Well, the boys and I spent two weeks in Louisiana while Jas was out of town doing research (we've been back for a couple of weeks, but I haven't had time to blog about it... so here goes). It was a jam-packed visit, but so refreshing to have time with my family.
The first weekend, Mom, Jonah, and I flew to Indianapolis for a wedding. It was a fun time with the gang from back home and the newlyweds were beautiful! 
My brother was in the wedding, so I got to spend some quality time with my new sister- I've waited years to have a sister, so it's so much fun to me! Brent & Amanda are still in the newlywed phase, too- it's sweet seeing them together.
My sweet Aunt Cheryl and Uncle John met us in Indianapolis to take care of Jonah while we went to the wedding- what a blessing! It was great to catch up with them, too.
My brother was in the wedding, so I got to spend some quality time with my new sister- I've waited years to have a sister, so it's so much fun to me! Brent & Amanda are still in the newlywed phase, too- it's sweet seeing them together.
My sweet Aunt Cheryl and Uncle John met us in Indianapolis to take care of Jonah while we went to the wedding- what a blessing! It was great to catch up with them, too.
Aunt Cheryl spoiled Jonah to books, puzzles, and treats. He's so accustomed to big brother being around, he just loved the focused attention!
While we were at the wedding, Noah spent the weekend back in Louisiana with Papa. He worked in the garden, helped pick up sticks around the yard for the burn pile, and to top it all off, Papa took him fishing! Hats off to my dad who remembered to take pictures of the event! Quite a catch, wouldn't you say?
That Sunday was Noah's birthday, so we had a celebration with Mima, Papa, and Mrs. Kathi that night. He was so excited to get "Buzz Wightyeaaaah" (aka Buzz Lightyear). "To infininy and a yawn..." (To infinity and beyond!)
On Tuesday, we were able to get together with a couple of my friends from high school for a playdate. The boys loved being outside. (Noah, Drew, Jonah)
We actually had four boys 3 and under playing together- and three mommies having adult conversation. It was impressive, I must say.
We actually had four boys 3 and under playing together- and three mommies having adult conversation. It was impressive, I must say. (Caleb, Drew, Jonah, Noah)
Kristina, Drew, and baby Cathryn. What a treat to all be in town at the same time- thanks for making the trip, Kristina!
Wendy and Caleb- thanks to you, too, Wendy for coming down while we were in town. I loved it!
My youngest brother, Mark, really enjoyed his time with Jonah. We thinks JooJoo is the coolest.
Of course, while we were there, we had to feast on some good Cajun crawfish! Noah wouldn't eat them, but he thought they were fun to play with. We had crawfish battles where we'd bang them against each other until one of their claws fell off- that was the loser. Don't worry, they were already dead... no animal cruelty here. Well, unless eating them is cruel- maybe, but they are so yummy!
The second weekend, we headed to the lake. Mom and Dad rented a cabin for us on the waterfront and we had so much fun. The boys loved the sun, sand, and water.
Kristina, Drew, and baby Cathryn. What a treat to all be in town at the same time- thanks for making the trip, Kristina!Wendy and Caleb- thanks to you, too, Wendy for coming down while we were in town. I loved it!My youngest brother, Mark, really enjoyed his time with Jonah. We thinks JooJoo is the coolest.Of course, while we were there, we had to feast on some good Cajun crawfish! Noah wouldn't eat them, but he thought they were fun to play with. We had crawfish battles where we'd bang them against each other until one of their claws fell off- that was the loser. Don't worry, they were already dead... no animal cruelty here. Well, unless eating them is cruel- maybe, but they are so yummy!The second weekend, we headed to the lake. Mom and Dad rented a cabin for us on the waterfront and we had so much fun. The boys loved the sun, sand, and water.
(Me, Mark, Mom, & Jonah)
Noah rode on a tube with Mark behind the boat. He loved it and kept asking to go faster. I, however, was so nervous. I was ready for the ride to end... 
Dad took the rest of us skiing. We were fortunate enough to have a weekend when Brent & Amanda could join us again! (Me)
(Brent)
(Amanda)
(Mark)
This is one of my favorite pics- Mark is trying to drop a ski- and it doesn't quite work out. But, it's a great leg shot!
Here we got a shot right before he fell, but it appears successful in the photo!
Almost every time he was in the boat, Jonah fell asleep. Papa and Mima didn't seem to mind the extra cuddle time. And I must say, Papa did a great job driving and holding the sleeping pumpkin!
The last day, Brent & Amanda got a little tubing time in right before the thunderstorms hit and sent us packing...
I love this picture because Brent & Amanda are both so great with our boys. I think someday I'll be posting a similar pic of them with their own kiddos- and won't that be fun?
Me and my brothers- I love 'em!
The night before we left, Mr. Tom & Mrs. Kathi (my second parents) came up to play with the boys. Jonah is absolutely crazy about Mrs. Kathi ("Kaffee"). And Noah loved playing with her, too. She's a pretty fun grandma-to-be!
As for mean Mr. Tom, he snuggled with Jonah a bit, then put him down and stuck one of Duchess's dog toys in Jonah's pants. Duchess hunted Jonah down to retrieve her beloved toy. It was so funny, the picture doesn't do it justice, but the adults had a nice laugh. Poor Jonah didn't know what was happening!
Hands down, the best part of the visit is letting my mom and dad love on the boys.
Thanks Mom and Dad for loving on all three of us for those two weeks. What a treasure chest full of memories. I love our moments together, and I don't forget what a blessing we have. Thank you, God, for the gift of family. 