Mardi Gras and Mia's Birthday

Last weekend, we made a trip over to Mandeville to enjoy a Mardi Gras parade.  The timing also worked out that we got to celebrate Mia's second birthday.


The weather was great so we spent a lot of time outside.

The big sandbox at the park is fun.

A picnic before the Eve parade.

Watching flags and marching bands.

From the first floats, we caught a few beads and big teddy bear.

By the end, Rachel had amassed quite a haul.  Here she is with all of her bead, as well as her headband and ring.  Not pictured are the 5 new stuffed animals and various other stuff we caught.

Owen liked the headband too.

On Saturday, we headed to Hattiesburg for Mia's birthday party.  She welcomed us all graciously when we arrived.

Owen and Mia were a little uncertain about the party hats at first, but then decided they liked them.  All of the kids loved the Curious George theme.

Rachel helped inspect the jeep when it was not running...turns out the battery was charging.

They had it up and running in no time.

Owen enjoyed riding while Mia drove.

 

Yummy birthday cake

Rachel wanted to stay close to Mia (and the cake)

Mmmmm...delicious

Cake for everyone

Rachel finally got a turn to drive :)

Present time!

Rachel showing Mia how to dance with the flags.  They had so much fun playing at Mia's house they did not want to leave.

Before we drove back on Sunday, we had to make another visit to the playground.  The kids love it!

Owen did not mind being covered in sand.

Sand is the best!

Children's Museum

Before Rachel went back to school in January, I took the kids to the Children's Museum.


Here is Rachel all ready to go for our outing.

There are plenty of interactive exhibits.  Rachel like fishing.

They also had lots of different holiday traditions represented for groups that are in Houston.  This one is Norwegian.

Owen didn't really understand the task at hand, but he enjoyed playing with this machine.

Up in the tot spot, he was one of the big kids.

Working on animal puzzles.

Woohoo...a slide!

Sharing the car

Driving outside

Owen the kitty

Rachel did her own kitty face

We topped off the day with a puppet show.

Spring Weather in January

We had some unseasonably warm weather in January.  We took advantage by going to the zoo for a picnic.

The picnic was Rachel's idea and she really enjoyed it.

She packed the blanket and plates to get everything ready.

We watched the baby elephants playing in the water.

Of course, Rachel crawled through the tunnel

Rachel fed some of our leftovers to the birds in Hermann Park.

The next day, we bought and planted some flowers in the garden.

Rachel and Owen both helped. 

Watering the plants devolved into just playing in the water, so we took off their shirts and let them enjoy.

Christmas with Wes' Family

Between Christmas and New Year's, we had great visits with family in Dripping Springs and Utopia.


It was fun to see everyone again.


Rachel and Owen both got lots of fun presents.  Rachel enjoyed her new tutu.


Owen loved playing with Emily.


Owen with GranDave

Rachel and Owen with Mimi, GranDave, Taylor and Ethan

Opening presents with Grammy


Then, opening more presents with Jonathan and Conner at Granny's house


Jonathan is a very good big brother and cousin


So much fun stuff!

Owen loved playing in the leaves

Rachel's favorite is the tire swing

We visited Granny and took Old Blue for a drive in the dreary weather.

Turkeys!

Feeding the fish

Throwing out corn for the deer

Owen wants to learn to drive...he has a little growing to do before he can reach the pedals.

Playing at Grammy's house

Splashing in the puddles with Jonathan at Granny's house