Day 3: It's raining gummie bears, Hallelujah!

Today we were all awaken by the sound of rain from the heaviest storm yet. After waking up, Mack made us Aunt Jemimas chocolate chip pancakes as the rest of us watched episodes of the legendary PBS show: Daniel The Tiger. After waiting out the storm, we headed to the highlight of our trip: The Bass Pro Shop Pyramid. The store is complete with a hotel, bowling alley, and the tallest free standing elevator in the world.  It's easy to say that we had never seen so many fishing poles, camo gear, or cheesy fishing phrases ever. Nevertheless the group was mesmerized and we bought hats to remember the trip. On our way to lunch, Ryan and Mack ran and slid down a large grass hill. For lunch, we dined at the Front St. Cafe (featured in the movie The Firm) and enjoyed sandwiches named after Tom Cruise movies and salads named after all three of his ex-wives. Ryan says that the sandwich was "the best I've ever had in my life. And I say that with confidence". After finishing our lunch, Mike destroyed me in a game of cards, and I learned that he is not the most gracious winner. We then made our way to The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the location of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination. The museum was complete with 25 exhibit rooms, background on slavery and even a replica of the bus Rosa Parks sat on. While the kids zoomed through the exhibits, Mike and Riley took their time admiring the pictures and archives of one of the most important periods in our country's history. After leaving the museum, Ryan, Mack and I headed to the pool, only to learn that it was closed, so Ryan and Mack played an intense game of shuffleboard. After returning from the pool, we watched dark clouds coming with a fierce storm from our balcony while finishing our last bag of gummie bears. Once the storm passed, the group headed to the famous Beale St., home of energetic bars, live music, and gaudy souvenir stores. We ate fried chicken at Polly's and barely had room for the apple and peach pies servered in a burning skillet. Overall, today was another successful day; we braved the elements, ate delicious food, and enjoyed each other's company. 

See you all soon! 

Lizzy