Knoxville

This is my 500th post.  I feel like that's important and should be celebrated so...YAY!  GO ME!

I went to Knoxville this weekend to visit with Beth and Richard.  I haven't seen them since their wedding...a year ago!

It was odd to go by myself.  I'm never really alone for four hours straight, especially not in The Beast.  If we're driving that far, we're going camping.

The drive was uneventful, except for the traffic in Chattanooga.  Ya gotta love traffic in a big city on Friday afternoons...

I arrived at their house just minutes after Beth got home from work.  We hung out for a bit and then Richard got home.  It was decided we would go out to eat for dinner at Lakeside Tavern.  I had the chicken pasta with broccoli, mushrooms, spinach and and sun dried tomatoes.  It was quite good!

That night, Beth took me out on their Can-Am.  HOLY COW!  That may be the best invention EVER!  Then Beth and I chatted until the middle of the night and eventually headed off to bed.  I slept in a king size bed by myself.  No one snoring, kicking, sleeping on my head...I may be ruined.

The next morning, Richard made breakfast and then we headed out to Norris Lake to hang out with some of their friends.

They had rented this huge, older house boat for the weekend, plus they own a pontoon boat and two jet skis.  Tons of people were coming and going.  Good times.

Al took us out on their pontoon with Beth following us in one of the jet skis so we could ride.

Jet skis are my second favorite invention.  I had SO much fun!  I was laughing like a little kid!  The last and only other time I was on a jet ski, I was 17.

The Very Artistic Boat

It's a two story houseboat.  Is it called two story?  Double Decker?  Whatever.  Anyway, people were jumping off the very top and I decided I would be brave and give it a try.  I had to go over the railing to jump.  It was scary, but I have to admit I'm pretty proud of myself for doing it considering my aversion to heights...and lake/river water.  I needed a beer afterward.

We floated around for a while before heading back to their house, ate a delicious snack of hummus, cucumbers, pita bread cheese and olives.  Yum.  Then Beth and I fell asleep.  Being out in the sun all day is hard work.  :)  That night we went out for a quick bite to eat, came back and watched a little TV and then hit the hay.

We got up Sunday and took Beth's Great Dane, Gunner, to the park before I had to head home.

And then my weekend in Knoxville was over.  It went by too quickly.  I had an awesome time and really appreciate them having me.  The drive back was great.  Traffic in Chattanooga wasn't a problem at all.  I rocked out to Queen's Greatest Hits, called and talked to Dad and Rosie and before I knew it, I was in Hollywood.  I decided to stop and see Grandma and Grandpa. 

And Uncle James and Aunt Callie buried right next to them.

And then I was in Decatur, in time to head straight to Epic for an awesome service.  I was very happy to see my kiddos.  One of them was more happy to see me than the other, but I'm not going to say which was which :)

Dum Dum Da Dum

Beth and Richard's wedding was this past weekend!

It was perfect and beautiful and we had so much fun!

Bobby and I headed to Knoxville on Friday morning with me driving the whole way since Bobby had worked off that morning. Poor guy. He should have taken two nights off.

The drive was uneventful other than traffic, rain and construction. We made it to the hotel by 1:30, checked in, got our stuff to the room, called Beth to let her know we were there, and went to grab some lunch at La Costa.

After we ate, we went back to the room so Bobby could rest before we the rehearsal and dinner.

When it was time to leave, we met Beth and Barbara in the lobby so we could ride with them to the church. Then 'Other' Beth and her husband Rob walked up. Britney named her 'Other' Beth when she was little after both Beths came to Alabama during a break from college. I hadn't seen her in about 10 years!

The church is absolutely beautiful...stone, stained glass, statues, domed ceiling...just beautiful. The rehearsal went well and we were finally able to meet everyone. Then it was off to the hotel until the rehearsal dinner at Blue Coast Burrito. It was the perfect place! Delicious!

Beth and Richard!

My peach margarita

Me and Barbara

We wanted to take Beth out after dinner, but she had some other things to take care of. Plus I don't think she wanted to drink the night before her wedding. We just couldn't get everyone in the same state before the wedding. Beth's in Tennessee, Other Beth is in New Jersey, Barbara and I are in Alabama and Melissa's in Florida. A bachelorette party just didn't happen, which I'm kind of bummed about. I've never been to one. So instead, a few of us hung out in Beth's suite and talked and played with Melissa and Scott's 1 year old daughter, Avery.

The next morning, we had breakfast with Beth and Barbara and then headed back to Beth's room to meet the hair and make up people.

This is the view of Market Square from the 12th floor of our hotel. I think every Saturday morning they have a big farmer's market in the square. Looked like it would be interesting to walk through.

My hair was done first since I was showered and ready to go:)
I had never had my hair in a french twist.

Getting my make up done.

Beth's hair

and make up

Lacing up the corset to her gorgeous dress.

Bobby came into the room just before it was time for the guys to head

over to the church.
The whole gang!

We walked from the church to the reception (about three blocks) so that the photographer could get shots along the way. I can't wait to see the pictures!

Richard's son Jake was the best man:)

Mr and Mrs Richard Mason!

Father Daughter dance

The reception was amazing! I stumbled through my speech and cut it nearly in half. I don't do public speaking so I had counted on the nerves, but not the emotions! Geez! Anyway, we partied and had a blast! The food was delicious and the cake...OMG! SO good! Oh, and I am now a professional tambourine player...and clearly not afraid of getting on stage once I start drinking. I suppose those are good things to know about me:)

After the band finished their last set, we cleared out and went to the hotel's bar. I did go up to the room first to put on my new dress.

The drive home...sucked! I mean 4 1/2 hours in a car after drinking until
2 am...UGH! Oh well. It was worth it! We had an amazing time!

Beth and Richard are currently living my dream and are exploring Italy. I'm so happy for them!

Home

I'm back from Knoxville, or Knoxvegas as Beth calls it. Yesterday, Beth's very good friend, Barbara picked me up and we headed to Tennessee. I just love Barbara. 5 hours is a long time to be stuck in a vehicle with someone if you don't like them.

In all the years that I've been a wife and a mom, this is the second solo trip I have ever taken. It was quite odd to look around and not see another Lackey. I missed my wacky clan, but still had a really great time.

We got to Beth's and later last night, then we braved the freakish cold in search of food. Have I mentioned that I am OVER being cold? We went to downtown Knoxville to Market Square. It's such a cool, funky place. I want to go back when it's daytime...and about 40 degrees warmer. Would you believe I didn't take one picture? Not one...

We ate dinner at Latitude 35. We were seated right next to the bar, which I found interesting and enjoyable since I'm a people watcher. That blond chick was so upset about something...I'm so glad all of her friends were with her to comfort her. I had the Low Country Turkey and Swiss with sweet potato fries. YUMMO! After dinner, we headed back to Beth's house to goof off and crash for the night.

This morning we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then split up while Beth had an appointment. Then we met up at the bridal store to try on/get fitted for our bridesmaid dresses. I thought Beth had pretty much decided on the one she liked best, but while we were there, we decided to try on others and search around a bit. I tried on several dresses and then we decided on THE one. It's beautiful! I think we're all really happy with the decision.

After that, we went to several stores in search of a dress for Beth for a formal event in a couple weeks. Than we got hungry! Shopping must do that to you:) I had a life changing experience...we ate a Red Robin. Guys, this was my first time to ever go there. I ordered the mushroom swiss burger (I decided one not so healthy meal would be okay) It was SO good!

Red Robin....YUM!

Barbara and I headed back to Alabama and made it to my house at 8:00. I had fun, but I'm glad to be home. Pajamas make me happy.