Good times.

I love NOLA homes.

.......And swamp touring with friends.

.......And I love great friends.

I love raw oysters, good food and beignets. Good times were found in NOLA.

New Orleans Again

This trip would not be possible without the volunteerism of my parents who are keeping my children and our wonderful and co-foster parent friends, Wayne and Lindsey. They already have 4 kids in their home and added our 2 to the mix this weekend. THANK YOU!! Someone told me last week, it takes a village to raise my family. I don't like this saying because it makes me think of Hillary Clinton, but I like it because it's so true in my extended "network". I have the best "Village". So many people who love me, pray for us and HELP us. THANK YOU.

This is our hotel- the Prytania Oak Hotel. It is very lovely. Hardwood floors, high ceilings, 4-poster bed. Very sweet.

We got here Thursday night. We found a nice restaurant, Houston's. Its a chain, but it was close and it was SO GOOD! Eric and I had ribs, Bradley had Prime Rib, and Kerri had rotisserie chicken. We went and let Bradley and Kerri experience Bourban street after dinner.

Friday started with breakfast at Elizabeth's and praline bacon. Yummy. Look at Kerri's stuffed French toast. We came to NOLA to eat, Elizabeth's did not fail. It was sssooo good. I'm being adventurous this weekend. I had fried chicken livers with pepper jelly. Not a fan of chicken livers, but it was good with the pepper jelly.

It was then off to the Quarter for people watching and shopping. There is soooo much to look at and sometimes participate in......

Bradley and Eric got to participate in a manic show yesterday. We are still trying to figure out how he did that?????

So much fun......we're eating, being merry, walking off calories and eating again. Lots of fun!

Rocky Mountain National Park

So we left yesterday headed South. For miles and miles. And more miles. In Wyoming, I counted motorcycles for 100 miles. I got to 170. Plus or minus a few. And they were all going the opposite direction. Oh- and 4 toy haulers. I suspect they were headed to Sturgis. It is that time of the year.

I wanted to mark another national park off my list and the Rocky Mountain National Park was SO close, so off we went. What a beautiful drive. We made it to the park a little after 4 and left probably an hour and half later. It was a quick trip. We would have loved to stay longer, AND it definitely a place we will return to, but we gotta go home.

Ain't they precious !

I chose a motel close to I70 in Denver and I made a great pick!! Homewood Suits is close to the airport, so they cater alot to the traveling businessman. Huge bathroom, King size bed, queen size sleeper sofa, kitchenette (which we had no need for) and lots and lots of room. So sad we couldn't stay there longer, it was such a nice room. And of course the girls got to swim. We even had a nice Tai place within walking distance. Everyone had a little bit of sushi and some seafood entrées.

So today Eric says we are gonna make it home. REALLY?? Denver to home. Uuuuuggg Long day ahead.

Sniff, Sniff

We must start traveling home today ): Yesterday we slept in, did some laundry and did some packing. At lunch we went to Janna's for wonderful crawfish etteufee. ( what?? Can you spell it any better??- spell check can't!!!!). After lunch, we went to my favorite potter's home and bought some more John Worth pottery. He is so nice and make beautiful pottery. He and his wife have also adopted two children and the youngest was a dear little girl that entertained Elizabeth and Leah while I shopped. She showed them around the "farm" and showed them the paint horse and the llama's. After going to John's we went to Janna's neighbor to exchange knitting for quilting. Then it was back home for more laundry.

Last night we ate watermelon, leftovers and ice cream before were said our tearful goodbyes. Elizabeth and I just had one big ole boohoo down the driveway.

This morning we left around 6. Bye bye beautiful Montana. And thank you Aunt Janna and Uncle Mike for the wonderful hospitality. We love ya!

Montana Vacation

We made it to Limon, Colorado on Saturday night. You know what's in Limon?..........nothing but motels and a few gas stations. You know why? Because there is pure-D nothing between here and there. Anyway- the girls got what they wanted- a swimming pool.

Saturday we took off to Montana. We got there about 9:30pm our time. Long time in the car, but so worth it. No humidity!!

We lazy'd around in our "home" the next morning- Eric napping and me reading a book.

This is our home for the week. THANkS AUNT JANNA!! For all you haters of only children - thrhthththththtthh !

So on Sunday the girls played in the creek below Janna's house after a nice lunch enjoyed with Nat. Sunday night Janna gave a nice birthday part for her friend Jill- yummy food and burgers.

Monday the girls went shopping and the boys tinkered on trucks. I found a few treats in Big Timber to bring back home. When we got back, Leah and Elizabeth got back in the creek.

A cool front blew in last night and we woke to much cooler temps today. The thermometer said 49. It's 8:30 now and the tahoe thermometer says 63. Much better than back home. Today we are headed to Yellowstone to see my sweet Grandma and Chuck.

On our way.....

So here we go..... bright and early.....oops- forgot our pillows........ok, now here we go .......stop for gas........go thru McDonalds......wash the vehicle......OK-NOW WE ARE ON OUR WAY