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...

january in one post

 So January came and went and we filled it with a lot of fun. I feel like a broken record, but I really couldn't have imagined life being busier than it was when the kids were really little- but it truly is! School work and extra curriculars abound, and now I have added in working part time at Erinn and Jared's boutique, plus volunteering at the schools and so the blog is definitely suffering. 

But, I refuse to give up!!!

So I am going to jam all of the highlights from January  into one big post.

We still love to visit Mimi and she loves to spoil the kids with treats like Diet Coke, which they had never had!!! What I say goes out of the window at her house!! If I live to have great grand-kids I'll probably be the same way!

We had a fun night out bowling with the Barrois family, and hope to do it again soon!

Bennett and Jacob had a fun play date while Lila was at Myrt's house.

With Monique and her friends I hosted a baby shower for Erinn. Unfortunately I have no other pictures!!!

Lila and Reece had some fun play dates and their first sleepover!

Elise and her girls' best friend hanging on the porch.

The deer continue to visit our backyard.

Elise is loving first grade and doing so well.

After two great report cards we agreed to grant her wish and she started piano lessons, which she absolutely loves! Above she is ready for her first class. She has a private lesson once a week for 30 minutes and she is really enjoying it. She practices on her own all of the time.

Lila and Bennett (together) earned another visit from their class pet, Bananas. He helped us celebrate Mimi's 85th birthday at SuSu and G's house.

At the birthday celebration Bennett lost his other bottom front tooth.

And later that night Elise lost her first top front tooth...

And left this sweet note for the Tooth Fairy...

And then, along with Abby, sang Happy Birthday to Mimi and helped her blow out her candles.

And I had to include this adorable portrait Bennett did of his pal Mozart at school. Isn't it adorable? The teachers are going to let Lila do one too so I can hang them up in the playroom.

Definitely a fun filled, jam packed month. And lots coming in February as well, including a big surprise trip for the kids!!!!!

Farewell 2012

We said farewell to 2012 with a fun dinner at The Chimes with The Barrois.

Lila was really excited about her outfit and told me to take a picture. :)

Not a great pics, but the only ones I got. We were having too much fun catching up and eating!!

Milkshakes topped off the night!