New Orleans January 2015

My one regret about this picture was Rivers was not home.  There will be plenty of Rivers later.  Our intent was to get a group picture later with Rivers in it but we got involved in food, and fun and forgot.  

And here he is, Rivers playing with all his toys!

When we arrived the fireplace was going.  It was about the same temperature in NOLA as in Spokane for a few days.  There were lots of comments about how cold it was.

Lauren was learning how to use a roller, coached by Blair.  In the process Michel called so she is now on the phone.  I couldn't stop myself.  Picture time.

We headed out for a walk along the bayou!

A huge oak tree!

Gulls all lined up.  I wonder what they were up to! Wish I could get my students in class to get in a nice line like that walking in the hallways.

We took a little shopping trip to get Mike some flip flops.  Never have I seen this in Spokane on the mannequins!

This is Landry.  He is Rivers best buddy.  It was pure sweetness watching them play.  Landry and Rivers are such nice little boys. Landry has the cutest voice.  He told me his name was Wandry!

They are playing with Play Dough.

Now a little light in the darkness!  Mike was making shadow figures with them.

Have you ever tried to blow up a glove and then tie it so kids can use it as a toy.  Almost impossible to tie it.  I think Michel got it but Mike and I never did.

And the result of playing with Play-dough.

Time to watch something on the computer! I just love this picture.  Everyone so engaged.

Friday night we went to a huge get together at the Children's Museum in NOLA.

OK, this is cool.  You put the ring in soapy water on the ground and slowly pull it up and you are surrounded by a bubble.  Rivers kept popping it.  His cousin is behind him.

Now hands down and no popping.

I was a little big for this but I did get the bubble half way up before the popping happened.

This captures your shadow.

Michel and Rivers were playing a video game.

Made out of paper, yes it was!  All paper!

Sean, Finn, Kath and Kyle arrived in NOLA Friday and met us at the museum.

A little grocery shopping at the museum for Finn!

Cute!

Kyle and Steve, brothers!

Steve is watching Rivers play and Mike is watching Steve watch Rivers play.

A tunnel.  Michel and Rivers are in there and I followed.

Taking a little rest!

These boys are builders!!!  Like their dad!

The next day was nicer and there was some outside play!

Bennie and Kyle are planning the evening music.  Saturday night there was a little music gathering at the Gleason's.  We went to the neighbors and watched the playoff games.  Priorities you know!

Kath has a beautiful singing voice.

This is the neighbor's dog Ava.  She is a sweet dog and wanders the neighborhood.  I wanted to take her to the groomers but not my job I guess.

Michel and Kath

Oh yeah! Winnie the Poo and an Astronaut!

We had a family get together on Sunday.  All of Michel's family came over.  Love her family, they are very special as is Michel.  Lots of kids playing and running around.  This is one of Rivers' cousins singing us a song.  Not sure I could have done that in front of everyone when I was her age.

Family!

Anytime Sean got a hold of a rifle or gun this is how he carried them.  Good thing his sweater stretches!

More family time!  I think it is so neat that they do this on a regular basis.  Keeps a family strong.

A little Sean and Landry time.  We were playing a game on my phone.

Rivers decided he wanted to put his bean bag on the top of my head and sit on it. He never quite made it but it was fun having him try! Lost of laughing!

 Landry love!

Not sure how long he could have kept that on it was so heavy for him.

The last day in NOLA Mike and Kyle went fishing.  I was on my own.  Jill suggested I go see an art exhibit that was close by.  It was closed on Monday!  What next.  I think I know where a nice shopping area is with unique shops.  Off I go!

I drove around for about 2 hours looking for this elusive shopping area.  I guess I didn't really know where it was and I didn't even know how to ask where it was.  Every turn I would think it is right around this corner.  I finally gave up and went to a little cafe right by the house for lunch.  While I was at lunch Mike text and said he was on his way back.  It was too foggy to fish.  Yippee!

Burpees!  Michel tried to get Landry and Rivers involved.  They did it for awhile.  Mike didn't have the right shoes on but he never changed his shoes.  I couldn't do them because of my knee.

The boys are done. Mike still has his flip flops on and I still have a sore knee.  Good job Michel.

The next morning we got up at 3:30, cab at 4:00 and off to the airport.  It was a good visit.  It was so great that Kyle and Kath and their boys were there too.  Thanks for the visit Gleasons.  We love you all!