Vacation 2006, Third Stop

I've actually been quite busy at work lately and I almost forgot to finish my vacation update, hence two updates in one day after a very long absence.

The final leg of the vacation was Bob's high school reunion in Baton Rouge. We left Hilton Head in the wee hours of the morning on Friday (3:30 a.m., I think) and arrived at Bob's mom's house 11 hours later. Except for a lot of whining from Lili, the kids were very good once again. It definitely helps if they sleep half the way.

Anna had taken the afternoon off so Bob and I got to nap for a couple of hours. We were exhausted and we still had so much to do before heading home. I wasn't exactly looking forward to this part of our trip but then Bob told me that both Matt and Jeff and their wives were going to be there. Now I was excited! I love Danielle and Wendy. Too bad we all live so far away from each other. I also saw my friend Karen who was one of my best friends in college and the person who introduced Bob and I to each other. I didn't expect to see her at the reunion either because her family had moved away. So it ended up being a reunion for me, too, and I had a blast.

Friday night was an informal party at a local bar. Everyone started leaving around 11 p.m., too tired to socialize anymore. Bob and I thought about going out dancing but realized we were too tired, too. I would say we felt old, except we had the excuse of just finishing an 11 hour drive. I'm sure other people had similar excuses but we still felt like everyone was being old fuddy duddies.

Saturday during the day was a picnic at the school. The kids had a great time jumping in the moon walks, eating hot dogs, and having their faces painted. Baton Rouge High has a big dramatic arts program and the girls had fun running all over the stage. At one point, Lili stood at center stage and sang several songs to me. Her face was painted to look like a cat and I couldn't help but think I was watching a mini-version of the musical Cats! I think we may have discovered one of Lili's passions.

After the picnic, we went with Jeff and Wendy to Coffee Call for some beignets and cafe au lait. It was heavenly.

Saturday night was the cocktail party. Bob wore his shiny shirt with his tuxedo and everyone loved it. The best part of the night, besides being with old friends, was the food. It was so incredibly good. Anyone who thinks Austin has any restaurants that even come close to having great Louisiana food is just kidding themselves. Call me a snob. I don't care.

Sunday morning we got up, did a little laundry, and then hit the road for the last time. I think all the driving was getting to Lili because she whined a lot and we didn't have the luxury of sleeping children to help get us through. But we made it in good time and had a nice lazy afternoon to settle in before having to go back to work the next day.

I'm not sure if I was exhausted, or just relaxed from being on vacation, but the next several days were very laid back, sleepy days. I think because I didn't feel stressed or grumpy, I was relaxed. I'd like to think so, anyway, and so I declare our 2006 vacation a success!