CMT Awards and little Gabe

Last night was the CMT Awards in Nashville. I got Aaron tickets to that and to the four day series of country concerts (CMA Fest) that starts tonight for his upcoming birthday. My parents came down to keep the kids and we were so excited to have a real date and see the awards show.

Well, Claire was freaking out over taking a bottle, so we decided to take her. I guess neither one of us was really thinking when we made that call. It was SO ridiculously loud. Kid Rock was the host and there were a ton of big country stars performing. We tried ear plugs but they fell out. We took her to the medic station and they tried cotton balls, which made Claire cry and cry. We decided it wasn't worth risking her hearing (the woman next to us actually knew a baby who lost hearing due to a concert) and left. I do have to say that the people @ Bridgestone Arena were all so helpful and pleasant!

We didn't really "do" anything per se, but we actually had a pretty fun night. We walked around downtown, listened to some music outside of bars, tried on cowboy boots, and were just able to enjoy each other. It was a nice change of pace... but sure wish we could have seen the show.

Here's hoping that tonight goes better and we can convince Claire that a bottle won't kill her!

Moving on: this is Gabe's latest injury. Tonka trucks + our new picnic table = disaster. I should've known, ha!

I decided that he really needed a fun, safe activity after this so we tried coloring first... and I should clarify that he DID have a coloring book in front of him at one point....

and finished with one of his favorite dinners (that he insists on feeding himself.)

Needless to say, it was a messy night of red: bruised eyes, red marker, & spaghetti sauce. 

BOYS.