Trip pics ~ Day 1

Good intentions of writing the blog this year have fallen to the way side.

We went to San Diego over spring break to see dear friends and family.

We all had a wonderful, relaxing, yet filled with fun time.

We flew on Conleigh's birthday. Southwest was cool and made an announcement on the plane about her celebrating #10. Then on the way off the plane, they let her get in the cockpit and take a pic. It is on my phone, so  I can't post it here.

birthday girl

Thankfully, we had a direct flight and arrived in SD before noon Cali time. We set off for Balboa Park. Beautiful place. Gardens, museums, parks, flowers. It was wonderful.

checking out the Koi pond at Balboa.

Beauty.  We are loving our new camera!

Silly boy.  I wish you could see how blue his eyes are in this picture.

 After that adventure, we headed to our friends Karri and Kevin's house. We were all excited to see them and their kids, our God children, Ashley & Brandon. It has been 2 years since we have seen the kids.  Basically, we dumped our bags out of the car and hit the road for birthday dinner on the beach per the birthday girls request.

What a great looking group of kids!

Guess which photographer requested this silly pose? Peter, of course.

True personalities!  Nothing beats the beach!

All five kids slept in Brandon's room. Boys on the floor, Campbell on top bunk and Ashley & Conleigh shared the full on the bottom.  You can imagine sleep time didn't begin when we said goodnight. It was a party in that room every night. :)

Goodnight!

White water rafting in Idaho

 The brave crew before we got in the boat on the Payette River.

Daddy making sure Campbell is safe in her life jacket.

Here we go! All smiles!

When there was a slow spot, Campbell, Daddy and Grandpa took the opportunity to jump in.

Ms. Graceful getting back in the raft.

Made it! Safe and sound.

We'll float a little longer.

We made it, and the kids loved it!! 

There and Back

 

We have enjoyed a great family vacation.

We have already been there and back.

I love Idaho. Or, more specifically, I love Warm Lake, Idaho

and the cabin. You know who else loves the cabin?

Campbell!  aka Worm Girl!

Enjoy an interview with Worm Girl herself!

more of our Idaho adventures coming soon.

Last night in Destin and then headed NOLA way

Traditionally, we have gone out to dinner one night during our stay in Destin. This year we saved it for the last night and unfortunately, there were two wrecks that happened on little old highway 98. Traffic was backed up truly for miles. Instead of getting into that mess, we headed east in search of something new.

We landed at Elmo's Grill.  We had a good time. It was casual with a guitarist playing.

photo bomb Ryan.

 Conleigh getting her crab legs on. That girl can put them down. She also tried out oysters. She decided they were not her style.

 

The whole crew!

Friday morning we headed west towards New Orleans.

Conleigh loves the art and old architecture of this city.

the photo bomb was very prominent on this trip.

bomb agin.

 Campbell had her fortune told by this guy. He told her to be patient and her friends in the Armed Forces will be returning soon. Hahahaha.

 For dinner, we ate at Mulate's. Delicious cajun fare. Peter and I both chose crawfish etouffee.

They have a real cajun band and dancing. All the kids loved it.

I spy...

Campbell and Alex spent a long time setting up this fort in the hotel room. They even slept in it. At about 5am, Campbell tapped me and said, I'm ready to get in a bed now. :)

Taking Vacation ~ A backwards Report

I'm very thankful that our children have a daddy like Peter.

We returned to Austin this evening after a week long whirlwind vacation.

Last night, we landed in Houston and spent the evening with my parents. Today we took the dad's out for a Father's Day brunch.

I was glad to get to spend my 43rd Father's day with my wonderful Dad.

On Friday, our family trekked from Destin to New Orleans. We think this is the 5th year we have stopped in NOLA.  This year we toured the Mardi Gras World facility. It was amazing.  90% of the props for the floats in the Mardi Gras parades are made here. 

Jackpot!

Conleigh is in heaven. She loves New Orleans.

Ew. Look what is about to drop onto Alex's head!

These are from the Zulu crew float. 

We learned that there are 52 Crews which is basically a social club. Each crew has their own parade sometime in the 11 days prior to Ash Wednesday. A parade has a minimum of 14 floats and a max of 28.  Each person on a float must wear a mask and purchase their own gifts to throw out.

These props are already ready for Mardi Gras 2013. They are waiting to be moved by trailer to one of the 17 warehouses around New Orleans.

Here are some newly made float designs. they use styrofoam  and mold it into these amazing designs.  They try to recycle 100% of the materials they use.  One year something may be Scooby Doo and the next year something else.

This woman was using paper mache to create this mask.

My main man.

You can see Alex on the left and then see how huge the busts are!

Conleigh with Willie!

We weren't sure what the tour would be like but it turned out to be perfect for us.  And, it ended with King Cake. Can't beat that!

After lunch at the Camilia Grill in the French Quarter, we were on the road again.

Good food and fun service!