***I have no idea why Blogger has arranged these pics the way they have so just bear with me.
One of my oldest and dearest friends, Eileen LeBlanc got married in New Orleans at the end of May. We all have those friends who no matter how long it's been and how far apart we live we wouldn't miss their biggest events in life. Eileen is at the top of that list! The kids and I flew in for a quick weekend.
We were just wrapping up Will's swim lessons before we left. He made such huge strides this summer! He went from being terrfied in his group lessons to chatting Coach Bryan's ear off in his private lessons. We'd like him to bit more comfy than he is, but we are so happy with his progress. Here are some pics from the lesson he took just before we headed to the airport.
One of the best things about visiting New Orleans is the kids chance to spend time with their cousins. My In-Laws took Will, Maren and Ellie to Rivertown and to play at Tara & Jim's. They had such a blast together!
I always say the dirtier the kid the more fun they had that day. These kiddos had the dirtiest feet I've ever seen! Sounds like a fantastic time!
It was quite humorous to see Maren and Ryan together. He was so intrigued by her and she liked to get down by him and play with the baby toys.
Maren wanted to get close to Ryan and hug him. Everytime she would get close he would grab her hair or her ears. It didn't stop her from going back for more!
It wouldn't be a trip to New Orleans
without snowballs. Everyone, even Ryan enjoyed a taste!
It wouldn't be a visit with Nana without a cake!
Here's a shot of Will & Ellie with their great grandparents, Phil & Gran.
These 2 are so cute together!!
My kids love to be outside at my parents house. I enjoy hanging out with them on the patio especially in the morning. Here is a pic of me & Mae.
We went to City Park with my parents and had such a nice time with the kids. It's a place that always enjoyed going with my grandparents as a child! My favorite memory is being there with my Paw-Paw and Gramps. We would sit on the long limbs of the oaks and hang on for dear life while we swang back and forth. We tried to get Will to bounce on the limbs, but he wasn't so sure.
I LOVE THESE TREES!
This makes me think of home!
We tried REALly hard to get a good picture of them together, but it was impossible. These were the best 2 I could get!
We tried REALly hard to get a good picture of them together, but it was impossible. These were the best 2 I could get!
If I thought it was hard getting a picture of the kids and their grandparents together---- this was the best we could do for the 3 of us together!
There's always time for an afternoon swim at Meme's!
These 3 are as thick as theives! My parents have wonderful neighbors across the street. Steve and Michelle have 2 little boys, Matthew and Marcus who are close in age with William. Whenever we go in town they pick up right where they left off. These 2 do a good job of roughing him up and he loves every second of it!
Can you say- wrapped around his little finger?
...and hers too!
Even though the flippers were fun.....it didn't end so good!
Maren loves spending time with her Maw-Maw!
This kid's imagination is wicked! I love to watch him draw.
It's even better to hear his explanation!
You know Mommy's out and about when the day ends with a late night swim and chocolate covered donut!
THE WEDDING!
Eileen and William got married at the St. Louis Cathedral. They did a second line around Jackson Square and the recetion was help at Murials. I had never been there for a reception and it couldn't have been a more perfect day to sit on the balcony and overlook all the festivities. Not to mention, I had a wonderful date- my cousin, Holly!
I'd like to think I helped Eileen with this idea-- I was telling her about my friend Andi's wedding at the cathedral and how they had adult beverages in To Go cups for the guests as we began our Second Line to her recpetion. We were pleased to find similar offerings in the middle of Jackson Square following Eileen and William's recption! Nice touch!!
There was no doubt that Eileen was one of the happiest most laid back brides I have ever seen!
What a perfect New Orleans afternoon! What a way to enjoy it-- on a balcony with champagne in hand!
Look at her beautiful dress! She was absolutely radiant!
Me and my date! We had a lot of fun together! We always pick up right where we left off-- there's just something about family!!
Eileen's grandmother cutting a rug to her brother's band performing at the reception.
Not bad for a self portrait on a cell phone!(Look at that-- neither one of us has our heads tilted!)
After the wedding I was able to meet up with 2 of my favorite girls--Kat & Mer. Our visits are always too short! As you can see we thoroughly enjoy the little time we do have together.
