Oh, that Southern charm

If you’ve never been to West Feliciana parish in the spring, you ought to put it on your bucket list. It is truly a gift to visit this beautiful part of the state. I haven’t been in a couple of years, and I was thrilled this past Friday to be able to take Michael and the kids to see St. Francisville.

A friend of mine from Houston, Mary Lou, just moved to St. Francisville with her family, and she was able to meet up with us for lunch and some sightseeing. I think it’s safe to say she was completely enchanted with the area. We only went to Afton Villa Gardens this year, since small children prevent one from being too ambitious with this sort of outing. Even though the mansion burned down years ago, the grounds and gardens are well, well worth the visit. The children had a wonderful time running free and exploring, as you’ll see. I would love to live in a place this lovely one day.

I should warn you that there are a lot of pictures. Michael took most of these. This was his first time to St. Francisville, and I think you will be able to see why he got so camera-happy. He was charmed.:)

Gabe and Faith just ran and explored everything. It was a pleasure to watch them.

My friend, Mary Lou, and her PRECIOUS baby boy, Joseph, who is Gianna’s age.

They just sat down next to each other like this and soaked in the beauty…for about 15 seconds.

Faith was so proud of the “treasure” she found on the ground

The plants on each side of the path are yellow tulips. We came a few weeks too late to see the tulips and azaleas at their peak. Can’t you imagine though how beautiful this part of the path would be with rows and rows of golden tulips on either side of it?

Now THAT’S an old wisteria.

Mary Lou’s husband, Bronson, was able to stop by for a few minutes with us.

Now that’s a view I wouldn’t mind having.

I love azaleas.

Repeat above caption…

Old live oaks with Spanish moss hanging down like beards

Those Southern planters sure knew how to make a driveway

I am kind of silly this way, but I like to get photos of just Michael and I when I can. I wish I would have thought to have the whole family take a photo here. How lovely.