Happy Birthday Sarah and Gabriella

Today Peyton and I were invited back to the Monkey Room to celebrate the 2nd birthday of Sarah and Gabriella.  Peyton remembered the place from his birthday and was very excited to be back and was up on the slides before I had a chance to put my purse down!!  :)  Happy Birthday girls!!!

Papa Teaches

Since it going to rain tomorrow and we already hit most of the parks this week, we decided to go visit Mimi and Papa.  I grabbed Peyton's new bike from Grammy so that Papa could teach him how to ride.  Peyton seems to go along with what my dad wants more than anyone else so I thought he would be perfect for the job.  Peyton went along with it and rode for a little while, but then wanted to go play.  There were too many things to get into I guess and riding his bike was keeping him from doing them.  One of the things is playing with the kitty.  This cat loves Peyton as much as he loves her.  Weird....because this cat doesn't like anyone!! 

My mom is one of those kind of people that doesn't mind changing a diaper.  Actually, she looks forward to it as a bonding moment with Peyton.  I say go for it!!  :)  After Peyton's diaper change today he walks out with a new outfit on.  So cute!!!  Just in time for picture taking with his Papa!!

Playdate at Nicky and Avery's

Today we got to go over to Nicky and Avery's house for a morning playdate.  It was really nice to get out of the house for a little while because it has been so cold lately and I believe everyone was stuck inside.  Us New Orleans people are not use to freezing weather!!  :)  We like our winters warm.  Ha! 

After the playdate Peyton and I headed over to the new playground on Canal Street which is practically across from our street.  Peyton had the whole playground to himself and we played for a long time.  Afterwards, we headed home for a long nap. 

Peyton's 2nd Birthday Party at The Monkey Room

We had a blast at The Monkey Room today for Peyton's birthday party!!!  And the best part was that I had to do pratically nothing except spend time with my birthday boy.  The cake was awesome and Grammy made delicious finger sandwiches for all the kids and parents.  The kids LOVED Peyton's Thomas The Tank Engine theme and were excited to get their Thomas party favors!  Peyton had a blast climbing everywhere and going up and down the slides and he even (after warming up to the idea) jumped in the inflatable bouncer for a good long while.   

After we got home, Grammy and Grand Dad gave their birthday gifts which was a picnic table and a tricycle.  Peyton loves his tricycle!!!!  Nanny will be visiting sometime this weekend with the birthday boy!!  Boy, am I tired!!  But it was a wonderful, wonderful 2nd birthday for my little man!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEYTON!!!

A Birthday Letter to My Son

Dearest Peyton,

Two years ago, on this day at 4:07 p.m, the most wonderful thing happened to your Daddy and I.  A beautiful 6 pound 11 ounce baby boy came into our lives.  I stopped first thing this morning to reflect on the moments when we first met you and how incredibly happy we were that you were big, strong and healthy.  Then I reflected on how wonderful the last two years were with you not only in your Mommy and Daddy's lives, but the lives of your grandparents, your Nanny and your Aunt Dawn and Uncle Brian.  You truly are a blessing and I never knew I could love you more than the first time I laid eyes on you, but somehow the love I have for you today is so surreal.   I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful, smart, loving, healthy baby than you.  Happy 2nd Birthday my little man!  You are truly the apple of my eye! 

Love,
Mommy

A Letter from Daddy:

Hey Pey Pey,

My little man is growing up.  Two years old now.  Happy Birthday my buddy!  I am constantly amazed at the things you do and the shenanigans you come up with.  My dreams for you are to continue to develop and grow into the person we are always proud of.  Let's have fun at your party today!

Love,
Daddy

The 12th Night - Mardi Gras Begins

Let me be the first to wish everyone a wonderful Mardi Gras!!

Last night we went to The 12th Night party hosted by Blaine Kern.  And it was a very nice party.  The band was awesome!  We got to see all the floats up close.  Something that you really can't do when it is Mardi Gras time!  I am amazed how beautiful most of them are.  I am excited about this Mardi Gras.  I  think Peyton really will be into it this time. 

I even got to meet the King of Mardi Gras, Blaine Kern.  I was taking a picture and right before I pressed the shutter button Mr. Kern stuck his head in the picture.  I pulled the camera back and laughed and Mr. Kern told us welcome to his party.  I said thanks, not really knowing at that time that was Mr. Kern.  Kevin asked if I knew who he was and I said no.  He told me that is the Father of Mardi Gras, Blaine Kern.  WHAT!?  Well, I definitely needed to get a better picture of him.  While he was walking away, I got this picture below loving how his body guard to the right was watching the man who was hugging him like a hawk.  I wonder why Mr. Kern would need a body guard?  Kevin says Mafia connections!  :)  The guy was wearing a heavy black coat inside so it was quite obvious that he was probably heavily armed under there.   But on the other hand, that could be Mr. Kern's son but the guy looked too tense and serious to be a relative.  Just look at his face!

So I got a better picture of him as he was flirting with two young ladies.  Oh, and the coated guy was off to the side watching to see if my camera was a gun!  Ha!

You can see that as the night went on and as the wine flow was steadily coming, the blurrier my pictures got.

I love this!!  It is like a movie set.  The plantation was staged and the oak trees are fake but so realistic.  I couldn't believe that none of it was real.  They even had stars sparkling in the sky (ceiling).....so realistic it was like we were outside.

And here are some of the floats!  So beautiful.  I just LOVE the details. 

Whew, what a great night and I hope we get to go again next year!  Next time I will remember to drink water and take some aspirin before going to bed!  Red wine hangovers are the worse.  :)

Graham's 2nd Birthday Party

Today Peyton and I was invited to Graham's 2nd birthday party.  We had a great time on the bouncy castle!  Yes!!! He actually jumped on the bouncy this time!!  And he loved it!  He even went down the slide 1000 times.  So we decided that since he now starting to like the bounce, we will rent a bouncy castle for his birthday coming up!  I am so excited.  I love birthdays.  Graham was such an adorable birthday boy!  Happy 2nd birthday Graham!