mardi gras maid and more!

Elise was thrilled to be chosen as the Mardi Gras Maid for her 1st grade class. Unlike in kindergarten, where everyone is a Maid and a Duke, in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd one boy and one girl represent each class.

So, it was already a very exciting day for us, and then we heard the super exciting news that Erinn was in labor and we would be getting a new family member today!!!

We were able to borrow her pretty dress from Riley and Mimi had this old lace which Elise used as a shawl, and some chiffon which we attached to the back as a train. A tiara and her pearls and she was set!

The school stage all ready for the Ball.

One of the classes kicked off the festivities with a special Mardi Gras performance. 

Then it was time for the presentations-

Elise's adorable Duke, Ladd, presented her with tulips on stage. How sweet is he?!

Think the above pic may be one of my favorites of all time. Too bad I took it with my iphone and not the good camera- but at least I captured the precious moment.

As Elise and Ladd walked across the stage the principal read interviews that they had each done of each of the students. 

Elise said she loves to play with her dog, Boss. She also said she looks forward to our family beach trip every year around her birthday. And lastly she said she would like to be a kindergarten teacher when she grows up- no doubt inspired by the fab Ms. Farris.

Another picture of the cuties!

Elise was thrilled that both sets of Grandparents made it to her Ball. It meant so much to her!

Immediately after my parents, David, and I made a mad dash to the hospital to await sweet Greyson's arrival!!!!

wednesday night dinner fun

We have been going to church where the kids go to preschool for about 6 months now (hard to believe actually-and although we loved our old church as well we are finding it much easier to be very involved and have church be more than just a Sunday thing) and one of the things were are really enjoying about it are the Wednesday night dinners. Every Wednesday night there is a meal (with a family cap of $20, which you can't beat) and Lila and Bennett have choir practice during that time. The kids enjoy spending time with church friends, and I enjoy the socializing and not having to cook! :) David rarely makes it home in time, but they offer "to go" boxes and so it works for all of us!

The Wednesday before Mardi Gras break they had a parade with all of the kids through the gym. I wasn't really sure what the deal was with this, since it was our first time, and so I called my neighbor (and Elise's friend Reese's Mom) Stacy to get the scoop- last minute, of course. With all that was going on this week having them make floats for the parade had totally slipped my mind (and hers!). 

Luckily we work well together and we totally rigged a box with some ribbon in the parking lot, which was pretty much the saddest float in the parade- unbeknownst to our children, who had a blast and thought it was totally fab!

I haven't laughed so hard in a long time, and so I had to document to make sure I didn't forget that awesome memory.

Elise and Reese in their rigged up float---pretty impressed it lasted until the end of the parade..although notice the "Oriental Trading" showing on the sides...ha!!

lila and bennett's valentine party

The busy week continued with a stop at Lila and Bennett's school to help with the Valentine's party. I got lucky because I wasn't supposed to be able to go, but at the last minute several Moms couldn't and so they called in reinforcements. Since this is their last year at their awesome school, I was thrilled to get the chance to stop by for the party.

After enjoying pizza, grapes, and dessert they did an adorable Valentine craft and then it was time for musical chairs....

They have a sweet little class of 11 boys and 3 girls, which doesn't seem to bother Lila at all. In fact, she told  me the other day that she "has four boyfriends". To which I responded, "You may just call them friends."

Yikes.

parade project

Elise's school has a Mardi Gras parade every year, and as Room Mom one of my responsibilities was helping out with the costumes. Her teacher requested a safari theme, and so after googling ideas we decided to make vests from grocery bags and binoculars from toilet paper rolls. Her teacher offered to have the class make the binoculars at school, and so Elise and I tackled the 20 vests Sunday afternoon. 

Not sure why this image won't rotate, but you get the idea. We had fun working together and were happy with the way they came out- parade pics to come!!

mandeville mardi gras

I didn't get many pictures, but the kids really enjoyed the Mandeville Mardi Gras parade. We cut through our neighborhood to our usual watching place. Will was out of town, so Kimberly and the girls decided to join us, and we were also able to meet up with Nick and Myrt for a little while, and see Davis and the boys.

Still not really sure how to explain to Elise and Ella why a lady threw them some panties!!

Only in Louisiana...