Me and Mom

My Mom and I are roadtrippin’ to Minnesota (and Wandawega!) this week!

We’ve driven 640 miles, and passed through four sunny states so far. The drive has been gorgeous! Such beautiful weather, and the trees on the sides of the road are just starting to explode with fall colors. (Rumor has it, they’re going to get more “fiery” the further north we go, too! Yay!)

We stopped in Franklin, Tennessee this afternoon and discovered a really cute shop called “Rebecca’s” while we were walking around downtown…

And this huge Sugarboo Designs sign, inside the front door at a shop called “Lulu’s”, stopped us smack dab in our tracks today…

Love it! Definitely need to make a trip back to Franklin sometime. What an adorable town!

Tonight, we’re spending the night at a Holiday Inn in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Unfortunately, the internet connection here is less than stellar, and I had to search high and low for one, so that I could put this post together…

You wouldn’t believe where I finally found a signal.

Or what I had to use as my desk chair.

Ahhh…life on the road.

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87 Responses to Me and Mom

1. Kevin says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 10:07 pm

   I miss you already! Have fun!

   

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   • Amy says:

     Oct 9, 2011 at 7:22 am

     awww…so sweet!

     

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     • Kevin says:

       Oct 10, 2011 at 2:16 pm

       

       

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   • paulette says:

     Oct 10, 2011 at 7:26 am

     Ahhhh. Kevin, you and Layla are soooo cute! thank you both for such a great blog!!!

     

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     • Kevin says:

       Oct 10, 2011 at 2:16 pm

       Hi Paulette!

       Thank you!!!

       

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2. Diana @ Our Vintage Home Love says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 10:35 pm

   bahahahahah!!! That’s hilarious! You look just like your mom! Have a great trip!

   

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3. Elizabeth@BlueClearSky says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 10:36 pm

   Thanks so much for Tereasa Surrat’s ‘A Very Modest Cottage’. I am really enjoying it! Safe journey and have a blast with your Mom.

   

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4. Loribeth says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 10:43 pm

   My laptop is too heavy to hold up like that!!!! Someday I’ll get a new lighter one… In the meantime, I hope I don’t have to search for a connection that way!!!

   

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5. Tina says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 10:47 pm

   Your Mom has a Mini-Me! Too cute! Have a safe trip and hope your next stop provides a better internet connection. ; )

   

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6. gertie @ The Old Block House says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 11:03 pm

   Enjoy your travel through Illinois! The leaves are working up to a wonderful celebration of their autumn colors. Next weekend is our annual Pike County Fall Color Drive and they will be splendid then.

   

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7. Martha clark says:

   Oct 8, 2011 at 11:49 pm

   Where are you going in MN? I live in MN and am a loyal follower on FB and google! We have a lot of great shops here! I hope you have fun!!

   

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8. Judy says:

   Oct 9, 2011 at 12:02 am

   Franklin is a great town, you were in my neck of the woods! How wonderful to be traveling with your Mom, have a great time!

   

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9. Karie @ The HoB says:

   Oct 9, 2011 at 12:11 am

   I have been following your blog for just a short time but you are so cute and I just love your posts! Have a great trip with your mom!!

   

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10. Lori Danelle says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 1:25 am

    Too funny. Because I could have taken the same “desk” picture last night & just happened to be in the same town as well. Gotta love hotels.

    

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11. Jessica @ Nucheys MOmmy says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 6:30 am

    How fun! Enjoy

    

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12. Amy says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 7:23 am

    Road trips are the best! Have fun

    

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13. Michelle says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 7:42 am

    Franklin is so great! I live just a bit away from there, but one day would love to move there. And Rebecca is so sweet!!! I hope you were able to meet her when you stopped through.

    xo~ Michelle

    

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14. Hannah says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 9:01 am

    franklin rocks! that’s my home town! and i especially love it in the fall….riding on the back of my dad’s motorcycle….. glad you loved it!

    

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15. Kat Morris says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 9:10 am

    You have traveled through some of my territory! My sis lives in Nashville and Franklin is one of my favorite little towns. Mt. Vernon, IL is just a hop skip and a jump from where I grew up! You will pass the exit for Marion and my hometown is just up the street. Enjoy! Time spent with Mom is the BEST!

