The kids

Here is a picture of T. Willy from one of our stops in New Orleans. There is also one of MK dressed for the rain at a parade.

Kid swag

This makes me smile.

Happy birthday to the man who can pull off this suit!!!

The 70s aren't famous for their tasteful fashions, but I think my family really worked it!! Happy birthday, Dad!!!

More pics

Rain can't stop us.

They called for rain today, and it stayed away long enough for us to go into the city this morning. We ate beignets and went to the aquarium. The kids loved the aquarium. Ty has decided he is going to become a fish scientist. We looked up the official term, and he said several times that he "can't wait to be an ichthyologist."

We watched the penguins get fed and saw all kinds of things, but one of the highlights was "Parakeet Pointe." Hundreds of parakeets are in an enclosure, and, like a letting zoo, you are right there with them. You buy a feed stick, and the birds will land on your hand and eat off the stick. It was really neat!

We left the city and went to Walmart and then to eat. While we were eating, the rain began. It was like a monsoon! Fortunately, we were close to the house, and the Big Man had a big umbrella and was offering door to door service.

We came back to the house and rested. Now we are looking at the weather and considering another parade tonight.

Parade pics

Throw me something, Mister!!!

I crack myself up

So much for my goal to post a picture of the kids. It lasted one day. But here is a picture of the kids. The focus is soft, but they had fun doing it, so that makes it a keeper.

We are playing hooky and heading to New Orleans tomorrow. We plan to take in a Mardi Gras parade. T. Willy has never been to one, so it should be fun for him. We also may go to the aquarium. MK has a new fish, so she has been studying about fish. It seems appropriate.

I am going to school for first period tomorrow. The parenting skills teacher asked other teachers to speak in the class about parenting experiences. I am not sure what I'll talk about; I'm really hoping they've prepared some questions for me to answer. I'm always glad to help a fellow teacher, especially this one. Her only grandchild was diagnosed with leukemia a month ago. The doctors have said that if you must have leukemia, she has the one that is most treatable. Please keep Molly C. in your prayers.

Happy Day!!

Here is a picture of MK helping T. Willy open his gifts. My new goal: to post a picture of the kids every day till the end of the year. Maybe that will help me visit my blog more often.

Changing my ways

I have boycotted Valentine's Day as a fabricated holiday in the past, but I am blessed with great love in my life, so I have decided to celebrate. So, Happy Valentine's Day to my three great loves and to the other loves in my life! (Hi, Mom!)

Thanks for the memories

This is a picture that I came across recently. It's of my maternal grandmother and me. I'd guess I'm around 7 in this picture. I think this picture was taken at our house in Newark, DE when my grandfather was building our picnic table. I have great memories of my grandmother and always felt especially loved by her. We lost her 25 years ago in July - the summer I graduated from high school -so I'm extra thankful to have pictures of us together.

Dear Blog,

I'm cheating on you....with Pinterest. I resisted. I did. I kept hearing about it, but I did not ask for an invitation. However, I'm weak, and I caved. Now I'm hooked. And it's caused me to neglect you, my dear and faithful blog.

You've been there for me for so long. Through MySpace. Facebook. You have always been there. We had a wonderful year together - I didn't neglect you at all. (Let's not talk about that dark day in December.) We've shared so many wonderful events.

I now just have to find room in my heart for both of you. I'll try to do better.

Annette

P.S. Here is something I found on Pinterest that I'm trying to recreate in my own way. It's just a start. I am going to add some more elements, but I wanted to share what I have done so far.

Race day!

Today was the Pinewood Derby for T. Willy at scouts. He didn't place, but he had a great time, and he and the Big Man had a fun time working on his car.