'We're going to Graceland, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee'

I have been dreading doing this post because I wanted to convey the awesomeness of Graceland, but looking at my pictures, and how few of them I actually had, I realized it was doable, and really, you've just got to see it for yourself. First, to back up a bit. Tuesday morning we stopped by John and Alicia's one more time for breakfast and to say goodbye. It was so great to see them and I'm very glad I was able to go. Thanks John and Alicia for all the good times.
After we left, we drove west out of Birmingham towards Mississippi. We passed Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis, and arrived in Memphis, Tennessee around noon, listening to Paul Simon's 'Graceland'. We stopped for lunch at a Sonic, in memory of Amy, who used to work there. We then decided to drive by Graceland. We weren't sure if we going to go or not, but the spirit of Elvis must have moved Dad, because after first saying we were going to pass, he changed his mind and we embarked on the adventures of Graceland! It was a hot day, and taking Macy probably wasn't the most convenient, but when else were we going to do it?

 First we got our tickets and then took a bus over to Graceland. Elvis bought this property when he was 22 years old. It was already named Graceland. We toured the main floor and basement of his house. No one goes upstairs. It was private when he was alive, and they still keep it that way.

I know this isn't a great picture, but just to give you an idea of the decor. That was the kitchen. You can see Macy isn't too happy about this part because she can't just run around and touch everything.
 

After the tour of the house we saw the backyard, his carport, the racquetball courts, some horses on the land (which is very big) the pool, and the meditation garden. We listened to the audio tour, which I thought was well done, while walking through. It was amazing to see all of his gold and platinum records. They literally lined hallway after hallway. He was a genuine super star. And it sounds like a pretty nice guy as well.

After seeing Graceland, we bused back to see his car museum, and then tour his airplanes. 

 He had a lot of vehicles, but also a lot of off-road vehicles too. Apparently they used to drive around the property on golf carts, racing and having fun.

By the time we got to the planes, it was very hot and Macy, who was now doing great, had probably spent a little too much time in the sun. I sped my way through the "Lisa Marie" plane, but not quick enough that I didn't notice the gold facets in the bathroom. Later Dad told me there were also gold buckles on the seat. It was a swanky plane.
We probably spent about 2.5 hours there, and then got back on the road. Not before getting ice cream and frozen lemonades from McDonald's again. I can tell you this, I have been received at Graceland and I have reason to believe that you will too.