Riverbend 2008

Riverbend is a music festival in Chattanooga. It began in 1981 and is something to look forward to all year. My family has gone just about every year and I have many memories from childhood of seeing big stars on the banks of the Tennessee river. The festival lasts nine days and has a variety of performers. This was Chris' first year and we saw The Black Crowes, Josh Turner, ZZ Top, Little Big Town, and Rodney Atkins. It was awfully hot and we got rained on one night, but it is definitely a fun week here in Chatt!!.

Patrick's Birthday!

Chris' sister, nephew, and parents came to visit the last weekend in May for Patrick's (nephew) birthday. He turned 9 years old and we loved having them all here to celebrate. As soon as they arrived in Chattanooga, we went swimming, of course, as this is one of Patrick's favorite things to do. We had Chick-fil-A for breakfast on Saturday as that is a tradition of mine and Chris. Then Aunt Bonnie took Patrick swimming, like any good aunt would do, while Uncle Chris, Sherry (sister), and Papa (Chris' dad) went shopping. We had pizza for lunch along with birthday cake and the opening of the presents. Patrick got a nerf gun from Uncle Chris and Aunt Bonnie (you are welcome Sherry :) . He got lots of action figures (his favorite), and Scooby Doo DVDs. We went swimming again and then to supper at Jason's deli. Then, we all went to see the Chattanooga Lookouts play baseball on Saturday night and then watch fireworks afterwards. All in all, it was a great weekend and we were so glad to have visitors.

The Blue Willow Inn

Chris and I visited his family for mother's day and we had the privilege of visiting the town where Chris' mom grew up, Social Circle, GA. While we were there, we were able to visit the Blue Willow Inn. This is a fancy upscale buffet located in a beautiful old home. We had wonderful southern cooking and we were able to see Chris' grandparent's home as well.

Front of the Blue Willow Inn

Patrick the Nephew

This is the front of Chris' uncle Junior's former home, very beautiful!

This is Chris' grandparent's home

12th Annual Cornbread Festival!!

This past weekend was the 12th Annual Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg, TN. South Pittsburg is the home of the Lodge Cast Iron skillets and also the where my dad's family is from. We were able to go to the festival on Saturday, but we were wimps and did not stand in the enormous line in cornbread alley for the cornbread tasting. If you didnt know, there are many different forms of cornbread!! We saw lots of variety from a dessert cornbread to Mexican cornbread. We had a good time and were able to buy some crafts for gifts for some family members. I absolutley recommend going but be ready because it will be PACKED!! Enjoy the pics!!

Check out my Slide Show!

Check out my Slide Show!

New Blog!!

I want to say hello to new and old friends! First, let me give props to my good friend and former roommate, Jessalee, for pimping our blog! Our blog has a great background and looks so professional due to her God-given creative ability.

I wanted to create this blog so that Chris and I could have one together. Chris still writes on his personal blog, and frankly I forgot the password and sign in to my other blog, soooo that means that one is no longer in use :) .

To catch everyone up, Chris graduated from Seminary in Dec. 06 and I graduated in May 07. I moved back to Chattanooga in May and started work. We got married in Sept. 08 and have been enjoying married life ever since. If you have not seen our wedding and honeymoon pics, I will make a post specifically for them.

So, stay tuned for the "exciting" life of the McKinneys!