Golfing with Papaw~ Wednesday

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had a great day on the course!  It was so nice to be out on the course with all of my favorite guys.  Luke couldn't stop talking about how golf was his favorite sport.  And, Papaw is already talking about where he can take Luke golfing in Illinois this summer.  Chip and Papaw bought Luke 3 beginner golf clubs.  Luke did a great job of swinging the club.  One time, he hit the ball from the fairway onto the green.  Papaw told Luke that he did a good job and Luke replied, "been practicin."  Haha!  Chip and I rode together and Luke got a kick out of telling us that our team was losing to his team.  Chip and I didn't do too badly out on the course.  Maybe we have found something we can do later on in our "old age" together.  haha.  I could just feel mom out on the course with us.  It felt so good to be out there.  I definitely will be back, with and without the guys. 

Papaw's Visit~ Sunday

 

On Sunday, Papaw helped Luke fill Easter eggs for our church's Easter egg hunt.  Then, we ate crawish-n-grits at Nana's with strawberry pie for dessert.  After lunch, Luke and I took the eggs to church while dad watched golf at Nana and Pops' house.  After that, we all headed to Norton Art Gallery to have our family pictures made.  The azaleas were in full bloom and the park was beautiful.  Everyone begrudgingly had their pictures made, and I know they will all be happy when they see how they turned out!  haha.  All in all, it was a glorious Sunday with our family.

Norton Art Gallery Family Pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Papaw's Visit~ Saturday

 

 

Dad drove in from Florida on Saturday.  Our neighbors had a crawfish boil, so Chip picked up some extra for dad.  He was ready to get out of the car.  Crawfish and a few beers were just the right welcome for him.  Luke cuddled up on the couch with him later on to watch baseball and sat in the same spot each night.  He watched sports with his Papaw and looked at him like he was the brightest star in the sky.  You can see the twinkle in Luke's eye in the picture w ith the sword.  The two of them laughed and played the whole trip.  It was so nice to see the two of them together. 

Duck Races!

 

 

 

 

 

Pops helped with the Rotary's Annual Duck Races again this year.  The current in the river was too fast due to the heavy rain we recently had.  But, the rotary still put on a good show for the kids.  Luke had alot of fun.  It was a beautiful day, and  a great fundraiser for local charities (Gingerbread House and others).  The funny thing was that he probably had more fun watching all of the sports on the big screens at Buffalo Wild Wings!  That boy loves sports.  haha. 

Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon

 

 

 

Jennifer King and I traveled to NOLA for the 1/2 marathon this weekend!  We did so much training and preparation for this race.  Thank goodness for good friends like Jennifer and Lisa Caskey, who kept encouraging me to keep training and never give up.  Since about September, I ran with Jessica and Jennifer in the wee morning hours.  I always came in behind them, but I kept going.  Then, about a month before the race, I increased my distance from 3-4 miles to 6, then to 8 the next weekend, then 10, then finally 12!  By the time I got to the 12 mile weekend, I was invited to run with Lisa's group, who has run several races and are the "professionals."  I was always so intimidated by them, and running 12 miles and making it with their group gave me so much self confidence! I could have never done it without the encouragement from Lisa.
When it came time to run the race, my inspiration was failing though.  So many weekends spent training away from my family left me weary and resentful of the whole thing.  I just wanted to get it over with. 
But, the morning that I picked up Jen, I immediately felt recharged.  She and I had so much fun riding down to NOLA and chatting.  She was the perfect travel partner!  Then, the day of the race came.  There was no way not to feel the adrenaline of the atmosphere.  When I saw the thousands of people there, I was hooked.  Running down St. Charles was amazing in itself.  Mardi Gras beads were still in the trees and the ancient live oaks canopied the streets.  A band cheered us on each mile, and there was no mistaking the pulse of NOLA.    I blasted my Kelly Clarkson and Metallica during the last couple of miles just to get me through and ended up finishing at 2:15.  Not too shabby.  My good friend Lisa bragged on me way to much, but it never hurts to hear good things about yourself. 
This was a once in a lifetime adventure that I will never forget.  Bringing home the medal to Luke was the icing on the cake.  Chip took great care of him and they cheered me on the whole way.  Luke will always know that his mommy ran the race for him.  Maybe someday we will run one together!

Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Mrs. Namie, our Asst. Superintendent, reading "Oh the Places You'll Go" to local children at the Boardwalk.  Chip and I took Luke to this event. 

The Cat in the Hat was there, but Luke was not having any hugs with him. 

Silly cat!

Luke at the Bossier Parish Library's children's section. 

Checking out some Dr. Seuss books at the library.

An old favorite and a new adventure!

 Luke getting ready for his school party at First Baptist.  We hunted all over town for the cotton candy!

Look mom, my very own hat!