More Graceland

Finding seats on the shuttle to go across the street seemed really crazy. We quickly found 3 seats and prepared to head over to the displays.

It looks further than it was.

Dave & Ryder 

They are in heaven looking, drooling,  and moving quickly to see what is next.

Me I moved slowly reading

the history of each car, motorcycle, boat, tractor, and golf carts.

I was fascinated with the history of each one.

Wait!!

They are reading, I may just catch up with them yet.

Boats

Tractors

Time to refuel

Vernon's BBQ

This was definitely better than Marlow's last night.

Next up airplanes

Dang more fabric and gold plated sink.

Dr. Pepper & Gatorade

Elvis's favorite drinks a little surprising for sure.

WOW!!

70's color scheme

Elvis Logo

Taking Care of Business Lightening Fast

This was the crazy part of the tour. So many collections available to look at. We could have been there until closing time at 5:00. We were exhausted and ready for dinner and a nap. Ryder is definitely ready to move onto something other than Elvis. I am ready to relax and watch tv. However, there are only a few stations that weren't playing something with Elvis in, about, or concert footage. It's time for some sleep.

Spring Break: Graceland

Good morning from Memphis. Plenty of clouds this morning but full of excitement to visit Graceland. When asking directions from the concierge he started to laugh and said to walk that way out the door and right onto the shuttle bus. It would take us right to the front door.

GraceLAND Entrance

This looks like Disneyland for the over 60 crowd.

Trying to find the line to start the tour.

The employee changing times wasn't too friendly.

After asking directions he promptly told me not yet.

Dave & Ryder were to excited to get started and nudge me to ask again.

Again he quickly said not yet.

Finally, our tour was called and after standing right the front. The line formed to the right.

The employee gave me another glare along with Dave & Ryder.

I gave up and followed the line.

We have our iPads, headphones

Time to board another bus to go back across the street to the mansion.

More exploring to be done

after the tour.

Front Door

Looking back to the main road.

Nothing is in bloom yet in March.

Check out this room.

Way too much fabric it covered every inch of the room.

All I kept thinking was how did they keep it clean?

The famous Jungle Room

I was expecting something larger.

The green shag carpet was every where.

The graveyard

I did notice that there are no open spaces

for anyone else.

The pool isn't that large.

Ryder was being a good sport

about checking everything out.

Dave & I

It was an interesting hour walking through the house. By today's standards it's not very big.  Time to catch the shuttle back across the street to all the displays.

Spring Break Trip

We have been planning this trip for the last couple months. We are ready to fly to Memphis to meet Dave's birth mom Sondra. Traveling with Dave & Ryder will be an adventure that is for sure. I will not starve that is for sure.

Early morning drive to Las Vegas.

First order of business

Getting food.

Ryder had to have the same sandwich from his previous trip. It was good but not great. I would rather Sausage Egg McMuffin less grease and 1/2 the price.

Waiting at our gate.

We are there bright and early with plenty of time to wait.

Graceland Guest House

We found the rental car and hotel fairly easy.

A town full of Elvis.

If your aren't a fan this is not the place for you.

Trying bbq is something I really wanted to do.

Marlow's for dinner.

The potato is much smaller than the ones from Idaho.

Thumbs up on the brisket.

Love the pink smoker

It was a great dinner with reasonably priced. Quick trip to Walmart for last minute for things that we couldn't pack in our carryons. We also needed a few treats while relaxing and zoning out to the tv.

Time to sleep since tomorrow is Graceland.

Here Is The Story

Am I the only one that see a picture with a small caption and wonder what the true story is behind it. I maybe that only crazy person. I'm still going to share the story behind the picture.

Reganne & Indy

They have a love hate relationship since Indy peed on her bed.

We were headed outside for a bathroom break at lunch time.

Swinging her up and down on the stairs. No barking or growling could be heard.

Playing Lion King

Indy loves playing rough so it was a perfect match.