    

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16. Brenda says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 10:08 am

    Yay Minnesota! I am not biased at all…

    Hope you have a great time when you get here! The trees are amazing right now =)

    

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17. Paula in MN says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 10:12 am

    We’ve had so much wind in MN the last two days you better drive fast or you’ll miss the leaves! Enjoy your trip!

    

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18. ColleenwithMurals&More says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 10:35 am

    You’re gonna think I’m just saying this, but I’m sincere – now I know where you get your good looks! Your mom is awesome!

    

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19. Lindsay says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 10:57 am

    Yay for Minnesota! You’ll love it here.

    

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20. Judy says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 11:02 am

    Northern Minnesota leaves are blowing away as we speak Hope you enjoy your visit….it’s a great place to live!

    

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21. Cheri says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 11:31 am

    Hope you brought some “summer” clothes …. it’s still pretty warm here in MN!

    

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22. Katy Lunsford says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 11:36 am

    Hi Layla – you look just like your mama!! Everyone says I look like mine too! I love road trips.
    Safe travels, Katy

    

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23. Dianne says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:01 pm

    The poem written on the sign at “Lulu’s” was written by my co-workers father, Samuel Pugh…my co-worker gave me a copy when his father passed away at age 102! He was a minister and poet, who lived here in Indianapolis. I cannot wait to share this post with his son!!!

    

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24. wendy says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Oh yeah Layla,
    I can’t believe you are headed to Wandawega. That I think has been one of my favorite post you have had. I can’t wait to see all your beautiful photos and wonderful story telling. You can’t return soon enough you little jet setter:)

    

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25. Azie Bazie says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:33 pm

    Mom’s are the best! What a great trip.

    

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26. Nuit says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    I was in MN this week! in Minneapolis and St Paul, the weather is GORGEOUS and the trees are all turning orange, truly beautiful! have fun!

    

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27. Mindy says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Wish I could be heading back to MN this fall too. NorCal is finally turning green, but all I want to see are the oranges and reds (like driving north up 169 from ‘kato to the cities!) There is nothing better then the smell of a MN fall either. The smell of harvest, fireplaces, and crisp frosty grass. Not to mention all the fun fall festivities celebrating the abundance of harvest…love me a good hayride followed by a bonfire! Enjoy your time visiting family!

    

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28. Robie says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    Well you were super close to me! Mount Vernon is about 45 minutes away!

    

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29. Kim says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 12:52 pm

    Wow! You didn’t even have to tell me that was your mom! You two are so cute. I am heading up to Minnesota next week and I can’t wait! Never been up there, let us know the “must see” little places that you come across. Have fun!
    Kim

    

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30. Midj says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    Love your Mama’s t-shirt…

    ~~Mary in Gainesville, FL~~

    

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31. Paula J says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    LOVE Franklin!! We live near Memphis, but would move there in heartbeat!!! Lots of great antique shops!

    

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32. Magali@LittleWhiteHouse says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 1:20 pm

    Wow! You and your mom look so much alike! I fell in love with that sign… Its message is something we should think of everyday… I might make something of it, so as not to forget.

    

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33. Rosa @ flutterflutter says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    Yay for roadtrips!! Enjoy! LOL, the bathroom office is hilarious.

    

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34. Ann W says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    Your Mom is so cute! I love her hairstyle. I Need, Need more pictures of that camp. Please take lots. Loved the post about the kitten. I think the universe will reward you soon. Ann

    

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35. teresa says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Enjoy the time with your Mother- you two look like such fun. You both had the same laughter in your eyes.
    Happy day

    

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36. Deb Martell says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    Enjoy our fantastic fall weather!!

    

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37. mara says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 3:17 pm

    welcome to wisconsin! when you arrive. it is a perfect time to be traveling thru the state of wisconsin with all the fall colors. the river road from la crosse wisonsin up to minnesota would be wonderful. if you do make sure to stop at nelson, wi – for $1 homemade ice cream cones at the nelson cheese factory. have fun.

