Goin Down the Bayou

Our last fling of the summer was a trip down the bayou. We went down to help Mamere with a few repairs and turned our visit into a mini-vacation. We all experienced a few firsts as we hit some of the tourist attractions. What was the best part of the adventure? Definately having other people notice the love and adoration that Brother and Sister share. We see it, but as parents sometimes we think we are a bit biased, but when total strangers and long lost family members say to you, "Wow, what a great big brother he is" or "They really love each other, huh" then you know it is truely a gift from God. HE saw it fit to help us teach them to love and appreciate one another. And let me tell you, Brother Bear was missed each time he went on an adventure without Sister.

Okay, back to our tourist attractions...

1st stop...

Neither Brother or Sister Bear had been to the big aquarium and it had been years since Momma or Poppa Bear had been, so we took a drive up to New Orleans for the afternoon. The aquarium had everybody smiling,

even the stingray!

Brother Bear's favorite animals right now are sharks and jellyfish, so this trip was right up his alley. Now, getting to pet the stingray was pretty awsome too. I don't think there was a part of the aquarium that either cub didn't like. Here are a few pics from the aquarium...

The aquarium was amazing. I can not even imagine the amount of time it takes to wipe off all those fingerprints and nose smudges, but if the folks whose job that is ever get a chance to see the pure enjoyment of coming face to face with the creatures of the sea, it must make every minute of the job worth it.

After the aquarium, we stepped out to get a look at the Mighty Mississippi and watched the ferry come in...

Once we left the aquarium, we traveled down Canal Street to point out a few of the sights to Brother Bear. Traffic was pretty thick so we were moving about a hair past a snail's pace when low and behold we got caught at the light on the corner of Bourbon Street. I rolled down the windows so Brother Bear could hear the little jazzy, street band on the corner. Not only did he enjoy it, but he and Sister were dancing in their seats. We told him that Bourbon Street is known for its parties and nightlife. When the light turned green and we started to roll, Brother Bear informed us that when he was 18, he was gonna love coming to Bourbon Street! It was gonna be sooo much fun! - Dear Lord, Please hear my prayers now, Guide Brother AWAY from Bourbon Street! Amen

The visit to the Aquarium was amazing and exhausting. The trip back down the bayou went something like this...

"Momma, iinna pap-pap!!"

"Momma, I go nite-nite"

"Zzzzzzzzz" all the way home!

That was a successful trip to the Big City. We had fun and learned a bit along the way. Now, right now, the Sandman is calling my name, playing his beat with raindrops on the roof. I'll just have to fill you in on our other Bayou Adventures another time.

Livin a Lovin Life - Kristi

Summer Lovin'...

Summer Lovin'... it doesn't have to be romance "Grease" style, it can be Bear Family style!!!

Our summer was a summer of lovin' each other and growing together. We canceled most of our plans and just drifted after Sister Bear's hospital jaunt, but oh how much fun can be had in your own front yard! These bear cubs explored this place from top to bottom, front to back, inside and out. And along the way, we were...

 "just a swangin'"...

 and playin... and lounging...

BUT, probably the best thing we found this summer, was an old school ring sprinkler! Oh, the hours these cubs spent playing in the water. We had green rings in our yard all through the drought!!! How much fun is this!

We even discovered that you could sit on the sprinkler and only let 1 stream come out....

then if you lean forward to use it as a water fountain...

somebody else finds a stream to drink from!!!! Great fun!

This was Brother's version of babysitting while Momma Bear finished a project. He definately had her attention!
Summer was fun and of course over way too soon. We did decide to venture down to celebrate Paw-Paw's birthday one weekend toward the end of summer. It was a super slidin' event. topped off with a pool party cake and some well-deserved cousin time...

The posse got the party started...

and it all went downhill from there!!!...

Even Mimi made a splash!!!

And the fun was good and clean!! Who knew the secret to fast water sliding was baby shampoo in the splash pool!

Even the cake was swimmingly good...

Then it was time to relax and bond a little...

Now that was a good summer.

Our Bear Family did venture out one more time, down the bayou, to visit Mamere on the one year anniversary of Papere going home through the pearly gates to watch over us from above. But more on that later, I hear Sister Bear calling for a rescue.