July 19 - “A mall for guys”

We took an easy morning approach. Finally left the hotel at around 10:30. That would be after a rousing discussion about Greek gods and goddesses. 

There is a full-scale replica of the Parthenon that has been erected in downtown Nashville. Even has the 40+ foot stature of Athena plated with gold. And that statue is holding a tiny little 6 foot 4 inch statue of the god Nike in her hand. Weird stuff. The debate was whether or not we should go see it. Mixed reviews from the Vaughan boys on that one. 

As it turned out, we compromised. Josh drove through the wild and crazy country music downtown Nashville. And it just so happened that the massive structure was in the vicinity. Josh drove through the parking lot so we could take pictures. It was … large. 

Caleb took a turn driving. When next I looked up from my book, we were pulling into the campus of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Just a look-see that Josh wanted. Nana and Mom were pretty adamant about it being much too far from home for anyone in our family to consider (are you listening, Caleb?). 

Next stop was the massive Bass Pro Shop in Memphis. It is housed inside a full-sized pyramid. To use AnnaGrace’s words, “It’s a mall for guys.”  She’s not wrong. Guns and knives and fishing gear. Even gear for that evil activity called camping. We ate dinner there at the Wahlburger. Really good burger. We also ride one of those glass elevators all the way to the top of the pyramid. There is a ritzy restaurant up there, and a viewing deck outside. And to Chris’ chagrin, the floor was glass. Really weird sensation. 

From there we drove by the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. We also saw the oldest restaurant in Memphis, the Arcade Restaurant. Josh and Christi used the opportunity to do some teaching about history and how it interacts with the Bible. Gotta love homeschooling. 

Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ says, Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.

Father, thank you again for the chance for our kiddos to see key historical sites and learn about them. Amen.