Back in New Orleans

We arrived back in New Orleans on Sunday & were scheduled to fly out Monday. We were all so exhausted & tired of eating heavy foods that we didn't do much. We decided to just head down to the pool for a swim.

First things first...naps! We we arrived back at the hotel they didn't have a crib for Madison yet. She didn't care! She was so tired she passed out for 2 hours in Mommy & Daddy's king bed...

Now we're ready for a dip! The pool was pretty cold so we enjoyed the hot tub for awhile.

Madison & Grandpa Silly enjoying the bubbles

Luke-man gets a sweet hug from his big sister

The hotel was beautiful. It looked a lot like the Lafayette Park (where Mommy & Daddy got married) with a quaint courtyard & a fountain in the middle. Too bad the service was so awful!

On the whole Madison & Luke did amazing with such a big trip. I know they missed their beds & the 4 hour layover in Dallas on the way home was a challenge but they were troopers! Needless to say we will be staying home for awhile. If for nothing else than to let Mommy & Daddy recuperate!! :-)

Laurel, Mississippi

Our next stop was Laurel, MS for Scott & Lane's wedding. Before we made it to Laurel we stopped in Hattiesburg (on the advice of locals) for some BBQ @ Leatha's. The most amazing BBQ ever! Slightly run down (as you can see from the picture) but the food was fantastic & the people were so warm & friendly! It was great to get some Southern hospitality after the all around rude people of New Orleans.

Rehearsal Dinner...Bagga Judy hanging out at the kids table.

Luke flirting across the table with cousin Tessa

Luke Peterson, Luke Allen, Madison & Tessa using the open space of the courtyard to run, run, run!

The wedding was in the evening so we had the whole day to enjoy. Our first stop was a park in Laurel.

Next we went to the "Landrum Homestead". It was interesting & the kids seemed to enjoy the animals.

The wedding...our cute little monkeys all dressed up.

Maddie & Tessa dancing (Tessa has already flown out of photo range :-)

Scott, Lane & their wedding party

Uncle Jason & Aunt Jill

Luke going for a ride as we pack up to head back to New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

Last weekend we went to Laurel, MS for our cousin Scott's wedding. Laurel is almost equal distance to New Orleans as it is to Jackson so we decided to fly into NO a little early for some extra fun! Here are a few pictures from our first stop...
Luke's first plane ride! The monkeys taking advantage of the portable DVD player. Madison also loving the fact that she got her bubby without having to go to sleep! (to pop her ears :-)

It was raining the first 2 days but it was very warm/humid. Madison insisted on carrying her own umbrella.

There were a lot of beautiful old brick buildings with cast iron detail.

The mighty (muddy) Mississippi

Luke & Uncle Jason enjoying some breakfast

Luke decided to switch it up to Grandpa Silly

St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square

Madison gets tired of walking & hitches a ride on Uncle Jason's shoulders

Famous Bourbon Street (side note: New Orleans is not very kid friendly. We were on Bourbon Street for maybe 2 minutes looking for a particular restaurant...I look down & Madison is looking up at a sex shop!!!) Needless to say we bolted to a side street immediately.)

Aunt Jill & Luke-man

Maddie & her Godmommy/Aunt Jill

Madison made Grandpa Silly put on some beads. He was not amused.

Luke waiting on the sidelines for the Mardi Gras parade. Little guy doesn't know he's a few months late!

Next stop...Laurel, Mississippi.

Big Girl Bed

Now that our big girl is potty trained (no accidents to date...knock on wood :-) she has moved on from a crib to a big girl bed. We haven't been able to find a guard rail that fits her crib-turned-daybed so we just decided to see how it went. First night & first nap - no problem. Last night we heard a crash & found Madison on the floor...still sound asleep. Needless to say we are going to have to use a toddler bed for awhile. Until it arrives everyone (i.e. Maddie, Luke, Peanut & Moosh) is enjoying the big kid bed!
No more crib!

The whole gang is here

Moosh has had enough

Water Wiggler

Little Miss Madison graduated from Water Babies to Water Wigglers! No more Mommy in the pool. We took a few pictures of her first day. She did great!!!
Madison & her teacher, Sylvia

Lily

About a week & 1/2 ago we went to meet our new friend Lily. Her Mommy, Erin & our Mommy went to Saint Mary's College together. She is so precious!

Sweet Lily




Future SMC Gaels

Lily gazing up @ the older man, Luke



Erin, Lily, Madison, Luke & Molly too!!