Back to the Bayou

What a way to start the week...we headed back to Baton Rouge. Gigi and Jaja made the trip with us this time. We are so excited that they are going to get to hang out in Baton Rouge with us for a few days. When we got home, Ed had a wonderful surprise waiting for the kids....a new play set for the backyard! John Bay thinks that he has his very own playground.

We had a few adventures and new experiences this week and we took Gigi and Jaja along for the ride. To start things out, we decided to take a trip to the antique district in Denham Springs to start out our city tour! The stores were a little overwhelming and the kids were NOT in the mood - but I found the store of my dreams....salvage windows, doors, shutters and much more! I will definitely be heading back there ALONE! On another day trip, we went to see Mike the Tiger and take in the LSU campus (and of course, a quick drive by Nick Saban's old house - also the house that the cast of Twilight stayed in...). Mike has an amazing habitat across the street from the LSU stadium complete with a swimming pond, lots of play toys, and plenty of shade for nap time. The kids loved seeing the tiger. I just wish it hadn't been so hot, Mike was resting.

Mike the Tiger

John Bay in his Auburn orange with Mike

We spent the last day of Gigi and Jaja's visit having a picnic and a trip to the playground. We wanted to make sure they knew how hot it really gets in Louisiana! We had a fun time - but it was a short visit...

We all needed a nap once we got home!

We rounded out the week with some early 4th of July celebrations. The first was a trip to the Walker City Fest - which was a day of fun with a bounce house, inflatable water slides, a playground, train rides, hot air balloons, live music, and lots of food! Mary Virginia and John Bay had their very first SnoBalls! Apparently instead of Yogurt and Ice Cream shops, Livingston Parish has SnoBall stands all over the place...we have not ventured to try one until this weekend at the park! The kids loved their new treat! We also found out that John Bay loves dancing to Mustang Sally and many other similar songs!

We had the Skippers over for some early 4th celebrating! We kids had fun playing in the pool and sprinklers and on the play set! We were able to eat some BBQ and watch fireworks, all from our backyard!

The new play set

We were sad to see Gigi and Jaja go, but we are excited to see what July has to offer! Bandit is adjusting well to the Louisiana way of life, he especially loves his 2 or more walks a day around the neighborhood!

We also want to welcome a new addition to the family, Baxter Thomas Peake! We are so excited for Jen and Glenn and we can't wait to see all of you!