we're going to see the sunflowers, baby!

"We're going to see the sunflowers, baby!" is what Hudson kept telling Evangeline on our drive to Carmel, La; just a quick road trip to view a field full of sunflowers at my mom's friend Vivian's home in the country. With over 175 acres of property to play with, Mr. Faler wanted some sunflowers on his land. He is more than generous to invite us over to reap the benefits of his hard work :) Upon arrival we were offered a beer and a four wheeler - my kind of afternoon!

After a fun ride around the property, we grabbed our buckets and scissors and got to work. My sister, Lauren, said, "Isn't it funny how some of them just call out to you to pick them?!" and it's true!

 Thanks for having us! We can't wait to come back. What do you think about a bonfire this fall ;) ??

summer spectacular...

Our weekend in New Roads was like a sun drenched dream. We spent more time on the water and dock than on land. Just the way I like it. :)

Thursday night pleasure cruise:

{Evangeline hated the life jacket her dad bought her- doesn't she look scared?! Bless her little heart}

{It was fun waking up with all the kiddos in one house! You gotta love a slumber party.}

Friday: Red, White, and Blue Day!

{Our gracious host, Captain Coco!}

{the three cousins with life vests on = adorable!}

{Every time we got on the boat, E would fall asleep instantly and stay knocked out until the boat stopped! So funny.}

{The sand pit idea was kind of a bust- they were either throwing it in the water or throwing it in each others faces, but don't they know how to turn it on for the camera?}

{Lots of special Daddy-Daughter time was had.}

On the 4th of July evening, Fr./Brother-in-Law Andrew cooked burgers and we watched from the dock fireworks all up and down False River. Hudson was having a ball- he kept jumping and screaming, "SPECTACULAR!!!" We have no idea where he got that from, but I was cracking up.

On Saturday morning, I woke up early to watch the sunrise. The morning was filled with a million different shades of pastels. I just love what God does with his paintbrush in the sky.

{Some more morning cousin play time before we got ready for some coasting on False River...}

{This is our attempt at a group photo - Hudson wasn't having it. Poor guy just got sunscreen in his eyes.}

{See! I told you- falls asleep every time!}

{Hudson had fun driving for a second, but Andrew - our little dare devil- took this job seriously! Trouble ;)}

A quick jump in the river-lake and we were back on the road to Shreveport. The thing I liked best about our little road trip was the lack of clocks and structure. Since Evangeline was born I have been on such a schedule that when I realized I could just go with the flow this weekend- I took full advantage. (Y'all- I even took a nap!!) It felt like a real vacation!

On Sunday we had lunch with Russell and the Raleys at Oyster Bar. Yum. Also- I love my friends.

Then we had dinner with DeeDee and Pops.

What a wonderful 4th of July holiday!

I've been nesting, what have you been up to?

We are in the new house! Thanks to many many helpful (and friendly) hands! To be honest, I was SHOCKED at all that happened the first weekend. Tison took off Friday and he and Cory started moving boxes during the day- the movers came on Saturday and by noon all our furniture was in place! Mom, Mrs. Chris, and Aunt Cyn started lining cabinets and organized my kitchen for me. Lauren, Mr. Tim, and Tison went back to Dudley to clean the place up before our final walk through. This pregnant gal with a sinus infection was no help. All I really used was my pointer finger and my brain all day. I was overwhelmed by everyone's kindness.

On Sunday night we had the family over and Dad treated us to Imperial Cathay... later we watched Dumb and Dumber while laying on the couch in our new den and I was in awe at what had taken place in the last 48 hours. I still kind of feel like we are house sitting in a home with our stuff in it, but with every passing day - it becomes more ours. The electrician, the roofer, and the cable guy have all come already. Our list of projects continues to get sliced off while also growing with more and more ideas. Home ownership - what an adventure.

{Lauren and David also brought us lunch from Jimmy Johns that fed us for days! Thanks, y'all.}

{check out that brand new fridge! The newest thing in the house!! We are very proud.}

{I plan to show up updates as we (if we ever have time to) get to each room.}

Two weekend ago was our annual trip to Canton Trade Days. (Perfect timing with a new home and baby on the way to look for treasures!) It was amazing as always. This is my third year to attend and I feel so lucky to be a part of this exclusive group :) It just does a heart, body, and soul good to spend time with these women. I found 2 rocking chairs, a book shelf, and an antique bassinet for baby girl. I can't wait to sand them down and repaint. I am really stumped at paint colors though, ya'll. There are REALLY a lot to choose from. How do you even start? I have been going to Pinterest for ideas, but I think it is making my decision even MORE difficult. I am considering having an interior designer come in as a one time consultant and just tell me what to do with everything, but I guess first-things-first I should get everything out of boxes!

 {The North LA crew aka The Hudson ladies picked up their own UHaul for the first time this year. It is funny that we thought we wouldn't even fill up the smallest one! Boy were we wrong!}

{I love getting ideas of how to paint furniture or decorate holiday displays.}

{beautiful crib ideas for baby girl}

{of course my favorite time is "Quilt Time" where we catch up over Prosecco and yummy snacks}

{Oh, Vals. You never disappoint. Just keep bringing those rolls out.}

{turkey leg lunch - and more evening quilt time!}

{because everyone was insistant I not lift anything- I wasn't much help loading our UHaul with treasures. I couldn't have been more proud of Lauren making it work! Plus-nothing was damaged on the travel back home. Way to go, girlfriend.}

{look at this ADORABLE Halloween outfit Mom got for baby girl- yes, this is for next year, but it might not have been there the next time around!}

See previous Canton adventures here!

blueberry picking...and a little baking!

A few days ago Mama, Lauren, the kiddos, Mrs. Gerry, her friend visiting from France and I went to Frierson, LA to pick blueberries at Shuqualak Farms. It was a hot day so we waited until right before sunset to drive out there, but after finding bushes in the shade our buckets were quickly filled to the brim with blue gold.

Hudson got the hang of it very quickly :)

When you're done with your bucket, they measure your pickings and give you a free blueberry popsicle. It is to-die-for! It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Next is deciding what all to make with all of your berries. I decided to make blueberry muffins for my book club on Thursday. I found the recipe found here.

Delicious! Anyone have any recipes for blueberries they would like to share?