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Beautiful travel day as we drove from Nashville to Little Rock. We had never been to the Clinton Presidential Library. Rhonda made friends with the volunteer greeter at the library, a very sweet WWII vet who was a Navy man. He was very excited to hear the tales of our graduation experience in Great Lakes, IL. We took the tour of the library and walked the old railroad bridge that crosses the river. We’ve been to many historic sites, with actors portraying those historical figures who lived there. This is the first time we’ve been able to hear a historical figure talking about himself. Finished the day with a great meal with John and Christine, Rhonda’s sister and brother-in-law. We spent the night in their home . . . sans all our wonderful kids. Can’t remember when that last occurred.

Heading back to Missouri City on Wednesday.

After a brisk 2.5 mile walk at our favorite park, we headed to downtown Nashville. We toured the famous Ryman Auditorium, home to the Grand Ole Opry until 1974. We visited the dressing rooms for the stars who perform there. The rooms are given names for many of the legendary performers — Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash, Women of Country Music, and Minnie Pearl to name a few. We then walked around the famous pews and looked at the memorabilia. We spent a good part of the day window shopping and looking around Broadway. I think there are more bars here on one street than in Austin. The area was full of live bands playing — their music filling the air. After a quick bite, we had dessert at Pralines by Leon, featured on Food Network and caterer to George Bush’s inauguration. Before we left, we peeked into Tootsies, a bar where stars will enter when they are playing at the Ryman. Alas, no stars . . . and it was in the middle if the day . . . and no one was playing the Ryman at the moment.

Tomorrow: Little Rock & the Clinton Presidential Library.

Today was a day of travel. We slept in a bit, ate breakfast at the hotel and departed Chicago. We decided last night that we would take an eastern route, going through some cities and towns we had never been through. First stop, Indianapolis, IN, where we had lunch at The Tamale Place — home of the half pound tamale. We chose this based on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, which had featured the place on the show. Never thought we would ever say that Indy could have the best tamale . . . but we have to now. Best. Tamale. Ever. Once we were sufficiently stuffed, we drove past the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Our destination was Nashville, which took us through beautiful Kentucky. It was picturesque. Our evening ended with a brisk 2 mike walk at a wonderful local park that was located very close to our hotel. The park was built around a fort and plantation home from the 18th century.

Tomorrow: it’s a wild-card day in Nashville.

Even though yesterday focused only on Christopher and our time with him at his boot camp graduation, we’ve seen many other things while in Chi-Town. After Al Capone on Wednesday and with Zach arriving on Thursday, we were able to see some sites. We walked the Navy Pier, ate deep dish pizza at Geno’s East, shopped on the Magnificent Mile, took a boat tour of architectural structures around Chicago, and braved the Willis (Sears) Tower. After Christopher shipped out Saturday morning, we saw Soldier Field, drove by Wrigley Field, went along Lake Shore Drive, ate lunch, helped Zach buy vinyl at Reggie’s Music Joint, and finished our time in Chicago by having the best hot dog ever — a SuperDawg.

So, we depart tomorrow and will be heading to Nashville . . . with a stop along the way in Indianapolis. But we are sad to leave . . . for it was a high of 73 degrees today. We understand it is roasting hot back home in Houston. High of 105 there today.

It was an emotional day as Christopher graduated from boot camp. we are so proud of him. It’s been an amazing journey for him and we spent lunch hearing the events of the past 8 weeks. Here are some photos that capture the moments of the day.