When we were in New Orleans recently for Aunt Rinnie's wedding, we did what we always do when we are in New Orleans.  

We crashed the home of our lovely friends, Bryan and Amy.  We made them put us up overnight.  We ate their food.  We drank their beer and wine.  And we had a great time.

Bryan and Durel have been friends since high school.  Amy and I have been friends since we met in, oh, 2002?  They have two adorable kiddos, Luke and Lucy.  We, of course, have Jack Attack.

Here's a snippet of how much fun we had.

Clockwise, from left:  Balloons.  Pedreaux the Wonder Weimeraner; Lucy; Jack and Lucy love lollipops.

Balloons are fun but they don't last long.  You have to hold onto them or they'll fly away.  You have to be careful with them or they'll pop.  Good friends aren't like that.  You can crash their homes once every year or two and make yourselves completely (and I mean completely) at home, and it's all good.

Thanks, guys.  You rock.

Hope someone gives you a lollipop today.

Talk soon,

Heather

barbecue makes it better

A few months ago, Jack was a little bit off-kilter one Sunday.  He seemed cranky, rumpled, and generally discombobulated.

I mean, Durel and I both certainly have days like that, but we blame it on the tribulations of adulthood.  We don't generally see that, or expect that, from our feisty little ray of sunshine.

Lounging wasn't doing the trick, really.  Napping didn't fix what ailed him.  So, I decided that a quick trip  out, somewhere, would help.

We ended up at Rudy's.  We shared some brisket, some white bread, and some root beer.

Wouldn't you know?  It perked us both up considerably.

I know it's Monday and all.  Hope nothing discombobulates you today.

Talk soon,
Heather

halloween, redux

Though Durel and Jack and I were robbed of winning the costume prize at his school, we still had a totally awesome Halloween.  I know it's November, which is why I am hurrying to share the rest of these (unmissable) pictures before moving on to things like, oh, trips to New Orleans and Thanksgiving. 

Eek! Thanksgiving!  I'm brining the bird.  That's all I'll say at the moment.

Jack and his best bud took the neighborhood by storm.  Between Captain America and Captain Jack, who is going to say no?  In fact, you will note that people were leaving bowls of candy out for this awesome duo!

Victory was theirs.  It took the form of lollipops.

Said blue lollipop left Jack's face looking a little ghoulish.  All in the spirit of the holiday, as they say.

And, because I am a nerd, I also had to do this to this precious photo of my guy's expression.

Hope your day is not at all spooky.  It is November, after all.

Talk soon,
Heather

let them eat (empanadas and) cake

Last night, my lovely parents took Jack and I out to dinner to belatedly celebrate my birthday.  (Durel had a work event.  He works hard, people.)

I chose to go to Buenos Aires, which is rapidly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in Austin.  Because the food is delicious and because JACK LOVES IT.  Any restaurant where a 2 1/2 year old consistently behaves will jet to the top of the parents' favorites list.  Mark my words.

Also, I love empanadas.  And Argentinian Malbec.  So, it's a no brainer for other reasons, as well.

They often have live music, and they did last night.  It was beautiful.  All instrumental, Argentinian, and lovely.  

Jack devoured his empanadas, some fries, some broccoli, and then cozied up in his chair to watch the music.

Note:  Bunny as fellow music aficionado and pillow.

After a while, Jack turned his full attention on the adorable cupcake that my mom (his Grammy) had brought for him.  I've planned my menu for Thanksgiving, and he had a turkey cupcake. 

Note:  Jack's hair is totally wild about 90% of the time.

It is November, and all is right in the world.

Hope you are thankful, too.

Talk soon,

Heather

laissez les bon temps rouler

We did it.  We went to New Orleans.  Aunt Rinnie got all married and stuff.  Jack wore his tuxedo.  I had a birthday.  We are home again.

We're also utterly exhausted, so for right this second, I will share this and save my words for tomorrow.

Hope you had some good times this weekend, too!

Talk soon,
Heather