Friends

Tuesday- This was a very busy day. I had to wake up early for my Bible study. Austin was off so he stayed here with the kids. Again I enjoyed being back with my ladies. Its a nice way to break up the week. I am enjoying the study and the time with other women. After study though I had to break away and leave pretty quickly since we had company coming. I got home about 10:30 or so and his parents still weren't here. We hung out with the kids for about 30 min before they finally arrived. The kids were super excited and had been hanging out by the front door. They got here and they got settled in looked around the house. They hadn't been here since moving day---so things look quite different. We soon headed out to get a bite of lunch. We decided to go to Brother's so we could get po-boys for lunch. It was a nice lunch and nice to catch up and visit with them. Afterwards we took the kids to the aquarium. Its rare we go do anything like that in the afternoon but since it was a special occasion we figured it would be fun. Plus the kids are pretty much passed the "napping" stage. I was honestly shocked though at how busy the aquarium was at that time. We got in there in just enough time to see them feeding the Gulf of Mexico exhibit which was neat. The kids enjoyed that. They loved the stingrays and jellyfish. After that we made our way upstairs and another favorite was the white alligator. We spent a lot of time in the kids part. They both love the boats and areas to climb and run. Linda and I found a bench and rested while the men and kids played. We soon moved on to the otters and frogs. We then made our way to the seahorses and nemo and dory exhibit. They were SO excited to "Find Nemo and Dory". Those exhibits have been there forever and they have never much cared! Anyway we then saw the penguins then the Amazon exhibit. Ofcourse the kids had to climb up to the treehouse with pawpaw. After that we made our way to the tunnel exhibit then it was time to go. We took the scenic walk back along the riverfront. It was hot but a nice day nonetheless. We got home and relaxed for awhile. Everyone was pooped by that point. Soon a storm started rolling in so we all went to sit outside and enjoy the cooler temps and breezes. After that it was time to start on dinner. We cooked chicken wings, corn, mac n cheese, salad, and sweet potato fries for dinner. It felt like we were in the kitchen forever but it was worth it! It was such a yummy meal. Afterwards we took a walk to walk off all the yumminess! It was fun having pawpaw and mawmaw around to see a glimpse of our daily summer life. We got the kids bathed and then watched some of the olympics before sending them to bed. It wasn't that long after the kids went to bed that the adults started heading that way too. It was a very tiring but wonderful day! 

Visit with grandparents!

Tuesday- This was a very busy day. I had to wake up early for my Bible study. Austin was off so he stayed here with the kids. Again I enjoyed being back with my ladies. Its a nice way to break up the week. I am enjoying the study and the time with other women. After study though I had to break away and leave pretty quickly since we had company coming. I got home about 10:30 or so and his parents still weren't here. We hung out with the kids for about 30 min before they finally arrived. The kids were super excited and had been hanging out by the front door. They got here and they got settled in looked around the house. They hadn't been here since moving day---so things look quite different. We soon headed out to get a bite of lunch. We decided to go to Brother's so we could get po-boys for lunch. It was a nice lunch and nice to catch up and visit with them. Afterwards we took the kids to the aquarium. Its rare we go do anything like that in the afternoon but since it was a special occasion we figured it would be fun. Plus the kids are pretty much passed the "napping" stage. I was honestly shocked though at how busy the aquarium was at that time. We got in there in just enough time to see them feeding the Gulf of Mexico exhibit which was neat. The kids enjoyed that. They loved the stingrays and jellyfish. After that we made our way upstairs and another favorite was the white alligator. We spent a lot of time in the kids part. They both love the boats and areas to climb and run. Linda and I found a bench and rested while the men and kids played. We soon moved on to the otters and frogs. We then made our way to the seahorses and nemo and dory exhibit. They were SO excited to "Find Nemo and Dory". Those exhibits have been there forever and they have never much cared! Anyway we then saw the penguins then the Amazon exhibit. Ofcourse the kids had to climb up to the treehouse with pawpaw. After that we made our way to the tunnel exhibit then it was time to go. We took the scenic walk back along the riverfront. It was hot but a nice day nonetheless. We got home and relaxed for awhile. Everyone was pooped by that point. Soon a storm started rolling in so we all went to sit outside and enjoy the cooler temps and breezes. After that it was time to start on dinner. We cooked chicken wings, corn, mac n cheese, salad, and sweet potato fries for dinner. It felt like we were in the kitchen forever but it was worth it! It was such a yummy meal. Afterwards we took a walk to walk off all the yumminess! It was fun having pawpaw and mawmaw around to see a glimpse of our daily summer life. We got the kids bathed and then watched some of the olympics before sending them to bed. It wasn't that long after the kids went to bed that the adults started heading that way too. It was a very tiring but wonderful day! 
Wednesday we were up early. It seems its always that way when you have company. Austin and his parents started the morning with coffee out on the back patio. The kids slept in which was wonderful and I basically straightened up around the house. We soon started breakfast as soon as the kids got up. We had pancakes and bacon and fresh fruit. It was fun once again visiting with everyone. As soon as we ate everyone was off in different directions to get ready for the day. We headed to my parents house about 9:15. We got there and the men and kids went swimming. I decided to skip out since we had church that afternoon and didn't want to have to re-shower and all that! The kids had a blast though and I just enjoyed visiting with our moms. We stayed awhile and visited with my parents before returning home about 11:30. We got back and the kids were starving. His parents were packing up to leave and we were fixing lunch. It was kind of hectic. They left about noon and we were able to settle in and have lunch then rest. I think we were all exhausted! It was a fun visit but also always nice to return to normal too. 
That night we all went to church. They had baked potatoes for dinner. Austin was able to join us which is a rarity. He helped me in my class b/c I knew we would be short handed. We ended up with 9 kids though so we were quite busy! It was a fun evening though and I felt like the kids all did really well. 

