Graceland...

The past few weeks have been a busy time for us.   We haven't had a weekend to ourselves - just the two of us - in over a month.   So, when my sweet husband came home with flowers and told me we were going out for the weekend on a long over due date, my heart melted.  

I had been wanting to visit Graceland for forever since it isn't too terribly far away from where we live.  Andrew?   He wasn't so sure.   Neither of us are fans of Elvis, but I wanted to go more for the experience.   The Mr. decided he would be my escort.  ;)

After standing in line for almost an hour (which seemed like an eternity in our humid Southern summer), we finally got the front of the line for the bus ride over to Graceland.    I had not realized before going how huge Graceland - the attraction - is.  I thought it was just the house and a few other things, but they had everything from gift shops, restaurants, car exhibits, and even planes to tour.  

Graceland - the house itself - was elegant and really beautiful.   It would be considered tacky by today's standards thanks to the decor from the 70's - just the way Elvis left it.    Elvis purchased the house from a Doctor and his wife who built the house on land given to them by their Aunt Grace.  Hence the name, Graceland.   :)

 I was a little disappointed we weren't allow to see the upstairs of the house.   I loved the mirrors on the wall and this chandelier.

 Elvis' parents lived with him and this was their room

Gotta love the carpet on the ceiling

One of the many trophy rooms.

I think Elvis has a thing for mirrors

 I didn't realize that Elvis was buried on the Graceland grounds - so are his parents and grandmother.   I also didn't know that Elvis had a twin who was stillborn at birth.  

We spent a few hours touring Graceland and still didn't see all of the different exhibits.   It was a little sad to see so many people 'in love' with Elvis.   There was a lady in front of us toward the end of the tour at Elvis' grave who said I just don't want to leave him...   I just wanted to roll my eyes.    I wonder what Elvis would think, if he were still alive today, of how people have turned him into such an icon?   

 the night Andrew proposed almost 3 years ago  ;)

After it was all said and done, we were both glad we had went.   We loved it!     It was wonderful to just walk hand in hand without having to hurry because we were expected some place.    We followed with a quiet dinner and then a movie at home.

Counting My Blessings...
1. a husband who still dates/courts me
2. mini-vacay's
3. flowers
4 . new camera (boyah!)
5. chats with my sister-in-law
6. extra freezer space
7. for the children God sent our way last week at VBS
8. playing the piano while Andrew accompanies me on the violin
9. watching my husband with children.  melt. my. heart.
10. God's faithfulness

Happy Monday!!