Back to School Trip to New Orleans

It was a whirlwind but our little weekend family getaway to New Orleans was a LOT of fun!  We left straight from carline Friday, had dinner in Brookhaven and pulled into the Windsor Court with two tired boys.  Jeff scored us a deal of a beautiful suite--possibly the nicest room I've ever stayed in--and the extra room was so nice.

We were up bright and early to hit Cafe du Monde Saturday morning.  We were literally the first people seated so we could beat the rush (Y'all know this planner is on a SCHEDULE!) and the boys loved it!  Preston was eating hunks of powdered sugar...right up his alley!  Then, we headed to the St. Charles streetcar to ride to the Audubon Zoo.  It was, of course, the boys first streetcar ride--and John Cole was saying "streetcar" by the time we left today. Smart boy!

The zoo was HOT but FUN!  Many thanks to Katie C for telling me we definitely needed to hit the Splash park inside the zoo.  The boys wore their suits and then changed after at least an hour of nonstop water fun.  This is a MUST DO if you are in New Orleans with kids.  I was wearing my workout clothes and got SOAKED but it actually felt great.  We did all of the attractions there--dino exhibit, train, carousel, etc.  but were done around 2:30.  It took well over an hour on the streetcar/bus to get to the zoo so we took a cab home.  John Cole enjoyed his first cab ride!

We were all hot and gross so we decided to hit the pool before dinner.  The Windsor Court pool isn't exactly designed for the toddler set, but as you can imagine the boys were entertaining EVERYONE there.  After a while we decided to get ready for a family dinner out.

Our meal at Drago's was pretty good.  Preston LOVED his fried catfish.  (I think he was starving....) Jeff and I really enjoyed our grilled oysters.  After dinner we strolled around the Quarter (not going too far in!) and then had some Pinkberry for dessert.

Sunday morning we had my favorite meal of the trip at a little place called The Ruby Slipper.  Maybe this is the delicious mimosa talking--but it was a great breakfast!! I was so proud of Preston's choice of oatmeal when he could have had anything on the menu.  Jeff and I both had delicious omelets with shrimp and cheddar cheese (NO CALS THERE!) and we polished them off.

We were at the Butterfly Garden when it opened.  This attraction is also a MUST SEE!  Of course, Preston loves, loves, loves bugs but I really think kids of all ages would really enjoy.  And the butterfly garden was one of the neatest things I've ever seen!  We all had butterflies sit on our shoulders and they were just beautiful.  We will go back :)

Next we hit the Aquarium.  Don't get me wrong--it was fun.  But it was SUPER crowded and the boys were both just kind of overstimulated at this point.  We saw most everything...but quickly and in the midst of LOTS of people.

We had lunch at the first place we saw without a wait that was kid friendly-lol-because we were starving.  We were kind of talking about the rest of our day and Preston had seen a sign for a Swamp Tour and he REALLY wanted to go.  So we got on the list and headed back to the room for a brief siesta.

I was skeptical about the swamp tour....but it really was fun.  And luckily John Cole was hot and tired so he wasn't trying to jump out of the boat.  Or maybe(more likely!) God was smiling down and was helping us out. We saw four alligators up VERY close and even learned a few things along the way.  Preston of course enjoyed driving the boat.  We did the "Cajun Encounter" if you ever want to try one out let me know I can fill you in :)

Sooooo, long story short it took a LONG time to get back to the Quarter, so the kids had McDonald's and Jeff and I had room service Sunday night.  Yep, room service for dinner.  Too late to take the kids out plus we all smelled like swamp.  It was actually quite relaxing....

We had one more delicious breakfast this morning at The Fleur de Lis cafe, saw the 3D Shark movie at the IMAX (which was quite good), did a little shopping at the Shops on Canal then headed home.  I know we will treasure these family memories always....

**Prayer request**
I won't go into gory details but my Gran is suffering from C. Diff and is in the hospital in Alexandria.  Please pray the Flagyl gets the bacteria under control and she can begin to gain her strength back.  She is very weak.

Preston's 5th Birthday Party

All credit goes to Jeff for coming up with this awesome idea to have P's birthday at the movies the VERY DAY "Planes" came out!  It was our first "drop off" birthday party too--and I really enjoyed getting to see the kids interact.  I really think they all had a great time--especially the birthday boy!  You can tell from the pictures his coloring is not just right.  Poor thing has battled a nasty fever virus this week and is still not back at 100%...but getting there.  Soooooo glad I didn't cancel the party though--it was just the thing to get him feeling better.  Many, many thanks to Nana for helping organize kids, 3D glasses and snackpacks! Also huge thanks to Resa for keeping John Cole during the movie so we could focus on Preston and HIS friends.  Of course, he came for cake :)  And lastly thanks to K-K and Kevin for having him dressed perfectly for the occasion--his new Disney "Pilot-in-training" shirt is SUPER cool.  Pretty sure he's gonna want to wear it EVERY DAY to Kindergarten.....

