New Orleans

 

Shaun has a work conference in New Orleans at the end of July! Although it was nuts since we were moving the next week we decided it would be great to have a break from working on the house. 

This piano was in the lobby of our hotel. Very fun! 

 We had a sweet view of the city and the girls could not get enough of it. The window was floor to ceiling!

 Our hotel!

 Shaun had a little bit of time before he had to check in so he came with us to the aquarium. This was definitely a HUGE favorite on our trip! 

 walking over the sharks!

 We HAD to see what the rave was about! The Bagnets were delicious! 

 sweaty walkers!

 We spent a lot of time after dinner walking around, window shopping, trying yummy food, and seeing the sights.

 A little mickey mouse doesn't hurt either. :)

 New Orleans is an interesting city. It's pretty dirty, stinks, lots of homeless people sitting on the streets. But it was crazy how you walk along the street, then suddenly come across buildings like this. Just beautiful!

 The mall had an indoor play area. It was a nice break from the heat!

 The second pic was so funny because that's exactly how kate felt- DONE!

 Claire got really good at organizing the sugar packets. It's hard to eat at restaurants with tired girls, but they did pretty well.

 Watching the boats!

 The pool was so fun!

 The girls and I would explore during the day on our own. By 10 am it was SO hot! So, we stopped for some frozen yogurt.

 Rick and Susan were also at this conference! We enjoyed spending time with them. :)

Time to get these girls in swimming lessons! Thanks, daddy for letting us tag along! 
I would have to say this was the best the girls have slept in a hotel to date! It was a really nice break to actually see Shaun and spend time with him! He's been so busy working on the house and working his job, we miss him!

Summer Pictures

 I found some random pictures on my phone of some fun memories from this summer...

 The beautiful station!

 Having a little "tea party" while we wait at the costume molding store

 Claire's growing up too fast!

 Hot summer days= lots of Popsicle

 Swimming at Ms Heidi's pool! Such an oasis!

 

Trying figs for the first time...YUM!

 Kate loves to sit in the little pink chair!

 Branch swimming party! Our branch rented out a local pool. We had a great time!

 Claire's obsession...can't use the same spoon to eat different foods. "they are dirty."

 Claire thought Daisey needed a makeup job.

 Shaun taught a class this summer. He doesn't have a teaching appointment so this won't be a regular thing but this summer was unique. One of his students was from Iraq.  He lived on the station for the summer with his family. Let's just say the language barrier was HUGE! It was a frustrating situation for Shaun but I'm so proud of him for being so patient. His wife did not speak any English, but Shaun wanted me to learn how to make baklava.They have 4 boys. The oldest one translated for us. Although I was kind of mad at Shaun for volunteering me for a big time commitment when I was already busy trying to stain and poly the kitchen cabinets, I'm really glad that I got to do it. Although we really couldn't communicate at all the love I saw in her eyes for her boys and her kindness to us was amazing. 
several times they brought over food for us to try. It was delicious!

Kate found claire's underwear and put it on her head. She thought it was so funny!

Our weekly tradition of Shaun making Claire's GF bread. They make it together and it's delicious!

he neighbors/shaun's student for the summer!

I got to attend the temple with a bunch of RS sisters. So nice to have a little break from the everyday stuff!