    

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38. Sandra says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Hope you and your Mother have a safe trip. Wish I was headed back to MN with you two. I miss home! Enjoy your stay.

    

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39. Sharon says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    That big sign is great! Love it! Have a great trip.

    

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40. brandiandboys says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 3:27 pm

    Layla… I call Franklin, TN home… It’s a wonderful place to live and visit. I’ll have to show you around on your next visit. My girlfriend owns an amazing store down there I’d love to introduce you to.

    

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41. Darla says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    I believe you will have to pass through Iowa to get to Minnesota if I am not mistaken. Ahem, helloooooo. Iowa is a balmy 80 degrees today!!

    

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42. JT says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Gorgeous weather here in Minnesota…and predicted warm through Wednesday…hope you get a chance to experience what an amazing fall season we are having! Love the message on the sign and plan on posting it in my side entry somehow…thanks!

    

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43. susie bloop says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    You two girlies have fun and keep us posted on those fall colors. What a beautiful time to be roadtrippin’. Love, Susie Bloop~

    

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44. Flower Patch Farmgirl says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    You and your Mama look so much alike and so cute together! Hope you’re having a ball.

    ps – You have officially inspired me to try rocking the knotted button-down over tank look. Do you ever STOP inspiring me???

    

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45. Midwest Mrs says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 8:49 pm

    Welcome to MN! If you get antsy for a project I would DIE to have you check things out at my house I’ve got a corner fireplace in the living room that’s the bane of my existence The weather has been amazing here, I’m sure you’ll love it!

    

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46. karin says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 9:22 pm

    Go Gators!!!

    

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47. Kaye says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 9:27 pm

    We LOVE Franklin, Tenn! Go there every fall!

    

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48. Terry Pitzer says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 9:28 pm

    Franklin is one of my favorite shopping destinations, and I’m very familiar with Rebecca’s. I’ve bought several child’s table and chair sets for my grandchildren there. Next time you’re there, you’ll have to stop by H.R. Dumplins for lunch. They have the best rolls and fruit tea!!! My son lives in Brentwood, the next town up I-65. And if you’re ever in Bloomington/Normal, Illinois, I’d love to show you some Midwest hospitality. Have a wonderful trip!

    

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49. kristin jo says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    You two are adorable. My dad was born in Mt Vernon, IL. Woot woot!

    

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50. jennibell says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 10:16 pm

    We just drove through downtown Franklin last weekend on our way to a soccer match and I thought it was the cutest town! I definitely want to go back there sometime to poke around. . .I’ll meet up with ya Thanks for sharing. . .I even pinned that framed inspiration picture that you found. .definitely right up my alley. Have a great week with your mom!!

    

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51. melissa hoffman says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 10:40 pm

    AH! You were in my town . Hope you had fun in Franklin. Safe travels….
    oh, and as a former northern girl, you will LOVE the firey fall colors of the north

    

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52. Fairfield House says:

    Oct 9, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Layla,
    Have a safe journey, enjoy this precious time together and Wandawega! {I so want to go there!}
    Your Friend,
    Deborah
    PS Like Jude’s hair bobbed!

    

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53. Rhonda I says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 12:08 am

    Aw, gotta love a road trip with your Mom, you two are too cute.. Enjoy this life long memory.. and thank you for bringing us along, because you had to work hard to do it.. greatly appreciated.

    

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54. Rachel Andersen says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Hopefully the weather stays nice, it’s been gorgeous!

    

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55. Miss Mustard Seed says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 8:01 am

    So fun!! I look forward to when my kids are older and we can take off on road trips.

    

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56. Melanie says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 8:15 am

    cute! love that quote on the sign.

    

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57. Andrea in WI says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 8:45 am

    Make sure you stop in Lake Geneva, WI and check out the little shops in that cute town! And yes, the Fall colors are beautiful!

    

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58. Melissa says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 9:01 am

    haha that’s cute! =)

    

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59. Ashley in Nashville says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 9:02 am

    We live in Nashville and visit Franklin often. Do not miss the opportunity to put yourself into a pastry-induced coma at Meridee’s Bakery!

