Home Sweet Home

Our stuff finally arrived and we unpacked quickly. Most things made the trip just fine, but Lilly's bed and the crib were both broken in transit. This was disappointing as I only really wanted the kids to have their beds back. Lilly has a bunk bed. So we were able to set up the other bed from the set and she was in business. Nora on the other hand is spending her 33rd night in  a Pak n' Play. This makes me sad. 

On a bright note, Tom should be able to fix the break tomorrow (now that we have garage space and tools unpacked.) So, Nora should be in her own bed tomorrow night! Fingers crossed!!

We have definitely made the best of our time here. We toured a historic plantation, celebrated the Fourth with our old friends the Frenches, went to the beach, visited the French Quarter, and went on a swamp tour. Here are some shots from the festivities!! 

  (photo credit: Garrett Mahaney)

This plantation was known as Oak Alley... now you know why. They said those trees are 300 years old. (photo credit: Garrett Mahaney)

 I toyed with posting this and saying it was a picture of our house! Oh well, I was really taking a picture of the 2+ story tall crape myrtle tree for my mom! Aren't they beautiful?!?

I have to admit, I went into the Plantation tour a little hesitant. I was mostly concerned about the portrayal of the atrocities around slavery. There was an area specifically dedicated to depicting the slave quarters. There was also a memorial with the name of each slave who worked on the property written on the wall. The reality of seeing those 120 names on the wall was moving. The tour was family-oriented and I think they did a reasonable job of respectfully discussing the horrors of slavery while not glamorizing it. As you can tell, the grounds were spectacular. 

Our 4th was a little unconventional... but we had some great food and a great time setting off fireworks!

The beach is a little different here... the water is warm and we had a really nice day playing in the sand and looking for shells in the "surf."

We got a (very hot) quiet morning in the Quarter. It was nice to walk around and showed Judy the sites (Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral) before the afternoon crowds hit.

Last weekend we surprised Garrett with a swamp tour. The girls are too little to be safe on a trip like this and we were both very excited to spend an afternoon with our soon to 8th grader! 

Judy and Garrett both left last week. The house is very quiet and we are settling into a bit of a routine. I guess what I have been reminded of most over the last month is that home is where we make it. 

So, Low-eese-yana will be our "Home Sweet Home" for now!