Summer Weekend

The kids and I had a lovely weekend. I hated Austin had to work all of it. Friday we got up and decided to meet friends at The Monkey Room. We met Makyrin and Makylee. The kids had a wonderful time together. We stayed for 2 and a half hours!! They played so hard! It was nice to get and sit and visit with Ashleigh too while they were playing. That afternoon was pretty low key. Austin did get off early so we decided to go out to eat. We went to New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood. I think we all enjoyed getting out and doing that! That night we had our usual movie night and we watched Zootopia. 
Saturday the kids and I had to do the dreaded grocery shopping. It was nice though that we didn't have to rush out. We got the shopping finished and we were home about 11:30. We had lunch and rested a bit then went over to my parent's house to swim again. We really are loving all the extra pool time! We swam for a couple hours. These kids are going to be fish! We got home around 4 and cooked spaghetti for dinner. 
Sunday was quite a busy morning! I had to teach and I didn't have any helpers. We had 8 kids. The kids were actually pretty good and I handled the class fine but I still felt stretched and flustered most of the morning. Plus Lindsay decided to pitch a giant fit in the midst of class. She NEVER does that! I have never had a hard time teaching her but I about lost it! I finally drug her out the class and put her in the room next door. I couldn't handle the screaming anymore. I felt so bad b/c she was embarrassed when it was time to come back to class. I knew she was upset b/c she was having a hard time getting some stickers to stick on a craft and had I had help I could have taken time to help her but being alone it just left me very flustered and upset. Needless to say we all took naps that afternoon. 
That night we took it easy though and had leftovers for dinner. 