    

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60. Myra @ My Blessed Life says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 9:06 am

    Franklin, TN is one of my favorite places to shop. I’ve been to both Rebecca’s and Lulu’s! So fun! Have a lovely trip! xoxo

    

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61. kaity says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 10:02 am

    love your mom’s t shirt! go gators!

    

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62. Seriously Sassy Mama says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 10:05 am

    A roadtrip with your mom is the best. My mom and I took one to Fredricksburg, Texas. We had soooo much fun!

    

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63. Beverly Palmer says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 10:10 am

    LOL – love the “office”. Can’t wait to see your Wandewega pics!

    

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64. Katie McFarland says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 11:26 am

    It’s so funny to read that youre in Mt. Vernon. I’m from that area and always had troubles, when I did live at home, with the connection.

    Glad you’re on your way!

    

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65. Kenna says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 11:40 am

    The weather is great here in MN right now and most of the trees are at peak color! What a beautiful time of year for a road trip.

    

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66. Kim @ Twice Remembered says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    you are just adorable.

    

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67. Krystle @ ColorTransformedFamily says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Hope y’all are having fun and share about the trip when you get back.

    

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68. Frances says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 2:39 pm

    Have fun at Wandawega! We’re in Illinois, so not tooooo far. BTW, very obsessed with those ceiling panels from Lowes. Bought some for our sunroom after seeing your post about them, and now I want to do our office and kitchen, ha ha. They’re SO easy to work with and you can’t tell them apart once they’re up from the more expensive ones. Thanks again for that post!

    

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69. Missy says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    We all know that the “throne” can sometimes be the best place to take your laptop! lol
    You and your momma look so happy…I just love it!
    I read the sign about using your days for good…so I’ve decided after typing this comment, I’m going to play with my son….he’s growing up WAY too fast!
    Love ya Layla! (and Kevin too..and no Kevin, you weren’t an afterthought!)
    Missy

    

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70. Sabrina says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 3:02 pm

    I live in Nashville and LOVE going into Franklin to check out the antique stores! I will have to go into Rebecca’s! I love that sign you saw too. Very cute! Have a safe trip!

    

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71. Lori says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Love that your mom is a Gator fan like me!

    

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72. Debbie says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    Oh, which route did you take through Illinois today? Mt. Vernon is South of where I live, so you may have come right through here! Yes, the leaves are looking gorgeous and will hopefully continue to get even prettier. I hope you and your mom have a wonderful trip! You two look so much alike!

    

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73. Dana says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    you and your mom are so adorable!

    

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74. Shaunna says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    LOL, friend. I’m with ya.
    Xoxo
    Shaunna

    

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75. Karrie says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 5:12 pm

    I live 15 min from Franklin…..call me next time.

    

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76. Betty says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    My sister and brother-in-law live in Franklin, TN… I love it there!!! All of those shops are the best!!!

    

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77. Debra says:

    Oct 10, 2011 at 11:37 pm

    Can not believe you were in franklin. I live 2 miles from downtown! Would have loved to have met you. Safe journeys!

    

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78. Denise says:

    Oct 11, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    Oh my goodness! You were just an hour away from where I live when you were in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Have a safe trip!

    

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79. Stacey says:

    Oct 11, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    I’m from Franklin, TN! I love love LOVE it there as well; there is a fantastic store I think you would love called PD’S …. (119 S Margin St
    Franklin, TN 37064)

    

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80. Stacey says:

    Oct 11, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    PS-You HAVE to have a cupcake at IveyCakes. They will blow your mind!

    

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81. Ter'e says:

    Oct 14, 2011 at 6:03 am

    You and your mom are so adorable together. I have a Mini-Me too – she’s in Kansas City.
    Getting settled in, in Sandestin……..man, is it ever beautiful here.
    I’m kinda in your neck of the woods!

    

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82. Christina says:

    Oct 14, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    You look SO much like your mom!! Your smiles are exactly identical!

    

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83. Calico Child says:

    Oct 23, 2011 at 9:44 pm

    hee to funny!

    

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