New Orleans!

Cahl had a training down in New Orleans this week, and I was lucky enough to tag along! We flew down Sunday, and got there with plenty of time to start exploring the French Quarter. Our hotel was right at the top of the quarter, so it was perfect for walking. We first walked down to the river, checked out the river boats and Jackson Square, then made our way back through downtown. We were both in awe of the amazing architecture and everything going on. 

We even stopped to compliment a really nice older lady who was cleaning her front yard, and she was kind enough to visit with us and even gave us a tour of her incredible home, built in 1895. We met up with the Cahl's co-workers, had dinner, and enjoyed beignets at Cafe Du Monde. 

Monday Cahl headed out to his training, and I started my day at Louis Armstrong Park. Then I headed down to Jackson Square and found a great little jazz band. I followed that with lunch at Cafe Beignet, then headed back to the hotel to meet up with Cahl and the rest of the group for dinner. We loved the charbroiled oysters at Drago's, and walked along the river to Cafe Du Monde for dessert, then back through downtown before heading in for the night.   

Tuesday I spent most of the day with the other spouse who had come along, Adrianna, and we spent time listening to the band at Jackson Square, having lunch at Felix's, and visiting the Museum of Pharmacy- which was super interesting. In the evening we all met up for our river boat dinner cruise, on the City of New Orleans riverboat. 

Wednesday I wasn't feeling super great, so I laid low for the beginning of the day. Cahl had the opportunity to drive over to Mississippi and visit the Stennis Space Center, before we all met up again for a boat tour of the Louisiana swamp. The swamp is really beautiful, and was saw a ton of alligators, racoons, turtles, several types of birds, and wild pigs. We also saw some cool houses along the river, as well as some that had been destroyed by hurricanes. We picked up dinner after our tour, and relaxed for the night at the hotel. 

I had to head home the next day, but Cahl got 2 additional days in the city and he enjoyed spending as much time in the French Quarter as he could, and enjoying beignets before heading home. 

Brinley Dance Competition- Spotlight

Tonight was Brinley's third competition of this season, for Spotlight, and again they did great! 

Their jazz routine was a little sloppy today, and scored a Ruby. 

Their hip hop routine was much better, and was their category winner, and earned 1st place overall as well as a Judge's Choice award for Outstanding Choreography.         

We even ran into our friends from Salmon, Teresa and Maddy, and got to see Maddy perform a  beautiful contemporary solo!

Happy Birthday!

On Tuesday our last baby became a teenager! We got to celebrate Brinley all week- with McDonald's, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and cupcakes on her birthday, dinner at Hook and Reel followed by a super cool Starbucks themed cake and presents on Wednesday, and she got to spend Saturday afternoon at the Village with 2 of her best friends. We sure do love our little caboose and all the joy she brings to our family! 

Brinley Dance Competition- Team Dance

This weekend Brinley and I traveled over to Idaho Falls for the Team Dance competition. It was a long day, but the girls did so well! Their jazz routine scored Platinum, and won the Best Costume Award and 1st place overall. 

Their hip hop routine scored High Gold, was the category winner, and placed 2nd overall. 

We even ran into our dear friends Meghan and Lily Sainsbury while we were there, and got to catch up and see Lily dance. Gabrielle and Della also came down for the afternoon, and we loved hanging out with them!