truthfully, of all the towns I’ve lived in, the only one that ever had great conventions was Orlando. For the most part, the rest of them are disorganized, filled with no-name vendors, or just have very little to appeal to the attendees. It’s as if they simply want to collect our admission fee to get in the door, then they could care less what our experience is like. Such was the case at the Nashville Home Show this year.
Enjoying Graceland
Our second trip to Graceland was with my mom, on a weekend that she visited from Indiana.
Christmas 2004 With My Family
This year, we didn’t get to spend Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with either of our families. Our pet sitter had plans for a change, so we weren’t able to head to the Midwest until the day after Christmas this time. Here, Mike and Karly are surrounded by presents.
Karly Was Happy To See Us
Karly, at 2-1/2 was happy to see Aunt Lynnette and Uncle Jim. Even though she hadn’t seen us since last Christmas (when she was only 1-1/2), my mom and brother did a wonderful job of keeping her in touch with us via pictures, phone calls, and books.
We Gave Her Legos This Year
Karly loves to build things, so we got her a set of Legos building blocks — her first.
Too Big For A Little Girl
Karly was “playing Santa” by wearing the fuzzy red hat while passing out all the presents to their respective owners. Here, she’s adjusting the way-too-big hat on her head.
Like Father, Like Daughter
She’s starting to look more and more like Mike.
Hey Now, You’re An All-Star
She’s our little star… Daddy’s, Grandma’s, Uncle Jim’s, and Aunt Lynnette’s. See the twinkle in her eye?
Now I Know My ABC’s!
She’s only 2-1/2, and she’s a little whiz kid. She can clearly say our names, all letters of the alphabet (by sight and sound), and her numbers.
Back To The Books
Karly’s favorite gift this year was an electronic storybook. Her second most favorite gift was a kid-size Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner. She’s one heck of a neat-freak!
Who Doesn’t Love Pooh?
Winnie-the-Pooh is a good friend to all. Here, he lends a shoulder to lean on, and Mike gets comfortable while watching TV.
Beary Cute
Karly loves her overstuffed Winnie-the-Pooh doll. He’s so huggable.
…Now Let’s Tickle!
After we had finished opening our Christmas gifts, Karly went on a tickle rampage — starting with Aunt Lynnette.
Let’s Read This One Again!
Karly’s most favorite gift was this book. She probably knew it by heart by the time we left.
She’s Book Smart
One can never get enough good books for Christmas!
Here, You Sit Here Uncle Jim
Karly having a ball with Uncle Jim. She wanted to “pose” for this shot with her stuffed animals — a pig and a teddy bear.
Are You Game?
Our annual “game playing” photo of Mike and Jim. These two make quite a team!
We’ve Got Our Game Face On
It was a down home Christmas, going back to our roots of playing games in the down time. Here, me and mom are strategizing against the guys in a game of 90’s Edition Trivia.
P.S. After the next year’s Thanksgiving highlights and Christmas highlights, we stopped documenting the details of every holiday family get together.
UDPATES:
We moved from Florida to Tennessee in 2001. All signs point to the fact that we will probably retire here — by choice. We L O V E Nashville! Our favorite places to live are just south of the City — we’ve had houses in Brentwood, Franklin, and Spring Hill. And we have properties in Leipers Fork, Cookeville, and Lewisburg. This site is where I share my best tips for moving your family to Nashville and/or visiting Nashville for the first time — with the ultimate goal of helping you find fun things to do in Williamson County and Davidson County. When I’m not out & about enjoying the Nashville area, you’ll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written over 500 articles on this site! Many of them have upwards of 100K shares.
