Belize by Water

Our second excursion was snorkeling in Belize, home of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Barrett gets photo credit for all of these, except the one he is in. :)

This was a remora that was looking for a new buddy for attachment! It came off of a queen parrotfish and tried out several snorkelers as a host. It wasn't dangerous, just shocking to feel it's sandpaper like head try to attach to you!

A barracuda that Barrett chased for a picture while everyone else was getting back on the boat.

The trip ended on a beach with a snack bar and cold beer!

Babymoon! Day One

Back in the winter, we were freezing in DC and dreaming about warmer weather, so we booked a cruise. No idea that it would then become a baby moon. But it was! I did little on the boat but sleep, read and eat. I consumed three entire novels and countless calories. We left from the Port of New Orleans and I was excited to see the lower part of the river and the Southwest Pass into the Gulf. I think I was asleep by then, but I wanted my enthusiasm recorded for posterity.

But before we get there, we should get to NOLA. We opted to go down a day early, to enjoy the Crescent City a little. We took the train from Jackson. The in laws dropped us off, and the nieces were so into the train, that Pop bought them tickets to Hazelhurst.

They were so excited to take their first train trip! We stretched out in our seats and had a snack, and before we knew it, the train stopped in Hazelhurst and the girls met their ride. We enjoyed having them as companions for a little while.

There was a bachelor party traveling on our train, and Barrett had a great time with them, taking shots and doling out marital advice. ;)

We had dinner at a GREAT restaurant, the Italian Barrel. Bob & K called ahead and told them we were celebrating, so they decorated our table and gave us super special treatment. It is a definite do again! I made Barrett order wine so I could simply inhale the aroma. 

The next morning before Mass, we hit one of our favorite breakfast spots, the Ruby Slipper. I had the croque madame and it did not disappoint. This might have been the last salad I saw for a few days, too.

No Place Like Home

The cat even seems pleased to see us. More to come on our Caribbean adventures!

Flashback: Any Given Sunday

We got an early start Sunday morning to beat the sun onto the lake. It was a slow start, but then the fun started.

I let Barrett take my fish off the hook.

We caught some monsters! Sandy:8, Barrett:2. He insisted on keeping score, I was fine to lose count. :)

Soda Pop Queens

Ashlin & Emma found just the right throne for their idea of royalty! 

And then they burned off the sugar by dancing in the rain. Life is good!

Guard Duty

Barrett started work this week, and Bernadette is picking up the slack as security. Poor dog can't seem to relax, standing like this for long periods of time.

Noodle Love

Despite the soaring temperatures, we stopped at one of our favorite places for late Labor Day lunch: Little Saigon! Their pho rocks my world.

Breakfast Excitement

We spotted a fawn and her mama in the backyard this morning! A rare treat.