CHRISTMAS 2010

Andrew loves to take video of the train going round and round.
Sophie getting a gift from Santa.

The oldest cousins Sophie and Gracie.
Santa's arrival.
In addition to her large tree Mom had three smaller trees this year. My favorite was the pink one with beautiful silver ornaments.
The lovely Nativity.
Lillianne was checking each gift off her mental list to make sure she got everything she asked for. I don't where she gets that from (riiiight!).
Cousins Aiden and Lillie.

Andrew loved all his gifts.
Waiting to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas.

We had a wonderful Christmas at my parents' house again this year. Great food, games, prizes, and lots of presents. I am so glad I don't have to deck the halls and cook a feast like she does. I am content to bring the praline yams and enjoy the enormous Christmas feast! Merry Christmas to all!

FALL VIOLIN RECITAL

The girls had their violin recital this evening and they did very well. It was Lillianne's first time performing in front of an audience and we were concerned that she wouldn't participate because she is very shy but she did great and she really enjoyed it. Sophie's solo was so good. She has really progressed as a violinist and we are so proud of her.

FUN ON THE FARM

The Farm-mobile.
Gracie, Granny, Estelle, and Sophie
Farmgirls
Crazy-eyed cows and below a new baby calf.

Last weekend we went to Allen Parish to visit my 91 year old grandmother who is still sharp as a tack. My sister and her girls also went and after we finished our visit we went to my parents' farm nearby. They own it with my sister and her husband. It is so beautiful out there. The weather was nice and crisp and it was a gorgeous day. My kids loved the cows and baby calves and Andrew and Lillianne really loved riding around in Estelle's fancy Cadillac. They are not used to all the wide open space. I would love to go back really soon and I can already smell the crawfish a boilin' come February or March...hint, hint!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

HALLOWEEN 2010

Since Halloween is on a Sunday this year we had our partying a day early and the kids got a ton of chocolate and candy which I promptly confiscated. Sophie was a Greek Goddess, Andrew was a firefighter, and Lillie was Belle. I had no idea our TV screen was that filthy.

CALIFORNIA TRIP

Love this shot of the bridge.

Mom and Dad in front of the bay.
One of the many cupcake shops we passed in San Francisco.
My parents recently remodeled the house on the vineyard in traditional Craftsman style. My very favorite kind of architecture.
The gorgeous grapes ready for harvest.
I am a long time hater of squirrels and my mother loves them and feeds them on her front deck. Too. Creepy.
Asti Vista ready for the harvest and beautiful Lake Sonoma below.

Last month I went to my parents' vineyard in California with my two sisters. We enjoyed a 4 day weekend of shopping and sightseeing. Their vineyard is called Asti Vista and is about 30 minutes outside Napa Valley. It is unbelievably gorgeous there and so relaxing. We also spent a day of shopping and eating in San Francisco. The lovely pics are courtesy of my sister, Kari. I don't even bother to bring my camera when she's around. Can't wait to go back and bring the family!

GREEK TO ME

Sophie was in a classroom play last week. It was part of their unit on Greek mythology. She played Hecate, Echo, and a red bird. Here is a little snippet. The kid who played Zeus cracked me up!

ANDREW'S DAY OUT WITH THOMAS!!

In all his glory!
Thomas the Tank Engine rolling along.
Three sold out days of eight rides a day with 6 cars of 72 people each at $20 a head equals cha-ching for Thomas.


My boy has been waiting many years to meet Thomas the Tank Engine in person and last weekend he got his chance. We drove to Austin, Texas to enjoy a Day Out with Thomas. He had talked about going to see Thomas for two weeks before we went and when he finally saw him he was very excited. He got a Thomas t-shirt and a new train. Lillianne also enjoyed the train ride and got some Thomas silly bands and she and Andrew got Thomas tatoos. It was a beautiful day. Sophie was a very good sport about the whole thing and didn't complain too much about having to endure the Thomas activities.

AVERY ISLAND ADVENTURE

They aren't kidding, folks.
Mr. AL E. GATOR and yes we were THAT close.
Gators in waiting.
Here he comes!
I was hanging out of the car window to get this one. Scary!

The gorgeous Palm Garden.
The fam at the Buddha Garden.

If you know anything about me you know that I loves me some Louisiana. One of my favorite places is Avery Island. If you aren't from around here that's where they make Tabasco Sauce (which I LOATHE by the way). The factory is on a small island that is just the most beautiful place. My favorite time to go is in the early spring when the azaleas are blooming but the mossy oaks and bayous are lovely all year round. Of course, the most exciting part is getting so close to the alligators. They don't allow the gators to get bigger than 4 feet long there so it's not as threatening as when you see them in other places like Lake Martin but they are still big enough to make your heart race. We got some good shots as it is nesting season and even though it was so hot we saw several brides having their portraits done under the oaks. So gorgeous!