Baubles, Basketballs, and Brees

This weekend was a whirlwind of activity. We had a visit from Wendy and Zach. It has been a year since our last visit from the Popes. The whole family was able to visit at the same time last year, but this year Brady had a basketball tournament scheduled. Zach and Wendy still decided to make the trip, and we had a wonderful visit with them. They arrived on Thursday night, so we were able to spend a long weekend with them that included a rainy trip to the park, Will's first basketball game, a cold trip to the quarter, and watching a parade on the south shore. Jon took off on Friday, but since it rained, we decided to go to Fontainbleu State Park and not venture South. Saturday, we were happy to have help for Will's basketball game. Jon and I are coaching his little team, so we needed an extra hand with Brighton. I can tell already that Will's playing and our coaching is going to be ridiculously chaotic. We decided to visit the quarter after the game, which was quite an interesting experience since the weather was so cold and everyone has gone nuts with Saints fever! Zach got to see the Superdome, and unbeknownst to him, Uncle Jon was setting up a little surprise for the Saints' biggest fan. One of Jon's coworkers is friends with Darnell Dinkins, who is a back-up tight end for the Saints. He asked if Darnell could put something together for Zach, and he really came through. Not only did he go out of his way to meet Zach, but he also got an autographed hat for him from none other than Drew Brees. Zach was ecstatic!!! Wendy snapped a picture of Zach with Darnell, which was hard to do through the tears in her eyes (I can't talk because I was welling up too!) It was a really nice gesture on Darnell's part, and Jon pretty much swept the title of Uncle of the Year! On Sunday, we headed to Metaire for the Krewe of the Little Rascals. It was the same parade that the Popes saw last year, and we had a great time once again. Will has become a pro at begging for beads, and this year Brighton is showing a little more interest. Zachary did a great job of nabbing some of the coveted black and gold beads, and we all had a great day. We were on the go quite a bit this weekend, and I was not able to be the hostess that I wanted to be due to an ear infection. Wendy and I were able to spend some girl time Sunday night before she left. It really means so much to have family that take the time and expense to visit us down here. We look forward to those visits, and it is hard when they come to an end. But we are very glad to be able to live in a place that is also so interesting to visit!!