Our Kara had so much going on the days leading up to her 40th birthday on July 11th. This photo is a favorite. It’s four decades of Kara!
The fun began at the family lake house where everyone gathers for the annual Culpepper 4th of July celebration. There is a massive amount of good Southern cooking, many relatives and friends, and the annual croquet tournament.
The lake house was built in 1840 and even used as a hospital for the wounded Civil War soldiers from the nearby Battle of Vicksburg.
The croquet tournament began but Virginia Rose realized the mallet was a little too tall. The day will come when she can compete.
The mallet was even taller than Lyda Belle who looks like she is trying so hard to figure out this game.
Here are the winners with the giant trophy that apparently baby Bob thought was food.
Next came the baptism of our latest grandchild and first boy, Bob, named after the beloved grandpa (Papa) who left this world too soon. He is sorely missed but his spirit will always be alive in his grandchildren. Friends even came from Germany to attend the baptism.
Bob had a beautiful baptism cake.
On the day of Kara’s birthday, she was greeted by husband Robert and the girls with a delicious rum cake and lots of presents.
After enjoying cake they were all off for New Orleans, one of Kara and Robert’s favorite places, and where they were married! They first went to Middendorf’s on the way, where Kara says they serve the famous and best thin fried catfish served with hush puppies. The restaurant has been around for 90 years!
Kara even received a hush puppy with a birthday candle!
Next was Creole Creamery for some great ice cream.
It looks like Bob is saying to Helen, “Hey- I want some ice cream too!”
Time for more fun. It’s off to Mardi Gras World in New Orleans where you can visit the warehouse for a behind-the-scenes look where the floats for the Mardi Gras Parade are made.
Now that’s a donut!
And my favorite, a giant Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich in the making! It looks like those shrimp are waiting to be painted pink.
Kara said it was one of her best birthdays ever, and loves entering her fourth decade. Happy birthday sweetheart. We love you so much, and remember, you will always be our baby.
A special celebration for a very special young lady; not to mention a loving, kind,beauty, who is a wonderful mother, wife & daughter. You must be so proud of her. Blessings on Kara & all her dear family on her 40th year. Thanks for sharing all the fun pictures with those adorable grand-girls of yours! Pure joy!
Kim, everything was so special, plus Kara took such great photos of the Mardi Gras World.
Oops! And grandson! How could I forget sweet Bob!!
Kara says Bob is so sweet and happy! The girls adore him.
Thanks for sharing Kara’s wonderful birthday celebration with us! Happy Times with a Happy Family (and the photos prove that!
Bon Appetit, Y’all always with love!!!
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Thank you, my Big Sis! Love and hugs from L’il Sis.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your beautiful family with us, Debbie. You are a wealthy women!
Thank you, Denise. You’re very kind.