Fishing trip in southern Louisiana

For the last few years, my dad has made a trip to southern Louisiana with either my brother, or uncle, to go fishing for red fish, flounder, and speckled trout. This year, Chris's schedule finally allowed him to participate, so he joined my dad and uncle for a trip down south. It happened to fall over Father's Day weekend, which was a great outing for them, and mom, Riley and I got to hang out in Hattiesburg.


From what I'm told, Chris caught the biggest and most, so he may or may not be invited back next year!


Here is Chris with one of his red fish.
The three fisherman. My dad is in the middle, and my uncle Ramon to the right.
Looks like a successful trip!

Cake decorating

For Christmas this past year, I requested a gift certificate to our local Viking Cooking School. They teach a variety of classes, ranging from observation to hands on. This past June, I was finally able to attend their advanced cake decorating class, which deals with fondant, gum paste, and other decorative ingredients, along with some great hands on experience and teaching. It was a 5 hour class on a Saturday, and I felt like a kid playing in the kitchen. It was a much needed break for this mommy!


Below is my creation. We had some issues due to the serious heat wave here in Memphis with the gum paste drying, so it didn't come out quite as detailed and sharp as we had wanted, but I still loved the class, and can't wait to sign up for another.

Summer fun

Beating the heat with a cool treat.
Riley is quite the helper around the house, especially outside when it involves watering the flowers. She may have gotten squirted by her parents once or twice during this watering session.
Taking the task at hand very seriously.

Ft. Morgan beach trip - Memorial Day weekend

We took a road trip with Chris's family to his grandparents beach house in Fort Morgan, AL over the Memorial Day weekend. We both took the Tuesday as an extra day, so we got to spend lots of time playing in the sand with Riley, and this kid LOVES the ocean. We returned, and I immediately signed her up for swimming lessons.

Luckily, on our trip, the oil hadn't reached the beach yet, so we were free to play.

Family picture, with an ever growing belly.

Yes, she does this same activity in the bathtub and pool, always with the same expression: pure joy!

Perhaps I'm slightly partial, but she's just cute, even from behind!
Working on a serious project. One shovel in each hand.
One half of the happiest and proudest grandparents of our sweet little girl.
Yes, Chris took a belly shot, and I'm possibly regretting posting this. I would be somewhere around 21 weeks along.
Pops playing with me in the ocean.

Memphis Botanical Gardens - May 1

My parents came to visit the first weekend of May, and we took a trip to the Botanical Gardens. We had never been, but it was a great place for Riley to get out and run, and the scenery was very nice.

I think Nana B is pointing out some of the fish in the pond.

Grandaddy pointing out nature.
A nice way to wrap up the afternoon visit by cooling down in the fountain!

Some very proud great-grandparents

Spring pictures at mommy's work

After returning from our cruise, many of the azaleas were blooming in our area, so we took Riley up to my office, which has a beautiful area between our towers full of flowers.

Someone is being silly!
Look, I found some flowers!