"Throw Me Sumtin' Mister!"

This was what Patrick shouted over and over and over (even to the Terrebonne Sheriff deputies who had no beads and were parked in front of us as the court was introduced)!

We ventured down to my mom and stepdad's fishing camp in Cocodrie, Louisiana on Friday. A five hour trip through rain and gloomy skies landed us deep down in the heart of the bayou and on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. We were so happy to be there, but I think Patrick was even more excited. His first words to my mom as he hopped out of the van "Where's my fishing pole Maw Maw?" He knew exactly where he was and wanted to see if the fish were biting! However, we didn't get to fish because the "no see ums" were biting instead! These tiny little bugs are so hard to see but their bite is huge - think mesquito but much much worse!

We were the first of my family to arrive. My stepsister and her family arrived that evening followed by my sister and her family. All in all there were 8 adults and 9 children *ages 1-7* that couldn't wait for the parade.Saturday morning we woke to rain and gloomy skies. We weren't sure if the weather was going to hold out, but we were going to try. My parents have made some really good friends in there few years down in cajun country. One friendship allowed us to score some prime parade watching property - the front parking lot of Lacompte Hardware Store. We all put on our Mardi Gras gear and headed to our spot.We set up a tent so the kids could enjoy the festivities and not get eaten alive till the parade arrived. We grilled and drank and danced our hearts out waiting for the parade. The weather cleared and we had a grand ole time. The parade was wonderful - not terribly long and the people were VERY generous in giving out TONS OF BEADS, stuffed animals, foam swords, and nerf footballs of all sizes. It was so nice to attend the Krewe of Petit Calliou (Chauvin, LA) parade. Everyone was so friendly and there were no pushing or shoving for things thrown. All of the kids had a grand time.Patrick scored three bags full of loot and his favorite item - the really long foam sword he was given when his Maw Maw lifted him up to one of the floats.Sunday found us making our way back north. We really enjoyed our time with our family, the new friends we made, and spending time down deep in the heart of southern paradise. Thank you to my mom and stepdad for such a wonderful weekend!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Love
LeAnna, Matthew, and Patrick