Stay cool out there...

Late July Happenings

I've been covering a LOT of vacations and such these days so Mommy being at work so much is not the norm, but we've been blessed that our sweet sitters have stepped up and the boys are having a BLAST these hot Summer days!

First pics are of our spontaneous trip to the Shreveport water park last Sunday.  I was impressed with the place. Now, there were times I did CRINGE when I thought about what I was walking on barefoot...but I've got two boys so I'd better get used to it :)  And Preston rode everything there but the straight down water slide...and he wanted too...and was tall enough...but I didn't want him to have a negative experience.  OK--maybe I was scared :)  I SO LOVED DOING THIS WITH HIM!  Going down the same slide and "racing" to the bottom.  Sharing a tube on the lazy river.  It was so fun.  And John Cole was a blast too.  I won't go into detail but there was one TINY swim diaper incident--gosh I hope this is my last Summer of those!--but all in all he was great and really enjoyed himself too.  It was work though.  I am spoiled to usually swimming around people I know--and people I KNOW are watching my kids if I look away.  (Conversely, I watch THEIR kids if they look away!) But in the midst of strangers at Splash Kingdom it was a STRESSFUL job to watch even just one child--esp since John Cole thinks he is too big for his puddle jumper.....

Next is a pic from yesterday's visit from Gran.  John Cole is showing her his "bean" from poo-pooing in the potty. Look-we are NOT potty training over here.  But, if there is a convenient time that I know my child needs to go I will put him on the potty and let him get the hang of it. I'm waiting until he is two to get serious...but if he says t-t.......

Lastly, is a pic from my sweet friend Sarah Jeffords' "Bash Booth."  You can rent it out for parties, weedings, etc and it is SO FUN!  She had it for her son John Mark's second birthday party.  You can tell Preston was very shy and didn't know what to do.....

Happy 36th tomorrow to Jeff!

John Cole 20 months

How the time flies with a sweet boy like you, John Cole!  I just can't believe you are 20 months old.  You can swim.  You are talking up a storm.  (NO! has entered your vocabulary:)  You adore your Daddy.  You idolize your big brother, "Pa-by." You still only want your Mom when the chips are down.  You have shown early signs of being ready to potty train.  You are STILL waiting on your incisors to come in.  You LOVE a turkey hot dog.  You have the most beautiful tan skin.  I have always thought Preston was my jokester--but you are a funny kid!  Your favorite books right now are the Eric Carle first shape/color books.  You still go to sleep with your sleepy sheep.  We love you John Cole!

Beach Boys

This is my favorite from our EARLY morning beach session.  Love these two "beach boys!"

Family Beach Trip 2013

It's no secret I LOVE the beach! I love the sun (too much!), I love the laid back vibe and I love the idea of being together with NO PRESSURE to go do or see anything!  Just having your coffee or eating your lunch by the pool or laying in the sun IS your activity for the day :)

We had a blast on our week long trip to Orange Beach.  We ran into lots of friends.  We enjoyed our third ride on the Cold Mill Fleet Dolphin Cruise.  I went to the Florabama --YIKES!  We took family beach pics that I can't wait to order.  We went to the outlets. We went to The Track.  Preston went on his maiden crab hunt and came home with 6 crabs! We saw Despicable Me 2.  We went The Hangout for the 4th....and had a prime table to watch the fireworks...which did not happen because of the wind-oh well.  We enjoyed all of the activities there.  Jeff and I got to exercise together which we NEVER get to do and truly love. We loved having Miss Kelli with us.  Preston was a BREEZE--truly he did great and was really easy.  John Cole did pretty well himself.  He can sit/dive off the side of the pool now and swim across..all the way across...you have to see it!  We had a great time.

Hope you had a Happy 4th!

Greetings from Ch-Yo-Ca

     I had never heard of this AMAZING place in Calhoun until this Spring.  A sweet Pharmacist I work with mentioned she was sending her daughter to Camp Ch-Yo-Ca, a Christian camp,and that she had been going since she was Preston's age.  I called the lady in charge and was super impressed by what she had to say and decided to sign Preston up.  The more I learn the more I like.  Google it if you have the time and see how much FUN these kids are having...all the while learning and growing in their Lord and Savior.  My favorite thing is they announce when youth/young adults come to know Christ on their FACEBOOK page!  (Most of the campers are older and spend the night and have Worship in the evening.) Now if that isn't using social media positively I don't know WHAT is!!!  I am so grateful for all the precious people who are making this place possible. Can't wait for closing ceremonies :)