My Week

Lately I have seen a lot of blogs posting pictures of their weeks, and a lot of them with instagram photos. So, I've decided to do my own version too because I love the idea. And I love, love, love instagram. 

So here goes - my week in photos, instagram style.

 Gertie sitting pretty

 World's best (or worst?) beggar

 New artwork from Etsy

 Grilled PB&J yumm!

 Sunglasses + amazing January weather = happy me

 Beagle lovin'

 Yep - we smooch on the lips. Don't be grossed out.

 Officially done with my master's

Giddy is either trying to be a gangster, or she's just begging. Your call.

I know, I know. Six out of nine of these photos are of Beagles. Yes, I may be slightly obsessed...but I think you knew that already. Happy weekend y'all!

It's Official

It's official. I have my master's degree. I came home from work today and found the envelope my bro-in-law so kindly placed on my computer. Just sitting there waiting for me to open it, which I did with a small gasp and a big grin. I'm proud of myself. I worked my butt off for this. I will have my time to brag and shine and send a chain text message and photo to my loved ones. We all need these moments in life where we can just sit back, tell ourselves good work, and show off a little. And now I'm sharing and showing off a little with you. :)

What a great way to end my exhausting week. I think I will celebrate with a little drink and a long nap. Ha!

And here's another picture of my babies because I just can't help myself. I have the cutest, most loving little pups a girl could ever ask for. 

OK. My bragging is done now. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

A Day of Rest

I had the day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it was wonderful. It consisted of sleeping in and snuggling my girls who were oh-so-happy their mama was home with them. Once we finally dragged our lazy selves out of bed, we were met with glorious sunshine and a chance to leave the back door open for a bit.

I also got to catch up on some reading. I am about halfway done with Mockingjay, the third Hunger Games book. This series is amazing, and I highly recommend it. I am actually creating a unit with the first book for my juniors. And planning to twist my principal's arm to allow us to take a field trip to see the movie in March. :) Before reading I ran a quick errand to Starbucks for a Chai Tea Latte which made my reading twice as enjoyable.

My afternoon was spent with my mom doing some retail therapy. A new purse, a sweater, and a blazer (plus new perfume for my mom) later, we were happy girls.

I am now capping off my evening with a new episode of The Bachelor. I, of course, have company.

Aww. It's the simple things in life I tell you. What a great day, and here's to a great (and short) week!

4 Years

December 28th marked our four year wedding anniversary. I know we are so lucky and blessed to have each other and love each other ten times more (which I never even thought possible) than when we said our "I dos". I hope to look back and see that our love has grown even more on our 10 year anniversary. And 20. And 50...
 
For our anniversary we celebrated with dinner out to Bonefish Grill. We had never been there before but absolutely loved it. (If you go there, make sure to order the Bang Bang Shrimp. Yum!) Bonefish Grill has the fancy feel without the fancy price. Who could ask for more? :) 

Happy 4th Anniversary Mathew! It's been a wonderful four years, and here's to many, many more!

 

 <zombie love>

Nawlans Y'all!

<Part 2>

The next couple days in New Orleans were filled with walking around the city, tours, and eating, eating, eating. I felt like I was back in Europe because of the architecture and all the history which was awesome!

The first tour we took was a swamp tour which was initiated by me. I love that my family agreed to appease me and my strange love for alligators. The swamp tour was a lot of fun, but unfortunately the alligators were already hibernating. We saw a lot of birds, a family of nutra-rats, and thank goodness no snakes. I was super bummed as the tour continued and there were no signs of any gators. Luckily, our tour guide brought along his pet alligator Brian, AND he let us hold him! Brian will be returned to the swamp when he gets a little older and bigger. 

 <with my sissy before our tour>

 <our awesome tour guide who grew up in Louisiana and around the swamp>

Isn't he cute? No? OK, maybe it's just me, but I was in heaven. I was so nervous and excited to hold him and literally shook with excitement the rest of the tour. I want a pet alligator now. I wonder if Kansas allows pet alligators...

The next day we took a city tour which included the French Quarter, Garden District, a cemetery and some Katrina damage including the ninth ward. 

 <St. Louis Cathedral - sorry for the tour bus glare>

 <We went shopping here later>

 <The Manning's house where Peyton and Eli grew up>

<I call this the K-State house>

The tour was filled with information and amazing sights. It was also shocking to see all the Katrina damage with my own eyes.

Overall it was an amazing and fun family get away!

 <Trolley Ride>

 <Cafe Du Monde>

Nawlans Y'all!

<Part 1>

The week before Christmas we took a little road trip with my family down to, you guessed it Nawlans or New Orleans for all you Northerners (myself included). On the way there, we stopped in Memphis and toured Graceland.

Everyone enjoyed the tour and embraced the South as we encountered heavy Southern dialects, fried food, the abundance of trees and greenery, and most of all the weather that got warmer and warmer as we approached our destination. Mathew, my Southern boy, felt right at home. ;) As much as I joked and threw in some twang along the drive, I actually remembered how much I love the South. It actually made me want to move back. Just a little bit though.

As we encountered more and more swamp land, we got more and more excited. After having to go around the block and maneuver ourselves around a closed off Bourbon Street. ("Is this, like normal?!") and one way roads, we arrived at our our historical and beautiful hotel, The Inn on Bourbon Street.  

After settling into our rooms overlooking the pool and courtyard, we walked down the middle of Bourbon Street and around the corner to The Gumbo Shop for dinner. They had delicious fruit daiquiris and gumbo, several types of each. After that, we walked around a little bit, were yelled at by strippers (not even joking) and people trying to get us to come into bars. It was quite the experience. We finally decided to stop in a little bar that had a band playing and got a couple drinks to end the night.

<my dad and sister doing a little dancing>

We went to bed at a somewhat decent hour since we were exhausted from driving all day (how does that happen by the way?) and knew that the next few days would be busy doing touristy things like going on a swamp tour, holding an alligator, eating amazing Cajun food, and seeing more of this historical and exciting city.