New Orleans

We went to New Orleans this past weekend to see our little infant niece who is at the Childrens Hospital. Out of respect for privacy I will not post any pictures of the baby.

I will say this, in Shreveport on December 3rd baby Avery Anna was born at 31 weeks with major heart concerns. She was 2lbs 11oz and 14 inches. She is a precious little angel and though she is sick, she is a fighter! 

I have thought about not putting this on my blog for some time but, I feel that the more positive thoughts and prayers for this sweet baby the better. I would ask that you please think of her and the family at this difficult time in their lives. This is not easy on anyone mentally or financially.

The family is staying at the Ronald McDonald house until she can go home. The house is a beautiful New Orleans home with wonderful amenities. We exchanged gifts there. What a Christmas to remember!

One of our nieces Sophie on the porch with Ronald.

My girls!

Sarah, Steven, Madeline and Anna Kate about to stroll Canal Street, in front of the RM. house.

 

The 3 sisters:

Emma, Sophie, and Olivia

Madeline loving to open presents.

 

Us with the awesome Lynndon, the guy that runs the house. He was so sweet and kind to us. He helped with the gift exchange.

 

Hi Mimi

Just swinging! The weather was incredible.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Please do not take anything for granted. Now go out and start hugging your loved ones!

Merry Christmas!

Everyone SING...

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth, my two front teeth, my two front teeth!"

Anna Kate still has not one tooth, not even a hint of a tooth. She is 13 months old. 

Madeline got her first one at 11 months. I have some late blooming teeth growers I guess.

Who has been naughty or nice?

Oh yes sweet children, we will do this next year too...why, Because I said so that's why!  

Don't worry Anna Kate loves sitting on this strange man's lap, she is just being her dramatic self. Madeline, ahhh Madeline, she literally will do anything for stickers!

If you build it, they will eat it!

Yay! Look what we built! 

Gingerbread houses are so much fun. The family quality time together, the bonding, the laughs, the smiles, sneaking bits of candy, all so "Together"!

 

Even the little one joined in and made it more fun...

What's this? I small crack in the roof, no problem, more icing please...

 Oh nooooo!!! The "2012" Gingerbread house (as Steven called it) is completely destroyed, what is a 2 year old to do at this time "togetherness" or lack of rather?

 Eat it of course!!!

If you can't beat it, join it.

Actually with the so-so tasting icing it was not that great but, fun nonetheless.

By the way, the picture on the front of the box of the gingerbread kit is not possible unless you are as talented as Kaela :-)! 

Someone from the Institute of the Best Gingerbread School in the World must have done that one.

 

The moral of the post, go out a buy your 2012 Gingerbread House and have some lack of togetherness with your family today!

Merry Christmas and a Sweet New Year!

I am becoming more like my mother everyday with the puns, please excuse them as they will only get worse.

Memory moments...

Trimming the tree...

Playing games...Madeline and Anna Kate go back and forth on this table. They think it is so funny, as do I. They yell (aka talk) to each other. Little "memory moment" for me.

Dancing with daddy to a Christmas commercial, she could not understand why the music ended so quickly. So they danced with no music.  

Walking in the leaves in Ruston with mommy. I love how much our children love us at this age. I will have to remember this moment with Madeline's face a-glow with kisses from mommy when she is a teenager!

Hooray both the girls can entertain themselves!!! Great memory, but a bit sad because this just proves they grow up. My sister would like for me to say this, maybe it's time for one more...nah! Life is getting a little too easy for that :-)

 

 

Then and Now

 Christmas 2008

Madeline (18 months) was a little tired of pictures by this time of the night I think. Anna Kate (1 month) was learning to love her anyway...she still loves to look at her big sister all the time!

I tried and failed on getting any "good" Christmas pics with their matching outfits. OH well, this is all I got pretty much.

 

2009

 Christmas Picture Session...rather, trying in vain to get Christmas pictures! It was so much easier this year though, no one cried or had a break-down! I think was a successful with just that fact.

 

Birthday Girl!

Happy 1st Birthday Anna Kate

We love  you as high as the sky!

Being thankful

Being a bit sentimental and nostalgic this time of year I look at the simple things in life that I am thankful for...

Laughing and smiling faces of princess ballerinas on Halloween

 Picnics with the park on a sunny day with Grandpa and Granny and cousin John Paul

Rainy days

Families

Life long friendships:

Anna Kate with her Nanny Sarah's kiddos and Madeline

Princess Ballerina Kisses

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Hugs from Mimi 

and love from Sisters

...don't think I did not tear up at this one!

No matter what is going, remember you do have many things to be grateful about in your life!