An Epic Night at The Grand Ole Opry

If there's one thing I love more than exploring an amazing city like Nashville, it’s watching my husband's dreams come true. Recently, our little family packed up our cowboy boots and headed up to Nashville for a night that we will never, ever forget.

What an honor to walk through the "Artist Entrance" with my husband Josh who was performing at the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee!

The highlight? My lover performed standup at the legendary Grand Ole Opry! Sure this was his second time there, but seeing him walk out onto that historic stage and deliver laughs to a crowd of thousands was absolutely surreal. It was a massive milestone, and getting to experience the electric energy of that iconic venue as a family made it infinitely sweeter. Having my mom there to share in the pride, while our three-year-old son soaked up all the lights, sounds, and excitement, made it a true multi-generational adventure.

The talent in the building that night was simply incredible. Josh had the honor of sharing the lineup with some absolute powerhouses: Tigirlily Gold (My favorites: Blonde and Country Midwestern), Kasey Tyndall (My favorites: Jesus and Joan Jett, Middle Man, Crystal Methodists, and Not As I've Done ), Steven Curtis Chapman (My favorites: Do Everything and Cinderella), and Eric Paslay (My Favorite: Friday Night). In a total small world coincidence - Josh and Eric are sharing the stage AGAIN this week at Children's Miracle Network's ELEVATE Conference in Orlando! As a country music fan myself, I was pinching myself that I got to watch the performances from just a few feet away.

As spectacular as the show was out front, the backstage experience was just as magical. Between sets, I had the loveliest time chatting with Eric Paslay’s wife Natalie and daughters. There is a surprisingly warm, community feel behind the scenes at the Opry, making you feel right at home even amidst the fast-paced production of a live show.

Watching one of the sets with our toddler man in Josh's dressing room, which is designated for the comedians. It even has a piano!

Of course, no unabashed adventure is complete without fully embracing the local treats. We fueled our backstage excitement by drinking Diana McBride's iconic, perfectly sweet lemonade and somehow managing to polish off half a dozen bags of popcorn before the night was over! Diana's beverage is so legendary that she goes by the nickname, "Lemonade."

Before the curtain fell on our time there, we had the chance to do something truly special: our little family of three stepped right into the unbroken wooden circle at center stage. I got to imagine for a few seconds what it might feel like to be a blonde country icon like Carrie Underwood or Dolly Parton! Standing in the exact spot where so many country music legends have stood at the old Ryman Auditorium, looking out at the sweeping pews of the Opry house, was a profound experience. And sharing it with my amazing adventurer of a mom really made for a lifelong memory. My mom said it would be on her "highlight reel" in Heaven.

It was a whirlwind of a 2 night trip filled with laughter, great music, and unforgettable family moments. And I couldn't have done it without the support of my unflappable Mom and my funny man husband. Nashville, you have our hearts—and we already can't wait for our next adventure!