Aaron's Graduation from Vanderbilt-May 11-13, 2006

Friday morning (I'm talking early morning) was Aaron's graduation from Vanderbilt University, so Steve and I caught a flight to Nashville Thursday evening. After being delayed both on and off the aircraft, we finally made it. An hour late for our reservation, the rest of the family was there...waiting patiently. We ate at the nicest Italian restaurant in the city, Mario's. After dinner, Aaron, Jennifer, Steve and I went to Aaron's frat to watch LOST....(that's an entire separate entry). It was then time to head back to the hotel to sleep for Friday was a big day.

We woke up bright and early to make it over to Vanderbilt in time to find a good seat. The ceremony took place on the Alumni Lawn. The day was perfect, not too hot and not too cold. After the procession of students, Chancellor Gee spoke. After his uninspiring speach, in my opinion, and the announcement of awards (one of Aaron's buddy's received the Founder's Award) it was time for the students to recieve their degress.....hours later, Aaron walked across the stage. YEAH! He did it! Done! Finito! Congrats to Aaron. How does it feel?

Post ceremony it was time for the normal photo-op!
From Left to Right: Aaron and parents. Schwartz Family. Schwartz Siblings.

Boo yah!

And let us not forget about the "Lady Friend"!

After the quick photo-op on campus it was time for some grubbin'! We were famished and needed food STAT.

The fine food establishment of choice, (enter drum roll here)

Loveless Cafe!

A fast drive outside Nashville and we were there! Unfortunately, we had to wait about a half hour to be seated, but let me tell you it was definitely worth the wait.

On the menu: EVERYTHING FRIED! Fresh buscuits and jams at the ready and endless sweeet (or plain) tea! On our table we had: full/half/quarter pieces of fried chicken; beacon and cheese pull pork sandwich, fried chicken salad, mash potatoes and green beans. Yum, yum!
Jealous Dad??? You should be. Loveless Cafe, the epitome of a southern cafe.

After stuffing ourselves we all needed to rest our tummies.

Steve and I decided to take our "save the date" picture on campus because it is a beautiful arboritum...Click HERE to see the pictures.

We came back to the hotel and napped. Steve and I later took a walk downtown and saw the mainstreet, capital building, music venues and other sites. It was a quick stroll before getting ready for dinner.

Aaron took us to Boundary, a chic world-fusion food place. I personally thought the outside looked like the Swiss Family Robinson bungalow with a bar. After dinner, Aaron took us out for a drink to a local bar where we met some of his friends. We left shortly thereafter so he could enjoy one last night with his pals.

Saturday was depature day. Bob, Barb and Annette left in the morning. Steve and I didn't need to leave until the afternoon, so the Schwartz siblings and I went to the Opryland Hotel. It is this enormous hotel with glass as a roof...the outside was brought inside.

And here's Steve and I posing in front of 2 horses. I liked Aaron's idea of using this picture for our "save the date" and have the invite say: "Save the date you Jack...."well, it's not quite blog approprite.

After visiting Opryland, we headed back downtown for lunch. Aaron took us to Judge Bean's Texan BBQ joint. It was phenomenal. I have to rave about what I ate, smoked brisket quasadilla. Need I say more?

With a full belly, it was time for Steve and I to catch our flight back to NYC. It was a great weekend.