Decorations for Will’s birthday! We had the party outside — using our neighbors’ driveways to set up chairs, balloons, a kids’ table, food tables, and space for kids to run around and play!
Paul’s Mom and I brought out the cake, and after lighting the candles twice (darn breeze at just the wrong time!), we then had to get Will’s attention to blow out the candles!
Little man was *in* with the balloons. Really, they were a hit with all the kids. All kids went home with balloons (and at least 8 were lost to the clouds in the process) but Will was the only one obsessed with popping them.
When he finally popped a balloon, instead of leaving them alone (as I thought he would do) Will systematically went after every other balloon at the party, popping them one-by-one. Borrowing keys from friend Scott (after a quick lesson in how to use keys to expediate popping) sped up the process.
Paul and Tim juggle towards the end of the party. Tim is a *very* accomplished juggler and unicycler and provided wonderful entertainment… and helped Paul on his tossing technique!
Regular dishes on life in New Orleans, historic home renovation, raising kids, completing a PhD, travel near and far, global concerns, and health issues.
You know the story, right? International health... work all over the place... drag my kids around in sacks through villages in Central America... yadda yadda. I decided to go for another degree, so in 2004 we moved to New Orleans with no intention of staying.
Then Katrina.
And then *blink*blink* New Orleans is a completely different place and we just can't leave. Suddenly I'm on TV talking about immigrants and health and Paul is starting a company. Or two. His side is high-tech, mine is community health and our lives are yearly evacuation, regular celebrations, and nonstop work here, there, and everywhere. Our door is always open. I only ask that if you decide to go ahead and make yourself that mint julep, you make one for me, too.