Graceland ♥

Happy Friday!  

Today I wanted to share with you a few photos from our trip Graceland. 

As you probably know, John is a huge Elvis fan and when asked what he wanted to do over April break he said go to Graceland. It's something he's always wanted to see.  Rob and I had each already been in the past (separately and before knowing each other) so we knew what to expect.  

But John didn't.  

He was blown away! 

The night before we toured the mansion we took a ride over just to see it from the outside. The gates were closed so it was the perfect time for a photo! 

Taking a peek.....

There is a graffiti wall out in front that you are welcome to sign your name too.  

John brought a marker especially for this! 

The grounds are very pretty.  This is the driveway leading up to the house. 

The next morning we were the first in line for the tour.  They give you a headset and ipad to guide you around.  John was excited because the narrator is non other than John Stamos (i.e. Uncle Jessie from Full House! : ) 

Get ready to take a step back in time.  

I won't post pics of all the rooms because you could easily google it, but here are three of my favorites.

The living room. Totally retro! 

The Dining Room.

And here's the Den.  Check out those TV's.  In the 70's they were top of the line!

The house is exactly as Elvis had left it in 1977. 

After touring the house you are led out to the back yard to the meditation garden.  Here, Elvis, his parents, and grandmother are laid to rest.  

Ladies and Gentlemen..... 

Following the house tour you are taken by bus across the street to a brand new complex filled with museums, gift shops, and restaurants.  Or what I like to call Elvis Land! 

We saw Elvis' cars.  Here is the pink Cadillac he gave to his mother in the 50's.

There were so many cars.  My husband (who's a car buff) LOVED this! 

Three was a special building dedicated to all his clothes.  

Here is a room of those famous Vegas jumpsuits.  You get the idea! 

It was really incredible to see in person. 

We toured rooms of Elvis' belongings, gold records, awards, all his movie memorabilia, and toured his two planes.  It was quite amazing.

Not to mention the grounds were beautiful.  It wasn't very crowded the day we were there so believe it or not it felt peaceful to wander around.  They even have horses on the property. 

I'm still having flashbacks about the gift shops! One on every corner! It was like Disney World, but with Elvis. Crazy. 

John brought money to bring home souvenirs.  And did he ever! 

After leaving the Graceland we explored downtown Memphis.  

As you can imagine Elvis is on every block. 

One of our most favorite things we did was tour Sun Studios.  I highly recommend this tour if you are traveling to Memphis.  It was so much fun! 

Before the tour started we waited in this little coffee shop area.  It felt like stepping back into the 50's.

My heart, my heart!!! 

They also had the BEST coffee for $1! It was so good! 

This jukebox was out of order, but we loved it anyway.  

Sun Studios is nicknamed "the birthplace of rock & roll".  It's where Elvis recorded his first song ever (a gift for his mom) and where many, many other artists got their start.  

This famous photo of Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins was taken in this room.  The tour guide played Jerry Lee's "Great Balls of Fire" and I got chills.  

After that we walked a few blocks to explore The Peabody Hotel.  I had stayed at this hotel many years ago when  I came to Memphis with my mother.  I remember how beautiful it was and was anxious to see it again.  The hotel was built in the 20's and still has an old fashioned feel to it.  

The Peabody ducks are famous in Memphis.  They live on the roof of the hotel and everyday they take the elevator to the lobby and march to this fountain, where they spend the day.  In the evening they take the elevator back up to the "penthouse".  

It's not a bad life at all! 

We couldn't leave Memphis without hearing some real live blues music. 

Rob wanted to go to BB Kings.  This man singing and playing the harmonica was blind.  

He was incredible! 

As if Memphis wasn't enough we had some time before heading home to visit Nashville.  

Spring is blooming everywhere! 

This is on the grounds of  The Grand Ole Opry. 

We didn't have much time and with so many things to do in Nashville we let John pick what attraction he wanted to see the most.  He chose Madam Tussuad's Wax Museum.  

It was so fun! 

They called it an "interactive" museum which means you can get up close and have your pictures taken with the "people".  

Oh hey! 

And for the grand finale, John did this! 

We really enjoyed Tennessee! All our hotels were lovely.

With little touches of sweetness everywhere. 

And since we were away over Easter you will be happy to know that the Easter Bunny will find you, no matter where you are.  He's in your heart forever ♥

So here I am, home safe and sound. Grateful to my husband for taking us on this fun trip and showing John all the things he wanted to see.  

I'm happy to be home sleeping in my own bed and back into my normal routine.  The funny thing about me is that I really do enjoy routine.  I love my normal.  Especially when I am away from it.  There is nothing like coming home after a vacation and being grateful.  Grateful for a decent cup of coffee for one thing.  #truth

I hope you all enjoy this last weekend of April. The weather here is supposed to be beautiful so I hope to get outside and get some fresh air. Maybe a walk down the beach? We'll see... 

I can't believe next month is May!!!  We are a hop, jump, and a skip away from Summer : ) 

I can't wait! 

xoxo