FUN-raiser

Russ decided to generously donate money during one of the local fire department/EMS fundraisers...and by doing so, we were given "free" tickets to Sesame Street Live: 'Elmo's Green Thumb'! It couldn't have come at a better time--a perfect family date 'night'!!! We were kicking around the idea of buying tickets to the Storytime Live (featuring Dora, Wonder Pets, etc) but didn't know how the girls would do, so this would be the perfect test run!!

Since this was our first big show/production, we weren't real sure what to expect. I figured it would only be about 45 minutes or so...after all, the attention span of a toddler isn't the greatest. Little did I know we were in for 90 minutes Elmo and crew! We were prepared to leave at the intermission, (and if it were up to Russ, I think we would have) but Lexie was SO entertained and SO SO SOOOOO into the show that she didn't sit down the ENTIRE TIME!!! (I can only imagine what she is going to do when it is Dora and the Nickelodeon crew on stage!!!) We had a GREAT TIME and can't wait for Nini to join us in February for our next "LIVE" show!


We found our seats and are ANXIOUSLY awaiting Elmo and crew! Lexie was so excited, she didn't know what to do with herself!!!
Bert and Ernie were the first to appear...
...then there were a few more...
...and when Elmo hit the stage, this little one was so excited she clapped and squealed and boogied like no other!! Even Olivia woke up for the show!!
Russ with the girls at intermission!
Luckily the lady behind us took a picture of all of us...not the best picture ever, but it will do!

Jazz Fest Weekend

What a fun filled weekend we had in New Orleans!  We joined Lisa & Mitch, and Mike, Debbie, Marissa & Spencer for the NOLA Jazz and Heritage Festival.  The weather was beautiful on Thursday so we were able to relax and enjoy all the great music and wonderful food!!!
Friday we skipped the festival and headed down to the French Quarters.  After a quick stop for drive through daiquires, we met up with Noelle, David & the girls.  What an experience!!!   You could see remnants of hurricane Katrina, but for the most part, the city was clean!  Of course no trip would be complete without a visit to Margaritaville...and with no open container laws, the adults were able to enjoy a few of Jimmy's famous concoctions...though they don't compare to Mitch's magical margaritas! 

It just so happened while we were strolling through the city, we stumbled upon Tommy Lee who was filming an upcoming 10 episode reality TV series for Discovery Channel.  Camera crews were everywhere...so keep your eyes peeled come August when the show is set to air!

Finally after much anticipation, the big event arrived!  It looked as though it was going to be rained out, but about 3 oclock in the afternoon, the clouds parted and the skies cleared for Jimmy Buffett's performance!  It was a MUDDY MESS, but worth every second!  After hearing FINS, and singing along to Margaritaville, everyone seemed to forget about standing ankle deep in Mud!  What a wonderful visit with family and friends!!!  We are looking forward to many many more good times!