I sent these pictures to Rylee who promptly replied "Don't hurt her"

Thrift store finds

It's still chilly or rather cold in the office.

I love the jackets I see other's wearing.

These were the perfect match and they are in my size.

Bonus..the girls gave me thumbs up.

Posted on Facebook

Does it stay or donate it?

The consensus is keep!!

I bought this for Hawaii in 1990. I love it!!

The kids not so much over the years. Now they claim to love it.

It is staying in the vacation rotation.

Staff Meeting

Easter announcement taped under various chairs.

Lucky me!! $10 Plus a little weird toy to make noise when shaking the egg.

I love the crazy ideas that they come up with. It gives

you something to look forward to at 7:30 a.m. every other Tuesday.

I am definitely collecting more crazy stories and pictures  that deserve a closer look. It's now time to get packed and ready for our trip to Memphis.

Boys Trip

Ryder came begging to go with Ruston to pick up a motorcycle in Tucson. Yes, Tucson, Arizona! They had bid on a motorcycle through an auction. No worries we won't win. WRONG!! They won and needed to go and pick it up. Of course waiting for next week during spring break was not an option. Begging and showing me his grades with a sly smile we agreed that he could go.

Off they went...

Making it an educational trip

Does this qualify as school?

Another exhibit

Hands on

Is he smiling?

Well they made it home in 2 pieces plus a couple of motorcycles. These will join the other projects in the garage. They had a great time with an additional bonus more driving hours. Ryder loves traveling and enjoying the adventures. Let's see if the trip to Memphis is as much fun.

Trying New Things

Actually new foods. Ryder has been bragging about the awesome pizza that Reganne introduced him to. Friday being early out he begged me to pick him up.  Picked him up at the church with a sly grin on his face. Are you hungry? Yes, How about the best pizza ever? Sure, if it's fast. Ok, it must be good with Ryder recommending it. Tell me how to get there... Let's go to Pilot. The gas station? Yep!!

Pilot Pizza

aka gas station pizza

Combination

Pepperoni and Alfredo chicken

The kids were right this was awesome pizza.

Hot & fresh either a whole pie or by the slice.

Give it a try.

Cotton Candy Peeps

What's not to like?

Well, it tasted like any other peep.

Mixed into the sugar coating was the flavoring.

Don't rush out to buy them next year.

They are not tasty enough to buy again.

Another try on rolls.

They look good, smell good, but how do they taste.

Nice and fluffy.

The true test will be tomorrow.

Success!!

These turned out really well.

Now can I duplicate them next week?

Be adventurous with trying new things has been fun so far. Can I keep it up over the summer? Share your ideas of what I can try to broaden my horizons.

2023 UT SC Sr Championships

Utah Short Course Senior Championships is here and we don't have to leave home to attend. This will be Ryder's first time at this meet and I do believe the nerves are kicking in. This is my 3rd year officiating this meet and first year of being a parent.

Let's go have some fun...

Ryder, Dylan, and Josh

More kids and a whole lot of snacks.

They must get their calories in even if its between events.

Love Ryder's face!!

Starting blocks

Good job!!

3rd Place in his heat.

Guess he didn't eat enough snacks.

He is starving. It's lunch time.

Maybe even a nap.

Maybe then he will give me a smile.

These guys are the best cheerleaders,

any kids could ask for.

Paul & Mike aka Dumb and Dumber tonight.

It was a fun meet with a whole lot of swimming. Ryder worked hard and did amazing for this new level of swimming. He dropped time in every event.   

I hope this gives him the encouragement to continue working hard. We are excited to go along on this journey with him.

Event #5    Men 200 Yard IM    88th Place    2:14.43

Event #20  Men 100 Yard Back    85th Place    1:01.00

Event #30  Men 200 Yard Breast    63rd Place    2:32.52

It's now time to relax and recoup until long course starts in April. I'm glad that there is only 10 minute travel times for this one. It's time to relax.