Nashville Road Trip. December 2012.

We took some time between Christmas and New Years to make a road trip to Nashville. There are few times we drive through Cookeville, without making two VERY important stops:
1-Tennessee Tech University, where we met and fell in love, and the rest is history....

2-Ralph's Donut Shop, where we ALWAYS pick out a specialty cake donut. They are the best ever, and for those of you who have partaken, I know you would agree. For those of you who haven't had the privilege....please indulge when you  have the opportunity. You won't regret it.

It was a rainy, snowy weekend, so we spent the first night in Nashville watching the most phenomenal musical film production of all time, Les Miserables. Following that, dinner at the Cheesecake Factory, and shopping at Green Hills Mall.

The next morning we went to the Opryland Hotel to visit my sweet and incredibly talented friend, Dawn, who designs and makes the most beautiful, amzing cakes. 

Dawn and I grew up in church together, and have SO many hilarious memories. I hadn't seen her in years, but we literally picked up right where we left off, and had the best visit two close but distantly separated friends could have. Love you Dawn Joy! You made my entire day.

She made this wedding cake the morning we came to visit. I think it's so neat that she works at Opryland Hotel, and gets to make wedding cakes, Grand ole Opry cakes, etc. I wanted to cut a big slice and eat it, but I wouldn't dare.

We did, however, indulge in these goodies that she gave to us. Oh my. This was not a healthy eating weekend to say the least. But, it was super fun, and sometimes you just need to let loose and give yourself a weekend of no restrictions. This will potentially make you sick as a dog, but that will drive you right back into your healthy eating desires and habits ;)

We spent the afternoon (while it was again snowing) at Opry Mills Mall, then dinner at PF Chang's. The yummy eating continues....and my belly pops out more and more as the day progresses, hah! Good thing we stopped at motherhood maternity as we left Knoxville! My new skinny maternity jeans were perfect, and SO comfortable. And good thing we walked a LOT in the malls, and in the fitness center at the hotel.

Our last morning, we had a DELICIOUS breakfast at Pancake Pantry. We walked from the hotel, which was just over a mile there, THEN stood in line for at least an hour. It was so worth it though. Made the hike back to the hotel, packed up, and headed home. A wonderful, much-needed, get-away weekend with my incredible husband, and soon-to-be daddy. I am so looking forward to making fun weekend trips with just the three of us too ;)