NOLA

Our little getaway was just what we needed. The first two days we dove right into this great city. The weather cooperated for our entire stay which made everything even better. My favorites from the trip were the beers from the convenient store, shrimp grits, a little added bonus at Cafe Du Monde and a sampler of crawfish dishes. I enjoyed your dad being my little tour guide and encouraging me to do what I wanted:) The music at Jazz Fest was more than just one or two talented musicians, and the food followed suit...which made it the BEST DATE EVER!!! 

Some new adventures included the Howling Wolf, Blue Nile, Luckys and a stroll down Frenchman street. Some of my favorite moments was sitting with your dad and sharing our favorite memories of you two. It just happened to take place in a city that never sleeps and has someone tooting a horn everywhere you go! It is a city that is busier than the two of your busy bodies combined. Which might explain why I needed a day of rest.

 That aside, it was a great trip. However, a moment I'll never forget is how you ran and grabbed me at the airport. You held onto me like you were a little tree monkey who had just found her momma. There was no better feeling in this city filled with all of our favorite things, than the moment we greeted each other at the airport.  I know your dad felt the same way when Jacob wrapped his arms around him. 

You two guys taking our luggage was the last moment I felt as though I was on vacation...it was a good while it lasted.

Concrete

 We had enough concrete to last a year. Too bad it only lasted five minutes:) the bonus about our concrete craft time is that the finished product might last a year or two if we are lucky! 

The last day of this big project turned into pizza party where you two got to eat lunch with the crew. They even tipped you $2! These guys were so nice and did such a great job. I love this project as much as my kitchen and bathroom remodel! 

You even made it outside to help Big Jacob with the project. Although, minutes later it turned into a worm hunt.

NYC treats

Souvenirs were a real treat when I was growing up. Thankfully you have an aunt and uncle who always think of us on their trips. Lucky for me, these cookies were so big, I got to enjoy more than one! Your Aunt La sure knows how to find good food and desserts...you just have to trust her. Maybe I should just close my eyes and play the taste game like we did when we were little. In fact I have taught you two how to play that game and can't wait to do it when Aunt La and Uncle Agustin come over! 

As for the t-shirts, your dad and I can't wait to take you both to NYC when you are a little older. Until then, you'll just have to live vicariously through pictures and movies. 

Aunt La reading a "Julia, Child" picture book, was classic. She had the perfect accent down but you couldn't handle the girl's name being the same as yours. 

Three and 1/4

This is what 3 1/4 looks like:) and this week it's made me want to pull my hair out! Maybe it was your way of requesting more attention, or dealing with the gloomy/frigid temperature or just longing for some more attention from your grandparents! Anyhow, you were over tired and sour...but I still love you. 

Today we had an awesome day. You helped clean the outside tables, your bedroom and door and you even went to three of my friend's houses and acted like a little angel. Oh, and you even went last minute vacation shopping without any complaints. 

 

Here's the new lesson for the week: when you spit your rinse out, spit down! Your ability to spit is quite impressive. However, it doesn't look too good behind the faucet or on the wall. 

Your new thing is guessing what letter/letters sounds start the word and telling me what the labels say...especially if you have heard a "mommy rule" about it. 

"This says it's just for little kids, not mommys ad daddys." 

Fishing itch

After your first fishing outing of the year you were ready to go back for more. Too bad the weather wasn't cooperative the following week. 

A new left handed pole was purchased and 8 fish were caught. You and your sister did a nice job naming all of them. 

Your sister caught 3 before your 1...but you stuck with it long enough to surpass her number of catches. 

Did I say that?

"Hey Julia, I will give you seventy dollars if you throw this in the trash." That was one of the classic lines from today. 

In addition, you told Stephanie that after kindergarten you go to 5th grade. Where did that come from? 

We really need to watch what we say these days because you do listen to us! I guess I'll never know what form or when it will come out.

Today at lunch with Don and Sandy you were telling Don about when you cried for mom in the nursery..."mom said I was having a meltdown."

"Holy Cow!" Is one of my favorites from you, Julia. Especially when that's what I'm thinking. (When we ran into the pregnant mom with six kids and three in middle school!!)

Memories are happiness

Being surrounded by family and people who have made wonderful memories for you and your kids is pure happiness. I love telling you about the memories I have growing up and doing things with my uncles and cousins.  

As you guys went fishing this week your dad sure had some fond memories to share with you about fishing with his uncles. Now, when it comes to shooting off fireworks...let's just say you have it in your blood thanks to your great uncles!!

I'm so thankful you have aunts and uncles that love you, and love experiencing life with you when you are only around for a brief stay. 

Heck, two of them even moved closer to you! I think that was the best move ever! 

As I look at this picture of my mom with her brothers...I have great memories with these guys. 

I was spoiled/loved by my uncles. Some of my best childhood memories are hikes to Shaw park, road trips to Pere Marquette or the weekly treats of Goldfish and jaw breakers. They even managed to take me on trips to Florida, Michigan and the Hussau river? Holidays were made even better because of them. -Ribs, watermelon, decorations and fireworks for the fourth

-pumpkins bigger than your trunk for Halloween

-green envelopes for Christmas

-honey baked hams and lamb cakes for Easter

-poppyseed stolen for spring break and

-surprise brown bags or turtles in the summer;) 

I'd say that I need to step it up when it comes to being an aunt. So hopefully this summer I will have some time to make memories with my own nephews and nieces soon. 

I spoke with my uncle today. He was friendly, hopeful and eager to talk. He wasn't angry, grumpy, or refusing my call.  He's got more courage than I thought he'd have at this point in his life. I'm thankful that he is allowing us to be a part of it and allowing others to help. 

When you know your about to lose someone you love, it's the memories that will allow you to love that someone forever...and bring you the happiness that you need when they are gone. 

We don't know when our time is up. However, we do know that we are given this day. So love someone, laugh with someone and make a lasting memory today. 

Go on an adventure, take a hike, find a bargain, take a picture or have a beer. That's what my uncles would say. 

I hope your aunts and uncles know how much they are loved and what fun memories you have had with them.

What a blessing they are:)

Here's to many more memories with all of them. 

BOOK worm

Julia, 

You have always loved books. You love reading them, you loved biting and chewing on them when you were younger, you request that I read you books throughout the day and at 3:00am, you sit down with me and a pile of books to read at the library...I love it!

Our board books are a little worn, stories are a littlle too simple and I hate he thought of taking them off your little bookshelf. It is a sign that you are getting older and growing into bigger and better stories with a huge opportunity for you to soak up new vocabulary like a sponge. Luckily I was able to grow our Step into Reading library with ten new books for the price of one!! I can't resist buying new books for the right price. Even if can't stand reading the same books over and over, there is something about having your own copy.