Lake Charles

So, after we left Alexandria, we made the quick drive down to Grandma Cathy and Uncle Daniel's house. On the way, Colin bought me a Lottery Bingo Ticket - something we always got when we would take a road trip together (though it has been years ... ). anyway, we won $50! I don't ever win anything. It was amazing!

Daniel and Colin - very dirty and sweaty after doing yard work all day.

Cooper and Grandma Cathy

Jackson loves their cat.
He tried pulling his tail, but luckily the cat is very old and didn't seem to care.

While we were there, I was lucky enough to visit with a dear friend, Maria, and her little girl Gianna. Maria was my youth director in highschool - and later my brother worked with her. I think I may have even worked with her one summer. Or was I just hanging out at your office, Maria? It's was A LONG time ago. I remember making lots of photo boards and working on "crafty" things... which I loved. Anyway, the point is, Maria had a big impact on my life. She was such a great role model at a very important time in my life. And, what makes our friendship even more special, is that her mom was my second grade teacher, Mrs. Angel Tartamella. Oh! What a wonderful person. I still remember so much from being in her classroom. And let's face it - I have a horrible memory. However many things stick out from being in Mrs. Tartamella's class -
1. I won a cambell's soup label contest (because of my wonderful mom). I don't remember how many I collected - but I do remember getting a lot of chocolate bars as a prize.
2. I remember how I couldn't write my name in cursive until we learned every letter that was in it. Well, with a name like a Elizabeth, I waited a long time. Myself, and another poor soul - Zach, had to write our names in print while everyone else showed off their cursive skills on their homework. : )
3. I remember practicing for our first communion - we pushed all the desks to the sides of the classroom and walked down the middle of the room.

What am i even writing about? Here is the summary - both mother and daughter made a huge impact on my life. And now, Maria has a precious, precious little munchkin, Gianna. They came over to visit at my mom's house. I did take some pictures with my mom's camera - but forgot to upload them to my laptop. Instead of calling my mom and walking her through it, and then walking her through how to email them to me (I love you, mom!) I am just going to post a link to Maria's blog where she posted some pictures, and gave me a nice little shout-out.
http://lewisland7.blogspot.com/2009/09/sweet-meet.html

Our main reason for making the trip to Louisiana this week was for my Ten-Year highschool reunion. On Friday night, we went to the homecoming football game. We lost. But, it was nice to visit with friends I hadn't seen in a long time! After the game, we went to OBs, a bar we used to go to even back in highschool (you only had to be 18 at that time).

Carmen, Emily, myself, Tricia, and Kourtney

Enjoying a night out without the kids!

The next day we had a picnic at Prien Lake Park.

Abby - my best friend, Emily's little girl. She is too cute. And tiny. And, she is walking! It's the sweetest site to watch that tiny little baby toddle around!

Here's Jackson with Tricia's little girls (she also has a little boy, Will). Aren't they sweet?

Saturday night we had a party at L'auberge Du Lac. There are some great pictures - but I have to post them later. I'm so tired of waiting for photos to upload right now. Off to work on Cooper's birthday party! I'll post the reunion photos soon!