Roadtrip Day 12

We woke up at the Embassy Suites hotel near Nashville, Tennessee. They offer complimentary breakfast including made-to-order omelettes (no line here) and everything else under the sun. We packed up and drove to Vanderbilt University for our 10am appointment and checked in. They didn't have a movie for this one, but the admissions person gave a power point presentation with all the familiar prospective student information.

 

After the info session, we headed out with our tour guide Anna. Mikey ran up to help lead again, of course, and we were glad we got a female tour guide, since Mikey has no interest in hanging out with the male guides ; ) She has a complicated sounding major that has to do with human development. She was articulate and thorough, and Jamie and I fell in love with Vanderbilt on this tour. 

Fun fact about these southern universities: They plant little peppers in their landscaping. It is cute.

I wish I had a better camera on this trip. This bridge is really cool and it says Vanderbilt University across the top with the V in the middle (in case you can't see it).

Although the campus is in the city of Nashville, it is not crazy and frantic like Georgetown in DC felt. It has a cozy feel, but with access to the music and culture of the city. Walking through the campus is serene and beautiful. It is classified as an Arboretum since every tree in the state grows here. That is probably why this is part of the admissions presentation - 3:1 squirrel to student ratio. Because what if you are afraid of those little guys?

My favorite picture on this trip so far...such a proud daddy, walking with his daughter talking about her future plans, hopes and dreams <3 There is just something special about Vanderbilt. Also, Jamie and I love music and this is Nashville after all.  Taylor Swift and other famous names have played on their lawn. The dorms, libraries, and other buildings are historic on the outside, yet updated and practical on the inside.

This photo sort of makes college look so huge, and my daughter so small. But that girl is ready!

Before leaving the admissions building, we had a chance to meet with Laura, our regional admissions counselor to ask some more questions. Jamie has a tough decision to make regarding her early decision application, and we still have two colleges in Texas and more in California to visit. Cali will have to wait until a long weekend comes around.

I took a picture of this quote from someone's door. This really sounds like Jamie's philosophy on life, for the most part : ) It is a good philosophy to have.

Ironically, I took the above picture while we were in the McDonald's drive-thru. It looked awesome, but we were in a rush! We do order grilled chicken wraps and apples though....to get ready for the next stop, lol.

We had to! There is not a Krispy Kreme anywhere near us in San Diego. Now on to an 11.5 hour drive to Texas for two appointments tomorrow. In retrospect, we should have done a better job at front-loading this trip : ) I drove for the first 8-9 hours since Rick had a backache, and Mikey needed a playmate.

 

 

Yes, by the time I took the picture, there were 8 gone, lol.

 

 

I became night blind, and the speed limit went up to 75, so Rick drove the last couple hours.