Spring Break

The week before last was my spring break (a week of no classes!) and we decided to spend much of it in Baton Rouge. We had not seen my brother and his family since Christmas and just had to take advantage of the St Patrick's Day parade that I miss so much from my LA days of past. This 'smaller than Mardi Gras' yet equally as fun and crazy annual event is something that I really love about Baton Rouge and I recommend it to anyone who has never been to it or a mardi gras parade. It was so fun to see family and friends and share this event with Alder and Jason. I think Jason had more fun than anyone at the actual parade (as he is one of those who has never been to Mardi Gras) and Alder was taking it all in and seeming to have a good time... even with no nap all day. Here are the kids in the back of my brother's truck shouting for beads from the passing floats. Left to Right: Alder, cousin Marilynn, and friends Anna Virginia and William (Jamie and Patrick's kids).

Alder and William - I love that they have the same haircut!

Alder sporting all his beads...

By the end of the parade, it was obvious there had been some partying going on... by all ages.
And here are some shots from the parade. I (Dad) dont think I ever realized just how many beads were involved. Post parade, cars driving by were actually skidding through patches of them.

The best part of our trip was certainly spending such quality time with cousins. Just 3 months ago Alder was a bit too immature and aggressive to be of interest to his 3-yr old cousin Marilynn - he hit her with his little metal school bus - but this time they interacted quite a bit and even exchanged hugs and I love you's! Here is a pic of the three of them enjoying the wonderful weather. This is as close as we could get to having them all pose together.
Doors and windows were open the entire time we were there - cool enough to not need the AC nor to have mosquitoes - and we really loved this as we returned to freezing nights here in VA.

Alder and his younger cousin Charlotte (13 months old) were also found often playing side by side and once hugging each other without us instigating!


All this time with 'girl toys' allowed Alder to explore his paternal instincts a bit, which we loved seeing! But we also really appreciated the box of cars and trains they had to play with because Alder continues to be overly obsessed with these.

Thanks so much to Lindsay and Clint for welcoming us into their home - we cannot wait to return the favor and/or return to BR again!