t-swift.

For my birthday, John surprised me with Taylor Swift tickets in Nashville. We hardly ever set time away for each other, so we decided to make a weekend of it. I anticipated this weekend for months and, my friends, it lived up to all the hype.

We stayed at The Thompson, located in the heart of The Gulch. It was so pretty and our room had an amazing view of the city. Before dinner on Friday night we went up to the hotel's rooftop bar for a cocktail. Afterwards, we walked next door to 404 Kitchen for dinner. It was AMAZING! With full bellies and full hearts, we decided to call it an early night.

On Saturday morning, we ordered room service for breakfast from The Marsh House. Then, we set off on an adventure! We first went to 12 South to shop around. We loved White's Mercantile and bought ourselves a little something, as well as some treasures for the kids. 

Before lunch we stopped at the cutest beer garden to try some of Nashville's local beer and ciders. 

Afterwards, we ate at Josephine for lunch. Once again, we had another amazing meal!

We had a couple of hours to kill after lunch so we drove down by the river for a drink and ended up buying Brooks, Ann Bennett, and John some cowboy boots.

Saturday night, before the concert, we ate at Adele's. 

I had the best view...

And then it was go-time! The moment we I had been waiting for…Taylor Swift!

The concert was absolutely AMAZING. John wasn't feeling well during the show, but was such a trooper. We also had a bit of an Uber mishap afterwards that didn't land us home until almost midnight!

Of course, it wasn't anything Marche Artisan Foods couldn't cure the next morning! This was our last stop before heading home. It is also where I left my purse…and didn't realize I had left it until we pulled into the driveway. Whoops! 

Overall, it was an awesome weekend spent with my best friend and I hope to go back soon. I love doing life with you, John Bryant!

first day, hooray.

Today is a big day in our house—Brooks started KINDERGARTEN! (😭) and Miss Ann Bennett started 4K at Covenant Day School. We are so thankful for CDS and all the ways they love our babies and pour Jesus and wisdom into their hearts. We are believing big things for this year!

And we really lucked up with teachers again this year. Brooks has Mrs. Jenny and Mrs. Jennifer and Ann Bennett has Mrs. April and Ms. Stacey. They were both sweet enough to text me some pictures from their first day!

Lord, pour out your blessings and protection over these sweet babies of mine! 

for a spin.

This morning we took Ann Bennett to the Shades Cahaba track so she could take her new bike for a spin. 

Girlfriend rocked it! 

She is officially a pro at riding a bike without training wheels. We practiced starting and stopping on her own and she mastered both within minutes. 

We are so very proud of you, Sissy! Welcome to the Bryant bike gang!

birthday shenanigans.

I think that it's safe to say, Ann Bennett had a great birthday. For breakfast, Daddy picked up her favorite—Farmbowl! We went to the McWane Science Center, per her request. She got a new set (of her very own) wheels, complete with a basket and star streamers. And we finished the day off at Little Donkey and Steel City Pops with Shug and Pops! 

We sure love you big, AB baby! Happy Day!

mischief and magic.

Ann Bennett,

From the the beginning you have had mischief and magic in your eyes. Your feelings are delicate, but your spirit and will are strong. You have a sensitive heart and an enchanting imagination. You are determined and resilient. You love to help and do and be with eager enjoyment. You are delighted when you are praised and soften when shown affection. You are so easy to love and celebrate, sweet girl. How blessed we are to have been given four, wonderful and beautiful, years with you. 

Happy Birthday, my Annie B. I love you to the moon.

Love, Mommy