This weekend we went to Chattanooga, TN and the boys flew twice on Friday at Lookout Mountain Flight Park.   Then, on Saturday it was rained out so we went out that night to the Riverbend Festival and heard Charlie Daniels play and watched the fireworks show.  Finally, on Sunday the boys flew twice again at Henson’s Gap this time in the Sequatchie Valley.

Frances, Matt, Barry at Riverbend inDowntown Chattanooga, TN

Smiley Face Fireworks!

Fireworks!

Matt and Ricker Soaring in the Sequatchie Valley

Matt and I arrived in Austin, TX on Friday May 14, 2010 at 9:30am.  We had to get up at 4am eastern time and fly!  Early Early Early!!!   When we arrived we went to Kerby Lane Cafe for some lunch with Casey and Jackie.  This is a local restaurant here in Austin that has a great reputation for their food and service.  Matt tried their signature Bloody Mary and couldn’t stop raving about how good it tasted.

Then, Matt and I went to visit with one of my closest friends… Brent!  We all hung out at his condo and relaxed.

Dinner at my parents house was too follow that included some knock out lasagna and chicken alfredo.  Yummy!!!

To wrap up our first day in Austin, Matt, my parents, my aunt and uncle, two of my cousins and their other halves, my sister and her husband, and all of my closest friends went to Sherlock’s Pub for a night of entertainment from LC Rocks. Their video is at youtube.com.  We all had a fantastic time!! I was so happy that they all came out with me to meet everyone and just hang out.  I can safely say I think everyone had a great time.

My immediate family at Sherlocks.  I promise the extended family is there too…

On Saturday, we all attended my brother’s wedding reception.

On Sunday, Matt and I went to see Iron Man 2 in the IMAX in Pflugerville.  I really enjoyed the movie.  I thought the CGI was a little much during the fighting scenes.  I think it should have been slowed down a bit.

I had a great weekend at home and enjoyed seeing all of my family and friends.  I can’t wait to see them all again.

The picture below is my dad, my sister, and I

I went to see Wicked the musical.  Click HERE and you will find a great summary of the musical.  I read it before I went to the show and found it to be really helpful.  I absolutely loved it!!! I thought everyone put on an outstanding performance.  The duets sounded amazing!  I thought that Glinda reminded me very much of Brittany Murphy in Uptown Girls.  Glinda was definitely my favorite of all the characters.  I have a whole new perspective about The Wizard of Oz now.

I highly recommend seeing this musical because it is worth it.  You will laugh and love it.

I had a great time at the concert.  I have not seen Gary Allan perform live since fall 208.  I am used to seeing him 6 to 7 times a year.  Since moving to South Carolina, I have not had as many opportunities because he does not perform around here often.  I was almost center stage one person from the front.  I was great!  He sang in front of me 3/4 of the concert.  The concert was at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA.  That place is really cool.  I loved it and the acoustics were actually pretty good.  I thought that Gary put sounded better than he has in years.  He has gained some weight back and looks great and he was SOBER the whole concert!  He had one drink of Jack Daniels when he brought it on stage and one more at the end when he sang his whiskey drinking song.  I was very impressed.  He didn’t even forget any lines from his music this time!  I had a really wonderful time and can’t wait to do it again!  Below are a few pictures of the Tabernacle.

I am so excited!  I have not seen Gary Allan live in a year!  I have been deprived since I moved to South Carolina because he does not come to as many places around here as he does in Texas.  He is playing tonight in Atlanta, GA at the Tabernacle.  I can’t wait!  Pictures and more to come tomorrow.

This weekend I went to Fall for Greenville to see Shooter Jennings live as well as J.J. Grey and Mofro.  This is a festival held each year to indulge in food and beer while listening to a selection of great live music.  It was a lot of fun and reminded me alittle bit of Austin.  Shooter Jennings was awesome on stage.  He sounds just like his daddy.

They also had wine tasting there and this was a fantastic wine for those wine drinkers out there.  It is Beauilieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and it is crisp and tasteful.   Also, if you like refreshing, soft, light wines, I really enjoyed the Banfi San Angelo Pinot Grigio.  It is white-gold with notes of pear, banana, peach, anise, and honey.  It was great to drink on this hot beautiful day.