Two weddings and a funeral

Actually - two funerals - but one is in Washington State. My Mom's sister-in-law died last week - Aunt Margaret. She was a wonderfully different for all my other aunts mostly because she was a "northerner". Her accent - her vocabulary - her life experiences were so different from ours. I didn't know her very well but found her to be warm, happy and loving. The other funeral was my Dad's sister - Aunt Bertha. She was one funny lady - always teasing and fun to be around. She was the female version of my Dad - and although I never knew my grandpa - I was told he was the same way too. She will be missed. My parents are now the only surviving siblings from their families.

We also had two weddings this month - both lots of fun. One was in Houma and one in Point Clear, Alabama. The Alabama one was very memorable to say the least. I went with two girlfriends and stayed at the Grand Marriot Resort - what a great place to stay. The grounds were beautiful - right on the bay - and there was lots of activities planned - croquette - bike riding - kayaking. One of my friends said it was like being in the Dirty Dancing Movie. The rehersal supper Friday night was held at Five Rivers Resort - lots of fun and delicious food. Saturday we took a short walk along the bay to a beautiful old home where we had shrimp and grits and mimosas under the oaks with of course the beautiful bay views. The dessert was apple cake with candied pecans and caramel sauce. WOW!!! The wedding was at the Grand Saturday night. Highlights were the appletini's (which were the exact lime green as the bridesmaids dresses), the food, the awesome band, dancing and - get ready for this - the fireworks!!! Yes - fireworks - over the bay - un be lie ve able!!! We were all astonished - then our friend confided in us about the cost of the wedding. I'm not going to put it in the post - but I would say it's easily 10 times the cost of any wedding I've ever been too. The mother of the groom is a very close friend - and we had so much fun dancing and enjoying a few cocktails. After the wedding we sat in until the wee hours of the morning on a swing overlooking the bay laughing about old times. Sunday morning we had breakfast in a great little cafe in Fairhope before heading home. What a great area - I will visit there more often!

It's been a while...

I just reread my blog and realized it's been a while - so here goes.

The crawfish etouffee festival was delicious. We met Janice and Lige there - Kristin, Scott & friends had a booth so we hung out there. We tasted lots of delicious varieties of etouffee and listened to cajun music. The day was spectacular - cool and sunny (although I did get sunburnt!). We had lots of fun and hope to make this an annual event.

One of my friends and I (Sharon) headed to Baton Rouge on a Saturday to eat at Sangria's and do a little shopping. We explored bead and pottery stores on the way there (I resisted the pottery although I was tempted) and hit the sales at Ann Taylor Loft. It was a great girls day - good being with you Sharon!

Nothing is better than being with family - and that's just how Easter was this year. Angelle, Mike, Leah and Erin arrived on Friday and we spent the day eating and relaxing. Gee had planned on getting a blow up pool for the kids but we decided to improvise instead and filled a boat we had with water and had a boat pool! The girls loved it! We took a family photo at a local photographer's (our Christmas present from the kids - great idea!) and had a delicious meal of steaks, potatoes, asparagus, and strawberry pie! My husband is the best cook!!! We then spent the afternoon visiting, playing with the kids, and just enjoying being together as a family. We are so seldom all together that those times are even more precious - each moment treasured. Easter Sunday was crazy with Gee's family here - lots of people and lots of fun - and MORE FOOD!!! I am so full!!! Monday we went took Daddy's boat to Lake Decade and Leah tried fishing while Erin explored the boat and everything in it. Tuesday we drove to Baton Rouge to eat at Sangria's. We took a side trip to see Mike the Tiger also.