Memorial Day Weekend- Friday

Clayton and I took off down the Natchez Trace on Friday headed for Lake Bruin, LA for the Memorial Day Weekend.  Harris decided to enjoy a weekend to "do things around the house" (aka sans wife and baby).  The trip started out great.  She took a nap.

Then I gave her anything in an attempt to entertain.

 But then it took a turn for the worst.  I tried to make it with only 30 minutes to go but had to pull over at a rest area.  Poor baby was stinky and soaking wet.  

 Every parent knows that once you get them out of their car seat it's nearly impossible to get them back in.  But miraculously after stripping her to a diaper and crying again we were back on the road.  And not far from MY destination.......The Bottle Shop Drive-Thru.

 She fell fast asleep 10 minutes before we pulled into our camp.

We picked up another passenger and headed to the lake for dinner.

Cousin fun was just beginning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sadie's Annual Check-Up

Sadie went to the vet for her annual check-up and shots yesterday.  Guess having an active toddler in the house has done Sadie some good because she lost weight going from 77.4lbs last year to 68.2lbs.  Our vet said it is an ideal weight for her.  She checked her fatty deposits on her sides and said they still felt fine.  She recommended some joint medicine to help her as she ages but all and all she is looking good.

She didn't think it was fun and definitely wanted to leave.  

 But finally laid down by the door hoping it would open for her to escape.

I can't recommend the doctors and staff at Wolfchase Animal Hospital enough.  We began going there when I was looking for a reliable vet for Sissy while she was critically sick.  They are very caring and understand that pets are part of the family.  And to seal the deal, Dr. Dixon graduated from LSU vet school and is a Lab lover.

The Perfect Girls Weekend

After the BBQ Festival, Mary, Clayton, and I went home and wreaked havoc at Mimi and Pawpaw's while they were away.

 Clayton was serious about washing her ba-bas.

But happy waking up from a nap.

Seriously, whose child is this?

 Spent some time picking veggies in the garden.

 
 
(I unzipped her jammies as I didn't want her to get hot.)
 
 
 
 
 So proud of their bounty.

Ended the night with Chinese.  Yum!

We woke up and played waiting for Mimi and Pawpaw to return.

 
 
 
It was a perfect weekend with Clayton and Mary!

MIM BBQ Festival- Saturday

Saturday was when judging occurs and the final day of the festival.  Clayton and I decided to go early and stay for just a few hours.  My niece, Mary, was spending the night with us.  Last year was her first time at BBQ Fest when it took place at the Fairgrounds due to the Mississippi River flooding so she was excited to go since it's back in Tom Lee Park.


We picked her up from a slumber party and took her to get a haircut then headed to the festival.

When we arrived at our tent, the judges were there.  So we walked around and down to Mary's dad's tent.

We saw many fun tents on our walk.  Each year there is an honored country, which I'm not sure the history behind this, but this year was the Philippines.  Many teams decorate their tents accordingly.      

 
 I like the reclaimed wood this hog mount is on.  

 We made it back to our tent to enjoy some relaxation and pork shoulder.

But as we were eating we got word that we had placed Top 3 in our division: shoulder.  (Other main divisions are whole hog, ribs, and patio porkers- small backyard grills).  This is HUGE!  This is the WORLD BBQ Championship.  This meant the judges would be coming back so the craziness ensued as everyone prepared for the judges' return.

One last team pep rally.

 
Then time for the judges.

Clayton had no intentions of impressing the judges.
  Her Da bought a $10 umbrella to shade her while the judges were in our tent.

 
After the judges left, we hung around for a bit.

But Mary, Clayton, and myself were worn out by the heat and there was no way we would make the awards ceremony that evening so we headed home.

Everyone continued celebrating until the awards ceremony and after when it was announced we won 2nd place!

(Photo by Lance Murphey/Memphis in May)

 
(Photo by Lance Murphey/Memphis in May)

 

Congrats to The People's Republic of Swina for a wonderful year at MIM!  Many thanks to everyone who spent countless hours to make it a memorable event for all!