Summer Slow Down

Well summer is breezing by and I feel like we have finally slowed down here at the end of June. It was non-stop there at first. School ending, swim lessons, VBS, then vacation. I am thankful now to not have anything major going on and we can relax and enjoy summer. 
Monday was Austin's last day off from vacation. We decided to spend it being productive. The kids needed uniforms. Normally I would go alone but he wanted to be there for Lindsay's first time just like he was with Colby. We got Colby new pants/shorts and he should be fine with his shirts and sweatshirts still fitting him. Lindsay on the other hand got outfitted with 2 dresses, 2 tops, 2 skirts, a sweatshirt, and 2 hair accessories. I think she's excited about big girl school. We then had to go out and get colby some new glasses in Metairie. That all went well then we took the kids to lunch at Zoe's Kitchen. Afterwards we went to see "Finding Dory". I was happy to have 1 last family day before we sent Austin off to work. The kids loved the movie and time out as a family. That night we hung out and had leftovers for dinner.
Tuesday was an early morning for us. I had Bible study so the kids and I left the house by 8. I dropped them off at my parent's house. It was good to get back to my ladies Bible study. I feel its the only thing I truly just do for myself. Since I don't get to go to worship service a lot this is the time I feel like I get my spiritual re-fuel. Its also always great to get to visit and hang out with other moms. I left and went to my parents when it was over. Today I stayed and we went swimming. That won't be the case every week but Lindsay's friend Genevieve was spending the afternoon with us so I thought it would be fun to let the kids swim. We played in the pool about an hour before the girls were ready to go. I brought them home and Colby stayed with my parents. He wasn't very interested in playing with 4 year old girls. I picked the girls up Chickfila and we came home to eat it. They were so cute they ate then they spent about 45 min coloring their Chickfila bags. They were super easy to entertain and they were SO quiet! They played a bit in Lindsay's room then they were ready to watch Brave. While they watched the movie I rested a bit on the couch. Soon they were ready for a snack. They ate their snack and watched the rest of the movie. Afterwards they played princesses until Natalie picked her up! It was the easiest playdate ever! I loved just hanging out with them and watching them play. Austin worked late that night so the kids and I did leftovers once again. I had them in bed early after quite a busy day! 
Wednesday we had Nothing on the agenda which is quite unusual. I thought about running errands but I gave the kids an option and they chose a stay home day. I honestly was kind of relieved. Since had church that night I knew a stay at home day wouldn't be that bad. And now that they are older its really not bad at all. We had a leisurely breakfast then they worked on school work. I am having Colby do a language and math page each day. He's doing great with the language and  has also made some big strides in math. At first subtraction was a bit bumpy but I think this week with all the review he's getting a good handle on it again. We spent a little time outside after getting dressed before it got too hot. They helped me fill Allie's pool and water the plants. We just hung out inside the rest of the day. They played and watched tv and I worked on house things. It was really a lovely summer day! By that afternoon I felt we were all refreshed and ready for church. During the summer its great to have that mid-week. I think it helps the kids and I. We got there for dinner and they had chicken alfredo which my kids LOVE! This is the first summer they are doing the dinners. Its nice to continue to have that to not have to worry about cooking mid-week. I had 8 in my class which was pretty big for our little group. It was busy but we had fun! lindsay loves being with her friends Genevieve, Ebbie, Mia, and Makylee. Colby had a great ime with his as well.
Thursday we decided to go swimming again. I know it seems like we do that a lot but when its 100 degrees there's not much I would rather do. Today I told my parents we would also stick around and eat lunch. We got there about 10 and swam for about 2 hours. The pool felt so good. It was nice to know we had nothing else to do and could just enjoy. We ate lunch...my dad grilled chicken and the kids had that and mac n cheese and my mom made us salads. Afterwards the kids and I came home and relaxed. I am loving our afternoons. We rest (the kids usually watch tv and I nap) then we hang out and go outside, I cook and they work on school work, then after dinner we go outside again). Its been really great! I am loving that life has slowed down enough for us to just enjoy and not live in a rush! 

Father's Day Weekend

So upon arriving Friday we knew there would be lots to do when we got home over the weekend but it was oh so sweet to get home. 
Saturday we were all able to sleep in a little. Colby had a b-day party that day for a friend. Austin got up and mowed the yard first thing. He ended up finishing up early and was able to go with us that morning. We first went by Target to get a present for Makyrin then we headed to Algiers to drop Colby off. He was soo excited. It was his first "drop off" party! He was ready to jump out the door with the car still moving. Austin, Lindsay, and I then went to the grocery. We had a huge trip to make with not going for 2 weeks. We got it all finished though! We made sandwhiches and just had a low key afternoon. It was nice just spending time with Lindsay. It was amazing how quiet the house was with just 1 kid. We missed Colby but sometime it is nice to separate them. He didn't get home until almost 5. By the time he got home it was about dinner time. We had jambalaya and salads that night. We took a walk and enjoyed our evening together. 
Sunday was Father's Day. I was happy Austin was actually off this year b/c in past years he has had to work. We went to church ofcourse. Poor thing had to stay and help me teach b/c I would have been alone and we had 16 kids!! I couldn't believe how many children showed up with their dads. A sweet sight but oh so many kids. We have 4 children also who honestly need 1 on 1 attention and should probably have their own class. It was tiring. After we went into church just for a little bit. It was nice to get to see people who we wouldn't normally see when we leave right after 1st service. We sat through some of the songs and the Father's Day video then left. With the trip and with hosting Father's Day there was just so much to do. 
We got home and ate leftovers for lunch. We then spent the afternoon relaxing and preparing for dinner. We had offered to host Father's Day. Now with this house its easier to host things of that nature. It was fun having everyone over here. We had hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, and blueberry cobbler. We just had a fun time visiting and hanging out. I think it was a great weekend back at home! Now I am looking forward to enjoying summer with my kiddos! 

