memphis family vacation

It’s midday and I’m watching the rain pour down outside my window and bracing myself for the next boom of thunder and flash of lightening. Storms don’t usually bother me; at most, they’re a signal that it’s time to take a nap. But I’m all alone after a week full of family and fun, so the rainy day gloom is kind of getting to me.

This past week I was blessed by visits from both sides of my wonderful family. My mother-in-law showed up Monday, and while Daniel labored through orientation lectures, we did some laboring of our own – at the nail salon.

The three of us had a lot of fun checking out new {to us} restaurants in town – Sharky’s, La Baguette & Las Delicias, to name a few. And she even indulged my shameful Pretty Little Liars addiction. All in all, it was great to see a familiar face and get updates on what was happening outside our 800 sq ft corner of the world.

My parents and three brothers showed up early Thursday afternoon, and we immediately took them to Huey’s to get some grub. We hungrily chowed down on the delicious burgers and tried not to poke anyone’s eye out while shooting toothpicks into the ceiling {there was only one close call}.

That evening we explored the Cooper-Young District during their first Thursday of the month special. Admittedly, it’s probably much more fun later at night when the live entertainment starts and you don’t have two 17-year-olds and a 20-year-old with you, but we still had a good time walking around in the cool August weather {say what?} and eating our hearts out at Soul Fish.  We came back to enjoy a marathon game of Phase 10; I don’t recommend seven-player games.

 The next morning I had some tenant responsibilities and Daniel was in school, so my family got to check out the tax-free shopping without me. {I was bummed.} That afternoon all seven of us went to Golf and Games for an afternoon full of go-carts, mini golf, arcade games, batting cages and laser tag. After the final game of laser tag {where I kicked all the guys’ butts}, we were all the kind of exhausted that only comes from a day full of nonstop fun. We rested and refueled at the Memphis Pizza Company with some pizza buried in various types of protein. The night ended with –yes – another game of Phase 10.

Saturday morning was spent at the Memphis Zoo, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I got to feed giraffes for the first time in my life, and I must say those magnificent creatures are even more gorgeous when they are close enough to touch. By the time we were finished, the rain started falling down so we took shelter by the seal exhibit, watching them play in the frigid water.

The rain didn’t last too long, but it did keep the weather pretty cool as we checked out the rest of the exhibits. My personal favorites included the panda, the tiger and the electric eel. If you’re ever planning a trip to Memphis, then I highly recommend scheduling time for the zoo. It’s worth it.

That afternoon we napped before all going to see 2 Guns that night. It was a typical summer blockbuster and right up the boys’ alley. I might have even laughed a time or two…

The family left pretty early Sunday because Nicholas had to work that afternoon, but I am so glad they came. They have already sacrificed so much for me this summer with the wedding, so I really appreciated their choice in the great tourist destination of Memphis for their family vacation. Hopefully, it won’t be too long until I see them again.

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