Drew Dat!

Making Groceries and a Little Lagniappe

While in New Orleans for Thanksgiving we took Kendall to the Children's Museum.  I remembered it from when I was a kid, and I was just as excited as Kendall to go.  I just knew that my all time favorite thing there would be hers. And I was right.

The grocery store.  It is so cool.  The kids get real buggies, load up their groceries, and get to play cashier on a real cash register.  The only unpopular job it the shelf restocking.

Here's Kendall making groceries New Orleans style.

And here she is checking Mama out.

She loved it, eventually donning a cashier apron.  She was serious about her work.

So serious that she checked out all the other kids as well!

Next she was off practicing her waitressing skills with Grandpa.

She provided excellent service.

Daddy and JuJu were loyal customers.

A quick ride on Andrew Jackson's horse at Jackson Square then we were off again.

Another favorite was the Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood exhibit.  Kendall is a huge fan of Mr. Rogers, watching episodes on pbskids.org.  She was probably the only kid there who knew all the characters' names.  She squealed with delight when Henrietta popped out of her tree house.

She loved playing with King Friday's castle puppet stage as well.

Poor thing, we had to cut her visit to a mere three hours when we left in time to grab seafood poboys and get home in time for the LSU game.  We'll definitely have to take her back on a return visit.

Thankful Stuff

Thanksgiving has come and gone since my last post.  I've been so busy on "holiday stuff" that the blog took to the backseat for a little while.  My OCD kicks into high gear this time of year as I have so many ideas to enhance the holiday season, provide educational opportunities for a toddler, all while instilling gratitude and giving into her as well.  I'm just determined to not loose focus amidst the business and hype, yet my DIY cute list grows at the same pace.  (So maybe it's too late for the business part.)
Anyway, we had a great, long visit in New Orleans with my family.  Here we are on Thanksgiving morning on our way to visit my grandmother.  (And, yes, I made her outfit.  I'm so proud! Hence more added business.)

And back up a few days to her Thank You God party at school.  Crazy, cute turkey lurkey!

And back up even a few more days.  Kendall and I babysat Grayson twice a few weeks ago.  Kendall couldn't wait to give him his bottle.  She is such a natural 'lil mama!  (And Grayson totally fits into a Thanksgiving post cuz we are just so stinkin thankful for this sweet little guy!)

Kendall Conversations (Who Dat Style)

In the backyard playing football immediately following the Saints' nail biting, life expectancy shortening OT win over Atlanta...

Kendall (running with football):  Daddy, tackle me over!  I Jimmy Ga-ham.

Daddy:  You're Jimmy Graham??

Kendall:  No, I Sean Peyton (figures...the boss).

Kendall (self correction):  No, I Drew Brees. (looking back over her shoulder)  See number 9 on my back?!

Boo Dat

This year as a Halloween alternative we went trunk or treating at some friends' house.  Kendall had a great time playing with lots of her friends.  Since trunk or treating involves decorating one's trunk, there was only one thing for a Who Dat Mama to do...

Now, you don't need to add insult to injury by making jabs at last week's game atrocity.  Cutting out WHO DAT letters immediately after suffering a ridiculous and uncalled for loss was punishment enough, thankyouverymuch.  Now "Boo Dat" brings on a whole knew meaning.

But backing up two nights, we went trunk or treating at Papa and Gigi's church also.  It was short lived as Cinderella was less than amused by the mascots, clowns and various other Halloween garb there. 

But back to the other festivities... We all roasted hot dogs.  Ours were char grilled :-)

Here's Kendall with a school BFF, Meredyth, and another school friend, Landon.

Dorothy and Cinderella had a great time swinging.

A little later we gathered in the drive way for the much awaited and anticipated candy fest.

And since Thomas is a dearly loved friend, we will overlook his choice of costume. GEAUX TIGERS!

And as always I am SO glad Halloween is once again OVER.  I really don't enjoy all the scariness and death and dark stuff.  We've had to avoid everything from Kendall's beloved PBS shows that were all about witches and ghosts and stuff, to a wide range of stores from Home Depot to Walgreens that were decked out in rediculous Halloween decor.  Now we can focus on the other aspects of the fall season, which happens to be Mommy's favorite.