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.