Spring Break, Part 1: Vicksburg

We went to Vicksburg for the first weekend of spring break and it was fun.  

We went to Bryan's cousin, Sarah Beth's 8th birthday party at the local gym studio and Banks and Reid had a blast. 

Michael, Me, Banks, Reid, Bryan, Laura Katherine, Jennifer Lynne, Lynlee, Stephen, and Syd.

We grilled burgers Saturday night at Wej and Susan's house.  The kids were loving getting to play together and stay up extra late.

We had to eat the traditional after church meal at Walnut Hills. 

And brave the chilly weather to go to the great playground by the Mississippi River.

On Monday, on our way home, we stopped in Jackson to attend the Mississippi Children's Museum (which was closed) but luckily the Natural Science museum was open and Banks loved it. 

We went to lunch and then went to Brent's Drugs for ice cream.  I was originally a drug store with the ice cream counter but recently was purchased and just converted to a diner.  They have kept the original decor and I thought it was just terrific.  It was like stepping back in time.   For a write-up on Brent's, click HERE.

Wild Animal Safari

We headed over to the Wild Animal Safari near Callaway Gardens today and let me just say, IT. WAS. WILD.

The animals were just roaming free and almost downright rude about begging for food....and letting themselves in the van we rented.  

This was a first.  Getting a wet smooch from a buffalo. 

Banks finally warmed up enough to feed the animals.  He preferred the smaller ones, like deer and donkeys because they were not quite as rude. 

I pretty much think Reid was in shock.  He cried at first but got used it it I suppose...and just took it all in. 

They do not have a dentist on staff, I am assuming. 

We had a great day.  I highly recommend a day trip over to visit the wild animals...just rent one of their vans so you don't have all of the slobber in your vehicle.

Updated Laundry/Mud Room

I love a project.  

So I did not have to look very far to have my  next one.  I mean, we walk through this room at least 25 times a day...and every time I walk in there I think "this room is SO ugly."  

So, I thought the easiest thing to do would be paint and window valences and a little decor accents.

Before:

It was just Blah.  

White walls and Antique White cabinets.  Tile Floor, No window treatments, and full of junk.  

After:

I found a shelf that could serve as hanging pegs for bags and as a shelf for decor.

Since we use the door so much to the back yard, I wanted a place to hide the leashes and papers that seem to find their way in our house. 

I also wanted a place to make grocery lists and write down our meal plans for the week.

I had the cabinets, shutters, and trim painted Amazing Gray (Sherwin Williams) and the walls are Eider White (Sherwin Williams). 

Pat made a very simple window valance for the 3 windows out of a linen/silk blend.  It is a very lightweight fabric and really looks great. 

Overall, I am extremely pleased with how it turned out.  I have a few pics of the boys to hang in the other corner over Buckley's crate (which is having a linen cover made in the linen fabric) and Leigh Anne is going to paint a chalkboard art piece for over the door.  I will post it when it is done.  Trust me, you are going to like it!!!