two weeks in the US

We had the pleasure of having one of our former au pairs come and visit us the past couple weeks. Aina lived with us in Holland for 2 years while Tom and I were both working. She took care of the girls and the house. She's from Lithuania and is currently living in Ireland with her daughter, Tija. They both made the LONG trip here and we did all kinds of things. She not only was able to see some of what makes New Orleans, New Orleans, but also able to see how our somewhat typical suburban family lives and the activities we enjoy (or put up with!). I don't have photos of EVERYTHING we did while she was here, but here are some of them:

Mom, Aina, Tija and I enjoyed the zoo one day (mom had come down to enjoy Abby's grandparents' day and got to see Aina and meet Tija as a bonus).



Tom, Maggie, Aina and Tija went to one of the many school fairs used as fundraisers and enjoyed many of the rides.



Unfortunately, Aina and Tija were not only able to experience the joy of carpool, but had to go to BOTH girls' schools as well as running the track carpool for Maggie and her teammates one day. As I said, not all I do is the most exciting thing in the world!



Aina joined Tom and mom at one of Maggie's track meets. I'd gone to the one the week before with my aunt, so I elected to stay home. Abby and I babysat Tija while the others were at the meet.



Aina tried out the "Zumba" XBOX game with Maggie. I wasn't there to see, but from their reports they had fun but are no more talented at it than I am!



Maggie, Tom, Aina and Tija went to the Insectarium -- yes, there IS a bug in that lollipop!



One day after school, Tom took Aina, Abby and Tija to the aquarium.



And the final picture was taken at City Park in the Sculpture garden. Beautiful day to be there!



I don't have photos of many of the other things we did, but here's a list!

Things you MUST do in the US to experience life at the Webb's:

Church with Abby and me -- Abby stayed with Tija in the nursery and fell asleep. Abby really enjoyed being with the babies!

Plantation tour -- Tija wasn't so interested in this tour.....I suppose most 2 year olds are!

Target -- I took Aina one day -- our Target is 2 stories. She returned a second day WALKING. While I recall walking everywhere when we lived overseas, I have RARELY seen anyone walk ANYWHERE where we live!

Bible study -- two weeks in a row -- Aina enjoyed hearing the ladies in my group laughing! Who says Bible study isn't fun?

Tj maxx -- more shopping! Apparently, clothing here is much less expensive than overseas, although I didn't take Aina to Saks.....

Grocery store -- after living in Holland, I know how rare a BIG grocery is.....

French Quarter -- including an evening eating crawfish, a morning enjoying beignets, AND part of the French Quarter Festival -- a parade!

Godspell at Maggie’s school -- school play -- Tom and Abby took Tija to the park -- one of many trips to play at the park!

Train at mall -- Tija LOVED this. Maggie even got on it with her!

Puccino’s -- had a bit of time to kill one day, so I took Aina for coffee at my favorite local haunt.

Tom grilled for us one day, Aina enjoyed a "real" American hamburger, pizza, sushi, the aforementioned crawfish, as well as my cooking.

It was a full couple weeks and I hope all enjoyed it as much as I did!