Soulsville USA

We were supposed to meet Kirsten's parents in Memphis this weekend, but unfortunately Kirsten's dad was unable to travel due to health concerns. On the bright side, we were still able to go to Memphis by ourselves, and we had a great time. We stayed on the end of Lonely St. (seriously) at the ridiculous and wonderful Heartbreak Hotel, just across the street from Graceland, a place I've always dreamed of visiting. You should check out all of the pictures of our trip, if you want, though I'm posting a few of my favorites here.



This is absolutely my favorite picture from Graceland. Priscilla and Lisa Marie, Kirsten and Ira. It's poetic.


We weren't sure what Ira would think about Graceland. Obviously, he was enthralled.


Another great picture. For some reason (probably the embroidered tiger jumpsuit) Ira was very happy here. We tried to find a jumpsuit like this in his size, but, alas, we were unable. I'm sure though, if determined enough, my mom and Aunt Beth could find one.


A somber moment for the family as we pay our respects at The King's grave.


A not so somber moment, though still graveside.


Here, we're about to board Elvis's plane, the Lisa Marie. Ira, however, was tired of Graceland.


For this last picture you're going to have to use your imagination. This is the Stax Records Museum of American Soul Music, the coolest museum in the world. Stax records was like the Motown of the South, home to Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas, Booker T. & the MGs, Isaac Hayes, and tons of the best musicians in the world of soul music. For some reason, they don't allow cameras in the museum so you don't get to see how much fun we had. There was a dance floor with flashing lights and life-size projections of Soul Train dancers, and Ira loved it. Kirsten got down (literally) on the floor with Ira, and they danced for at least 20 minutes. I think the docent knew how cute this was and that I was going to take a picture as soon as he turned his back because he watched me like a hawk. So I'm sorry. You would have loved it.

We also went down to Beale St., but Ira was not into it. He stayed in the stroller hiding from the drizzling rain. I didn't take any pictures, but you're not missing anything. We're definitely going back to Memphis again in the future, back to the Stax Museum and to check out the Civil Rights Museum (when Ira's older) and maybe the zoo. All in all, Memphis is a pretty cool town.

Irapalooza!!!!!!!

The past couple of weeks have been pretty busy so I haven't posted in awhile. But, believe me, I'm going to make it up to you. I've got quite a few pictures and two really great videos for you.

You're welcome.


One reason I didn't post last weekend: we had some visitors staying with us. Ira's Poppy, Nonny, and Uncle Jo came to Nashville to celebrate my birthday.

At least that's what they said they were here for. Secretly, I think they just came to see Ira. Not that I blame them.

He is the world's most beautiful baby.

Ira with Poppy and Uncle Jo in the Arcade, Downtown Nashville.



Ira and Nonny in the Arcade.



Ira and Uncle Jo relaxing at home.







After our guests left, we celebrated my birthday by taking a big nap.

And then we went to the Frist Art Museum for Free Day. There were so many people there we didn't get into the main exhibit, but we did get to walk around the Aaron Douglas exhibit upstairs. That's where we are in this blurry picture.




Ira took a passing interest in the art but was more interested in getting back home to nap some more.




Two weeks ago we took pictures of Ira in the snow. Yesterday we went to Centennial Park to enjoy some beautiful spring weather.

It's been crazy.

Our sinuses have gone on strike to protest the extreme weather discrepancies. Nevertheless, we had a great time at the park.

Ira was mystified by his first encounter with grass.







Today Ira went to two birthday parties with Kirsten. This picture is from one of the parties.

Could he be any cuter?



To answer that last question: Yes, he could be cuter. Just watch these videos. The first is Ira playing with some Easter eggs.

Notice anything?

That's right, he's sitting up on his own. Genius.




The second video is extra cute. Ubercute, even. If hurricanes were powered by cuteness, Hurricane Ira would be a category six.

It's really cute.

Snowtastic!

Even though last weekend was perfect T-shirt weather, last night it snowed; in fact it was the most snow Kirsten and I have seen since we've been in Nashville. Ira's not quite ready for snow angels or snow ball fights, but he did get to spend a little time with Mommy out in the snow. As you can see from the pictures, he was kind of interested by the snow but also kind of confused and kind of frustrated. They were just outside long enough to snap a few photos. Maybe next year we can build a snow man.

Video 'Splosion

I made some cool videos with Ira today. The first one is him rolling over. He is a professional roller-over, on par with some of the best roller-overs in the world. What poise. What finesse. I'd even go so far as to use the phrase "gossamer-like grace." He's that good. Just watch. The other two videos were made after Ira rolled over. In one he stares at the camera and then blows a big spit bubble. Awesome. And in the other he sticks his tongue out over and over again. If you know of anyone who's holding a "Cutest Baby in the World" contest, go ahead and tell them that it's already over. We have our winner.











Also, while we're here, we took Ira to JC Penny and got some pictures made. I don't need to remind you how beautiful he is. The pictures do that on their own. Here's a few of them.








Alright. I'll admit that this last one is a little goofy.



You can see the rest of the set at:

https://www.smilesbywire.com/home.asp?AC=LTPP0461104654JCPSHR

Use Kirsten Holley as the customer name. If you want, you can order pictures for yourself.