Tennessee Day 5

It seemed as if the trip flew by and we were on our last day quicker then I thought! We had a leisurely morning though which was nice. We kind of made up our mind we would make the last day more about relaxation and just soak up and enjoy the mountains. We were going to have a nice, big breakfast that morning but Austin accidentally exploded the glass pan by putting it on top of the hot stove! Talk about a wake up! It was a little hectic trying to get all that cleaned up and the kids fed. Thankfully we weren't in a major rush. I think we were still ready to leave the cabin by 10 or a few minutes before. We drove to Cade's Cove. Our cabin was pretty close to Cade's Cove so it didn't take long for us to get there. We did the loop driving tour. I was hoping we could stop at more places but we did stop 1 which was a 1/2 mile walk round trip and I think we were all pooped after that! The kids were both surprisingly very interested in the old cabins and the wildlife around. This was Lindsay's best day. She loved all the wild flowers and Colby enjoyed the history and buildings. We did stop at the 2 Baptist churches and got out and explored them. After that we mostly drove b/c the kids were hot and tired and it was nearing their lunch time. We just enjoyed the scenic views though. We stopped right around 12 at the grist mill. There is where they have some picnic areas and restrooms. We ate our lunch which I thought was such a neat memory. We had a little picnic in the shade of some oak trees with the mountains in the background. After lunch we decided to explore that area a little. We went inside the Grist Mill and also some of the other houses and buildings in the area. It was fun to just let the kids explore and stretch their legs. Being 4 and 7 they were really fun on this trip! We stumbled on a little interactive talk going on before getting back to the car so we stayed for that. They were showing different animal skins and furs and bones. The kids really got into it and enjoyed feeling and touching everything. After we hopped back in the van we were all pretty tired and hot so we skipped most of the other stops. We got out once more I think then just decided to ride the rest. We got back to the cabin and all rested. We had decided to make that afternoon a time of rest. We just spent time relaxing and enjoying the cabin. We played outside for awhile. Austin picked up a pizza that night for dinner. It was nice to not have to clean up a huge mess. Plus we were all busy packing up our stuff for the early departure time! 
I'll go ahead and finished the post here of going home:
So we got up at 3 central time and got dressed and ready and woke the kids up at 3:45 and got them dressed. They ofcourse were sound asleep. They woke up finally and did pretty well though. We gave them some chocolate milk to sip on in the car. It was 4 central time when we left. We found a starbucks on the road on the way out. The kids were hungry around 5 but we wanted them to wait until daylight to eat. We made it out of Chatanooga around 6:30-7ish and we stopped in a small town at a McDonald's to eat. I think we were all thankful for breakfast and a chance to get out the car. We continued on from there. Austin stopped somewhere before Alabama and let me drive. I then drove all the way to the Mississippi rest stop. It felt like forever but I also loved driving. It was a nice change of pace and kept me focused. I was tired when we got to MS though. We stopped at the rest stop and took a potty break and chance to stretch. We then carried on to Hattiesburg. I was so proud of the kids and how they handled such a long day. It was nice that we were able to stop in Hattiesburg at lunch time. Austin's parents made sandwhiches for us so it was nice to take a break and visit with them. I think the kids enjoyed that stop. Afterwards we split back up...the boys in the truck and the girls in the van. We got to NOLA by about 4. It was so great to be home and still have some daylight. Ofcourse we were super busy but it felt so great to be back home! 

Tennessee Trip Day 4

So our trip seemed to fly by! Before we knew it it was Wednesday and our trip was halfway over. Anyway on Wednesday morning we got going about like the day before. Each morning we did cook breakfast though in our cabin so that was a nice start. We drove over to Pigeon Forge to do the Titanic Museum. We had wanted to do this when we were there before but tickets were sold out. Anyway it was a really neat experience. Colby was really into it and followed the kid's audio tour. Lindsay wasn't into it at all...she isn't into history much at all. She mostly whined and complained the entire time. I loved each moment of it! There were many artifacts and pictures but also interactive exhibits which were great for the kids. They really liked the ice burg and the cold water and stuff like that. They even had a deck that was different angles that you could experience what it was like to be standing on the ship as it sank. 
Anyway the whole museum took about 2 hrs. By the time we finished it was lunch time. We had wanted to drive into Gatlinburg for lunch and do a little exploring. Well we drove that way and got stuck in horrible traffic. We decided it wasn't worth it so we turned around and went back to a McAlister's in Pigeon Forge. We then went back and took a scenic route back to the cabin. We made several stops throughout the way. We got to see some great views and the kids even got to play in the rushing streams and waterfalls. It was a great afternoon. We got back to the cabin around 2 and decided to all take naps since we had a late night. 
We went to Dixie Stampede that night. We got there and the kids loved checking out the horses. The show was wonderful and the kids both truly loved it! I was so glad we chose to go! The meal was also wonderful! We all just had the best time! Lindsay's eyes were so big during the whole thing! We got back that evening in time for baths and bed! It was another fabulous day!