Day 12 - Pigeon Forge, TN to Nashville, TN

We wrapped up our hotel night and drove to Nashville, home to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Instruments we could try out:

Taylor Swift’s guitar was popular:

So was her bus:

While in Nashville Katie took the seniors and super seniors out for the traditional senior lunch:

Barbecue at Martin’s for others:

They call this building the Batman building:

After wandering down to Broadway and listening to some live music that was coming from every store front we drove to Belmont UNC. It was a large church with lots of beautiful stained glass windows.  

There were a lot of youth in attendance and they enjoyed the performance.  They had good questions for Katie during the Q&A section and took a look at the bells after the concert.

We were lucky to have some visitors at this concert. Jody Mattena who rang in the 90's:

And Katie’s friend from Miami who was in Nashville on a business trip:

After the concert we went to Jeni’s ice cream for a special treat:

That night we stayed on the church campus where we did some bell repair and played games:

Tomorrow we are on our way to Morrilton, Arkansas.  Only a few days until we are home. Time has flown by and we have gotten to see lots of really fun things. See you soon!

Day 11 - Newton, NC to Pigeon Forge, TN

This morning we arrived at First UMC in heavy rain and started our drive through the Smokey Mountains to Dollywood! 

We made it!

There were some storms at the park so everyone got a little wet but we still had a great time!

We got some action-packed photos:

Dollywood is know for cinnamon bread and it did not disappoint. 

Fun park photos:

There was something for everyone at Dollywood. We said our goodbyes to the park and headed to our hotel for the night.  Tomorrow:  Nashville!

Day 10 - Murrells Inlet, SC to Newton, NC

The people of Murrells Inlet were wonderful hosts. We had scheduled some time at the beach this morning so rather than our hosts proving breakfast for us, they put together a beach picnic. They had Parlor donuts, muffins, bananas, oranges, apples and coolers full of water and juice for us. They went above and beyond to make sure we were well fed at the beach. 

Birthday girl Rachel with a donut. 

After our beach morning we drove to Newton, North Carolina and First United Methodist Church. Fun fact - Denzel Washington was married here. His wife’s aunt. Polly, was one of our dinner hosts. 

We had another successful concert with multiple standing ovations. The audience was filled with members of handbell choirs and were impressed with what the Wesley’s are able to accomplish. 

We were fortunate to have a few visitors in Newton which we love. First, everyone’s favorite bell support person Gina was there:

And Suzy and Ani’s grandma came to the concert. She also brought brownies for everyone. Thanks, Grandma!

The church sent us on our way in the morning with stacks of donuts:

All of the hosts were very welcoming and we appreciate them opening their homes to us. 

This morning we have a drive to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, home of Dollywood!