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!

Landing in the City of Lights...

On Lauren's birthday last Sunday, David surprised her with a trip to Natchitoches, Louisiana with the family. We all piled into his new truck (all 6 of us) and headed south for about an hour to see the festival lights along Cane River Lake and eat some dinner at The Landing on the historic Front Street. I'm not entirely sure if I can call it the "festival of lights" because I think it is just considered that on Saturdays when they do fireworks, but hey, we enjoyed seeing the illuminated light displays along the shoreline. For those of you that are interested in attending, the 87th Annual Christmas Festival is December 7th! It is ranked number 3 in the United States for best Christmas display and can't you see why?!

{That fried pecan pie and the hot chocolate to-go were my favorite parts of dinner!}

 After dinner we smooshed back into the truck for a drive down main street before going back to the Merrick's house to open gifts with Mrs. Capi :) I hope you had a wonderful birthday, sweet sister.

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!

burgers, brews, and blues...Twisted Root Opening!

 Ann and Grant invited us (along with most of Shreveport) to the private opening of their new restaurant, Twisted Root, this weekend.

As the doors opened, I was struck by the industrial, yet homey feel--exposed ceilings, corrugated aluminum siding and unfinished plywood--these unexpected materials were visually interesting and I instantly felt at ease. The line was long with many recognizable faces from around the area ready to partake in their first hamburger or buffalo Twisted Root Burger. Each month they will feature a different type of meat to choose from such as: Venison, Elk, Lamb, Ostrich, Kangaroo, Emu, Boar, or Alligator. How exciting!

We first made our way to the bar that was decorated with old records and guitars. There were many choices of beers on tap, but considering my current condition, I chose the pecan root beer and made my way to the covered brick patio. Both the root beer and the patio were AMAZING! This patio might be my new favorite place to "tailgate" during football season.

 Lauren and David got in line and ordered for us. I chose The Western that was served with fried onion rings, bacon, pepperjack, and jalapanos! Tison had The Ranch Hand and said it was "the best burger I've ever had that I didn't make myself." This is definitely high praise. I couldn't have been happier with my choice either! You could seriously mix and match to get a different burger every time you go. Their choice of side sauces that are conveniently already at your table were also very tasty. I added the BBQ sauce to my western buffalo burger and it was right on the money. Lauren went with the fries instead of the sweet potato chips that it comes with. Order the fries every time people. They are delicious! I am so excited to see such a fun, new restaurant open in a different location that Youree Drive.

 It opens to the public today and if you don't have dinner plans yet, I highly suggest you go TONIGHT! I wish you the best of luck Ann and Grant- but I don't think you're gonna need it ;) xoxo

boy are we excited...

The Merrick family keeps growing! This morning was exciting beyond belief. We were told to wear pink or blue according to what we thought the sex of the baby was going to be to the gender reveal party- aka the birth! Geaux Team Blue! Lauren and David welcomed a new baby boy into their family as we welcomed him into ours. Here's a snapshot of our morning:

I can't believe it's already been 18 months since Hudson was born! I love watching my family grow. Hooray for healthy and beautiful baby Andrew!

babysitting Hudson...

Over the weekend Lauren and David had an engagement party to attend and asked Uncle Tison and Aunt Lindsey to babysit! This was the longest time either of us have spent with Hudson one-on-one ever! I was a bit nervous about entertaining him from 2-8. I had mommy friends on call, I made lists of things to do, Lauren even made a list for me too. I think she sensed my anxiousness. I don't know what I was so scared of though! Hudson was the most precious, calm, and curious little boy I have ever had the privileged of spending time with- the entire time {except when I got soap in his eyes during bath time.} I'd say I've improved a little since this time babysitting, don't you?

 I tried to document our few hours together. I captured just about everything but the hour we spent on the couch reading together- he, nuzzling up under my arm turning the pages, me, swooning over his sweetness. I could have sat there with him forever.

Hudson just loves to be chased. We got creative with the water sprinkler. Tison and I had so much fun with chasing him around. I mean- look at that smile!

{The new cool thing to do- put your finger in your belly button.}

He's the next Picasso.

Since water and chasing were making him giggle, I decided to blow up this water toy. When he showed hesitation in approaching it, I knew I was going to have to go in and play. He was very interested in how the little tikes ball squirted out the water. After awhile, we were both soaked and were ready for inside games.

After we changed clothes, we sang songs, read books, played games, and ate dinner...

...to my surprise, it was time for a bath and a bedtime story! I couldn't believe how fast the time had flown. Lauren and David, thanks for letting us play. He's such a peach. I can't believe you're about to have another little one running around in less than a month!!! xoxo