Oak Alley

The place I wanted to take my parents to the most was Oak Alley Plantation. It is in Louisiana, about 2 1/2 hours away. It was amazing. The landscape and all of the trees were so pretty. Look at that tree in the first picture. I have never seen a tree like that!

There was a massive black cloud that seemed to be getting closer. We kept hoping that it would just miss us. We weren't so lucky. As soon as we got into the house, it started pouring down rain. Luckily we were inside!

That big thing above the dining room table was used to keep the flies away. A boy servant would sit in the corner and pull the rope back and forth while they sat and ate dinner. Sometimes for three hours at a time! I would not want that job.

The reason they call it Oak Alley is because of these huge oak trees that are in two rows right in front of the house. They said the trees are 300 years old and 100 years older than the mansion. 

Even though it was raining, Justin and I ran out to the front to get some pictures. These trees are HUGE!

Looking down towards the house. Can I just own something like this? Is that too much to ask? It was so beautiful and very peaceful.

On the other side of the trees, the branches went all the way to the ground. Some of them would grow down into the ground and back out.

The boys thought it was fun to run out into the rain and run back. We were all so wet!

Apparently Justin was having a little too much fun. :)

This is definitely my favorite thing we have done in the South. 

USS Alabama

We took my mom and dad to see the USS Alabama in Mobile. I have been wanting to take the boys there and having company was the perfect excuse.

Now those are some big guns!

These sailors would be on the ship for months at a time. Here is the dental office on board. Quite the set up, huh? When we were touring around the inside of the boat, I kept imagining how claustrophobic I would have been. Lots of small spaces and it was really stuffy. Not to mention the fact that you could get completely lost in there! It was huge.

Anderson preferred to be on the deck instead of inside.

There was also an air museum and a submarine. Jack decided that this black airplane was his favorite.

I actually enjoyed the submarine more than the boat. It was much cooler inside and was kept up really nice.

That is one long submarine!

AEGD graduation

 Justin had his AEGD graduation. We are pretty proud of this guy. Add that to his list of diplomas! I honestly can say that Justin is one of the smartest people I know. He has put a ton into his education and I applaud him for that. What a great person to be married to!! The Air Force put on a great program  and the speaker shared some amazing stories and information about the Air Force. I was a little busy trying to keep the kids quiet, but I hear it was great. :)

 Did I mention that I love when he wears his blues?

It was a bonus that my parents were able to be here for it! We love being able to share things with family.

Now the countdown is on until we leave Mississippi. The boys and I leave in 3 weeks!! This was quit possibly the fastest year of our life, and the reality of us moving to Japan is starting to set in. We have a lot to do in the next three weeks and we are hoping it all gets done. Wish us luck!

Biloxi with the folks

 When my parents first got here, we had three days of major rain and thunderstorms. It was non stop and I was so worried that it was going to rain the entire time they were here. Luckily, after the three days the sun finally decided to come out! We went out to Shaggy's on the water. I love the atmosphere of this restaurant. It has such a great beachy feel.

 And the view is great too!!

We went and walked on the beach after.

 We went to go walk on the Ocean Springs bridge but saw a pier and decided to walk down that instead. The sunset was gorgeous!

Jack learned all about catching catfish from the locals.

 We climbed up the Biloxi lighthouse. It was extremely hot, but still enjoyable. It was a much better view than the first time we went up. Lots of blue skies. It was really fun to show my parents where we have been living this past year. You always talk about stuff over the phone, but it means so much more when you can show them. Plus my parents just got home from their mission in New York City and we haven't been able to visit them for over a year. The kids warmed right up to them (especially since my mom came off the plane with two bags of Skittles for the boys), and we had a great time.

Pirate Party

 On Jack's actually birthday, he wanted to have a pirate party. We decided to keep it low key with just us and my parents since we already did a big party with friends. Jack was loving it...sword fights, eye patches, and treasure maps. 

 I got the banner and pirate ship cupcake toppers off of pinterest. Just print it from your computer and cut it out! I'm so glad others are willing to share their hard work online to make my life easier.

All smiles in a pile of presents!