Andrew turns 2...

Andrew,
  You are the cutest 2 year old I know. I love it when you run to greet me with a big hug. I love it when you shine that crooked smile. I love seeing you play with your big brother - you both really like the movie Cars or any kind of tractor, train, car, or truck! I love how you say "red car lightning" and "baby Evangeline." And I LOVE YOU!

Your mom did such a good job with your train themed 2 year old birthday party. She is making it hard for the rest of us to follow.

Mrs. Jordan and Aiden came to celebrate. Your mama made your blue cake with blue icing like you specifically requested.

Your cousin, Evangeline, got to celebrate with you this year. You also looked adorable in your conductor hat. It was just a tiny bit too big for your head, which made it even cuter.

Aunt Cyn, Aunt Pam, and DeeDee would never miss your birthday party!

CHOOOooo - Chooooo!

You received lots of presents from your sweet friends. Big brother Hudson made sure you could open our presents. He did a great job opening them - errr - I mean overseeing your progress.

Godfather Joseph had a good time.

Apparently the new way to do a piñata is not by hitting it, but everyone grabs a string that is attached underneath and pulls until the candy comes out. Your dad decided that was silly so we took a broom stick to it.

He busted it open, but hit your mother in the head with part of it in the process! oopsy!

See Andrew's first birthday party here!

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!

Andrew turns 1...

Happy birthday, sweet Andrew! We had a wonderful time at your birthday party. Way to GrOw, buddy.

Andrew received lots of new toys and books, but I have to say- I think his favorite is that alligator push-toy. He lights up everytime he is behind it. This curly cue will be walking in no time!

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?