The Big Easy

Over Mother's Day, Betty and Jerry were able to fly in from Texas to visit for a long weekend. Ryan and Jennifer (and Dottie the dog) came up from Raleigh as well, and it was a great weekend to spend with family.

Grandma and Grand"poopy" with Adaline

We also took Adaline to another swim class and she again enjoyed the splashing in the pool. She still isn't as interested in kicking much, but we are happy she likes being in the water, and will be excited to keep working with her at camp.


Shane and I had our first long weekend away from Adaline this past weekend for a wedding trip to New Orleans. It was a blast to see all of our friends and party it up in NOLA, but it was a challenge to be away from Adaline for 4 days. She had a good time with Nana and Pops, and we were able to sleep in everyday together well into the late morning. It really had been too long for that! The wedding was for Shane's old camp friend (and one of our first roommates as newlyweds), Scott and his lovely bride, Jamie! Although we had some rain the last few days in town, we were able to enjoy the city, Bourbon Street, Pat O'Briens, dancing, crawfish, beads, Po boys, and of course a few begniets along the way too.

us at Pat-Os / Jennifer, me, and Lauren making friends with the bartender and writing postcards that were never sent :)

The wedding itself was beautiful, at the Cathedral in the French Quarter, and was followed by a fabulous reception at Pat-Os on the River. The best part was getting there. After the ceremony, there is something I have only just learned about called a second line. This is a tradition where the bride and groom (maybe called 1st line????) get a jazz band that awaits them as they leave the Cathedral and the entire wedding party and all the guests follow along behind them in their own personal parade to the reception site. The streets are closed down and everything. All the men wave handkerchiefs and the women get parasols. It was a blast!

Shane and I about to begin the second line/our fun group with Scott and Jamie

Since Shane and Jessee were reunited for the long weekend, they had to do the traditional cribbage match for the Stanley Duck that occurs whenever they get together. Jessee won this time. We have had Stanley in our living room for awhile, so I wasn't too sad to see him take a long visit to Seattle for a bit. Sorry Anita. We kinda miss him though.


On the day after the wedding, Scott and Jamie held a crawfish boil on their rooftop. Despite the rain, our group held strong and had a good time. I even ate 3 or 4, which was a task considering I had to tear off their heads and pretty much pull them apart. After a few, I moved on to a burger...which wasn't looking at me. I think everyone else ate much more, but I am glad for the experience.


Although it was an excellent trip, it was also wonderful to come home to our baby girl. Nana and Pops were tired and even though we were too, we were happy to see Adaline's smiling face.