From Houston to New Orleans to Baton Rouge to Lake Charles back to Houston

We left New Orleans on Friday and spent the weekend in Baton Rouge.  We got to visit with many friends and family, which was wonderful.  Saturday was very relaxed which prepared me for that night.  That night we had a guys night and somewhat of a reunion at the Broussard Manor.  What is that you may be wondering?

I lived in a house with 4 other guys for a year...Jason, Steven, James, and Brother Chris (not a brother at the time).  The house was on Broussard St. and our checks were made out to Broussard Manor.  What a fun year that was--always unpredictable!!  Anyway, we used to love lighting fires in this fire pit Jason owns.  We would just grab some drinks and burn stuff.  Saturday night was a continuation of that with more Manor people, past and present.  We had a great time burning broken chairs and small logs!

Elise and Gabriel

Davis and Gabriel

Mrs. Staci and Gabriel

Liz and Gabriel

Sunday we went to 10am mass and headed home to Houston.  While passing through Lake Charles, we were thinking about our friends, David and Kate Dawson.  We decided to call them and see how they were doing and ended up in their driveway 15 minutes later!!!  What a wonderful visit we had with them and their son, John Paul!  He is so adorable!!!!!!  I think Gabriel and John Paul will be very good friends :)

David and Gabriel

David, John Paul, Kate, and Gabriel (yes, Gabriel is a Franco)

We made it back to Houston in time to watch most of the super bowl.  What a super bowl that was?!?!?!?!  I can't tell you how happy it made me feel to watch the Saints hold that trophy and win the game.  It was not just about the game.  Those players and entire staff brought hope to a city getting back on its feet from a storm that was unforgiving.  What I love about the Saints is their willingness to help those around New Orleans.  Check out this link and see what kind of person Drew Brees is.  I really liked and looked up to him before seeing this, but watching this made me respect him even more:

Brees is a hero

Needless to say, I have been on a high since last night!  We had a great visit to Louisiana.  It's always good to go back there and see where you were brought up.  I am headed to Colorado Springs for a few days of training.  My lovely wife and child get to visit with Gran-mere for those days and then it's time for a baptism when I return!!

Also, about 2 hours ago, I was asked to be the God-father of the newest Baby Perryman!!!  How exciting it is to be a God-parent!!  It will be my first time and I am going to make sure he gets all the prayers and spoiling he deserves!!

For now, that's it.  I hope you all have a lovely week.  GO SAINTS!!  WHO DAT?!?!?