Happy Mardi Gras!

In the middle of February, I flew to Louisiana with Ben & Grace to meet up with Gavin on his R&R from Afghanistan. As an added bonus, it just so happened to be Mardi Gras that week. I got to hang out with my little bro and his new girlfriend, Holly, AND I was able to give the kids a little taste of carnival season (complete with King Cake and Uncle Curtis' dazzling drum line impersonations).
It was a bit chilly that day, so we had to bundle Gracie. (This picture was taken just after I rescued her from a gross LSU blanket and replaced it with a more appropriate Saints one - WHO DAT?!)

Ben getting hugs from Aunt Cindy. Not sure where Uncle Curtis is...

probably practicing his moves in the middle of the street.
Grace didn't last long in the stroller... she wanted in on the action.
Uncle Gav was happy to oblige her request.

Here we go.... throw me something, Mister!

Ben showing off some of his loot.

Grace had a pretty nice haul, too.

Whew, that was so fun!

All Ben cared about was throwing sticks in the Bayou.

As soon as the parade cleared, that's exactly

what he and Sweetie went off to do.
Paw Paw and Ben playing by the bayou.
Hugs from Dee!

Uncle Gavin & Holly Bear :)

It was a fun trip - it was great to see Gav. He only has 4 or 5 months left on what will hopefully be his LAST TOUR EVER! Let's be praying for him and his friends: for their safety and morale and the loved ones that are back home missing them! I love you, Bubba!

Sick baby :(

Poor Gracie - she's been running a fever since Tuesday night. We took her in to the doctor on Thursday, but they couldn't tell us much. Chest clear, ears clear, snot clear...

I'm guessing she has a little stomach virus, because her spitting up (which she usually does a little after each meal) has reached epic proportions. She even let the Doctor have it. Blueberries. Sorry we stained your pants, M'am. I understand, as I am on my 3rd outfit of the day.

So, we're sticking close to home and she's getting lots of sleep and cuddles. Thankfully she responds to being under the weather by sleeping MORE and not less. I got her up this morning, fed her, then sat her on the floor to play. I walked into the kitchen to fix Ben's cereal, and when I came back to get her, this is how I found her.

Mommy, I don't feel so well...


She reminds me of how another little one I know acts when he's sick. Like brother, like sister.