Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Friday, May 13, 2011

Our Trip to the Big Easy

Obviously to say we have been busy is an understatement.  Last week was the user group meeting for the company I work for, Cortex, MMS.  It is completely put on by our software users and we come and participate at the request of them which is pretty cool.  I missed last year due to Emma Claire making her early arrival.  Let me just say we have a pretty awesome group of users and many of them sent cards, hand-made special gifts and just showered us with prayers.  I was so humbled by our users and we appreciated everything they did for us during my time away from Cortex last year. 
Dinner with some of our customers and Cortex employees on Wednesday night
 Well this year, I decided to take Emma Claire with me so they could all meet her firsthand.  So I needed a sitter for Emma Claire and I figured Matt would not want to just hang out in a hotel all day or take her shopping, so Mom so kindly volunteered to go and watch Emma Claire during the day when I was in meetings and then we all went out at night which was great.  It was a great time and I know mom and Emma Claire had a great time hanging out and shopping. 
Mom and Emma Claire at Mardi Gras World for dinner on Thursday night

It was long days and nights and Emma Claire was a trooper.  I was so proud of her and she is such a happy and laid back baby.  Most nights we were out late and she did very well.  I'm so glad Mom was able to come and enjoy New Orleans again as this went down as our third trip there.   Mom was wonderful to take care of her and make sure Emma Claire napped during the day, so the long nights/dinners went as smoothly as possible. 
Taking pictures with some of the props which they use on the floats during Mardi Gras
 Cindy, Emma Claire and Diane having a blast together at Mardi Gras World
 At dinner on Friday night, there was a jazz band which would come around to the tables and they sang a song to Emma Claire which was great.  She absolutely loved to be the center of attention and enjoyed the music!
Giving her sad face of having to leave, don't worry, sweet baby girl, we have another trip planned around the corner and you will get to see a bunch of new faces.  You will have to wait and see where we will be going in 18 days......

PS - I'll have to scan the pictures of my first two trips to New Orleans and even to Mardi Gras world...STAY TUNED!