Easter Getaway

We were happy to make an early getaway to West Monroe, Louisiana this Easter.  Even though Friday was a make-up weather day for our district, we poo pooed that idea and left Thursday afternoon.

Ever since our trip to see Keri's family in WA, our kids have been playing the slug bug game without the slugging. Daily recently. So they entertained themselves pretty well.  There were so many wildflowers growing along the highways! Just gorgeous!

Nonnie (Reba) and Papaw (DeWayne) were good to let us stay with them the first night. With increasing numbers of family arriving we chose to spend the next couple nights in a hotel. Not because of family but because of space.  Papaw made some tasty pancakes and sausage for us in the morning. In fact, this was the beginning of our astronomic consumption of this animal product. It is the South, you know.

We spent the next day just checking out the area, because in visits past, we did just that--visit! And we love visiting with everyone but we wanted to make some special time to just look about too.  First we headed out to enjoy the local farmer's market--but it was closed.

Next we stopped by the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum which was advertised as open but, alas, was not. Got to check out the plane, helicopter, and army truck while we revamped our plans, though.

So off to the city zoo, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo to be exact. This was pretty fun for our family.  The enclosures were small so bad for the animals but good for us because we could see them easily.  We saw a good variety of animals, fed a pony, smelled feces of parrots (not up close), watched a peacock go ballistic on his own reflection--you know zoo stuff. 

We were actually in the "Children's Greenhouse" to check out the pineapple growing there when there was such a clamor that we thought someone had thrown something substantial at the greenhouse. Upon making our exit we found a very miffed peacock getting all up into his own face, attacking his reflection. After a few attacks, Keri slowly stepped toward the peacock, informing him he was "not right in the head" and he moved on to a grassy spread.

Rhys's nickname sake. Rhysopotamus.

A miniature flamingo scratching through Sophie's hair.

It was hear that Keri, at nearly 40 years of age, learned that the Louisiana Purchase included a huge chunk of our country, not just Louisiana. Some teacher failed somewhere. Embarrassing but true.

We also played miniature golf--a sorry 9 hole course that admittedly was perfect for our children's first go at this competitive sport.  Neal and Keri had not played for years.  (Fun or Not-So-Fun Fact, depending on your level of interest--Neal and Keri first date was miniature golf, and on a awesome course in So Cal)  We worked with the kids on proper grip, aiming, turn taking--and then just threw that all out the window and decided to have fun! Everyone wins when everyone's having fun!

We met up with incoming family that night and talked until late.  The next morning the Easter Bunny visited our hotel and left baskets for the kids, upon returning from breakfast down in the lobby.

Further on in the morning we rejoined with everyone and took in some trails at the local park, which included a suspension bridge or if you are a 4-year-old, an "amazing bridge", or if you are a 6-year-old, a "magical bridge."  No matter what you call it, we shook the heck out of it--swinging, jumping, running! The azaleas were blooming like crazy but Papaw said that they were not as good as a few weeks prior.

It should be noted here that at this point we had eaten sausage at three separate times in addition to the first time it was mentioned. The South loves them some cheese, bread, and sausage.  If it is a veggie, it is covered in bacon fat or butter.  If it is a fruit, it is covered in whipped cream or some frothy pudding mixture. Glug glug--don't mind my heart trying to pump...glug glug.

After that we went off to a small classic car show and lunch with service so bad it was almost dinner but at least we had great company we were keeping.

Then over to Denise's, Oma's (Becky) sister, and her husband Donny.  This was an awesome evening. Two of their three kids were there with their children so Sophie and Rhys had plenty of play time.  They drove kid jeeps, and rode riding toys down the driveway ramp, jumped on the trampoline, took rides in Donny's golf cart--Keri even took it for a spin--throwing the ball around, visiting, coloring eggs, dodging june bugs, and eating, eating, eating.  Yes, more pork products and the most delectable desserts.  We rolled our fat selves back to the hotel.

Then we let the sun beat us up on Easter morning but we were off to church on time, a bit early even.  That congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is really growing in West Monroe.  We've been there for a couple Easters, we think, and there numbers are creeping up.

When we arrived at Nonnie's and Papaw's for lunch and goodbyes, the Easter Bunny had brought goodies to their house as well. Oma and Opa sure enjoyed watching the kids go through their baskets and then go egg hunting in Nonnie's and Papaw beautiful yard--which is not a yard at all, but a garden.  They peeked among the irises and evening primrose, and other lovely blooms.  Evening primrose is a lovely flower that grows wild along the highways, especially in Texas. Keri loves it and now knows the name, thanks to Nonnie. 

By mid-afternoon we were off for a long drive home.  The sugar or carb rush soon led the kids, and okay, their mom, to the inevitable carb crash, but Neal managed to stay awake.

A big thank you to the whole Cummings Clan for your hospitality, kindness, and love!  Happy Easter to all!