Our Trip to Louisiana

After Christmas we packed up the car and headed to Louisiana. Blakely always loves when we head to see Mimi & Pops. She especially enjoys spending time with her older cousins. We had a busy week filled with lots of fun and good food. Unfortunately, some of the family was out of town during our visit, but we were able to visit with everyone else...and boy did we stay busy!
Even though it was a little chilly, one of the first nights we were there, we made our way to the Celebration of the Oaks. It is a really neat event held every year around Christmas and New Years. They have lots of lights and decorations, yummy food, and lots of fun rides. All of us enjoyed catching up, but the rides were the best!

This trip was extra special because Blakely had the chance to meet her Great Aunt Joyce for the first time. Aunt Joyce joined us for some shopping and lunch. Blakely enjoyed meeting Aunt Joyce and showing her how Build-A-Bear works. Then we headed to meet Daddy and Pops for some yummy pizza. The best part of the day was when Austin and Bailyn came home with us to Mimi's and Pop's so that all the cousins could spend the night together.

On Wednesday, we headed to the Aquarium of the Americas. There were lots of neat exhibits, and the kids enjoyed spending time together with Mimi. It was a great day!

Another thing that Blakely loves to do when we go to Louisiana is visit MawMaw & PawPaw. When we went to their house PawPaw played his violin for Blakely, and MawMaw & Mimi provided the musical accompaniment while Blakely put on a performance. It was a lot of fun for us all. Blakely also picked a few oranges from the orange tree next to MawMaw & PawPaw's house.
We rang in the New Year at Aunt Lynn's & Uncle Jimmy's, but regrettably I forgot to take any pictures. The fireworks display was amazing, as always! We had a great time visiting with everyone. We can't wait to see everyone again soon!