Christmas eve and day

So as Christmas approached this year, I realized how busy we were b/c we did very few of our usual "traditions".  We didn't make it to the Messengers to see the lights, and we didn't even walk down to the "blow-ups" (as my kids say) right down the street.  The end of school was so hectic.  Even though, we had a great time and I did snap a few pics.  

As per tradition, the girls get to open one gift on Christmas eve;  so after church, they picked a gift.  Emma got a great new Disney (I-spy type) game, and Katie got Heads Up (like on Ellen).

We played the Disney game right away - very cute.  

Our crazy tree, decorated by me and with a lot of help from the girls.  The pictures are random Christmas photos - like with Santa:

Jovi was so excited about her new bed (ha-ha) - but she does love it!

Emma and her new "onesie" on Christmas morning.

Katie and a new Wii game (Jovi, containing her excitement):

Mark and his new Louisiana "Game Changers" Sports book:

Me and my new Disney Vera Bradley bag - yes, there are Hidden Mickeys on it:

So also, as per tradition, I make the Southern Living White Cake for Christmas.  This year it was a red velvet, cheesecake layered cake - Whew!  It was at least a foot tall.  Kind of became the big joke at our house.  I was afraid to ice it.  Long story short, it wasn't the prettiest cake (or the daintiest), but it tasted pretty darn good.

So since the girls were up at 6 AM, everyone needed a nap that afternoon.  I think I was the only one who didn't nap, and trust me... one glass of wine that night at Kim's and I was about to fall fast asleep.  Next year, remind me to nap!

Later that night, we headed to Nannie Kim's for gumbo and festivities.  

The girls waiting to open presents:

Kim, Mark and Jason solving the world's problems:

Emma and Mr. Richard join in the conversation:

Opening up the gifts:

And the ceremonial cutting of the giant cake.  I wasn't sure if we had a knife or plates big enough:

One two pound piece later!  by the way, the cake weighed 10 pounds total, what?!

After dinner and presents, Emma and Mr. Richard play with the train under the tree.  Like grandfather, like granddaughter!

Lastly, a mean game of Heads Up before we leave for home.  It was a blast!

Girl Scout Father Daughter dance

This year was Mark and Emma's annual Father Daughter dance for Girl Scouts.  This is probably one of her favorite things about Girl Scouts (except maybe the cookies).  This year, the most shocking part of the whole night was that she actually let Katie fix her hair, and it came out so cute!

The side braid

The styling process

The finished product - look how old she is getting!

The stylist and her work of art

Probably the funniest part of the whole evening was the "presentation of the corsage" that Emma insisted upon.  Last year we didn't have a corsage, and evidently this was something she missed.  This year Mark got her a corsage, and he bent down on one knee to give it too her - too funny.

The happy couple

The girls' birthday

The party continues for the girls' birthdays.  We actually did not celebrate their birthdays on the date b/c Emma had Girl Scouts and Mark had to work a basketball game.  The night before we ate cake and gave the girls their last presents.

A very delicious cake from Albertsons:

The birthday girls, I love the pic: 

Opening cards from Mark and I:

Katie with her new North Face jacket (and onesie):

I can't believe I am the mom of a teenager now.  Seems like just yesterday I was.. well you know the rest.  Feeling very content and happy right now!

SJA 25th reunion

... enter the old farts!  Ha ha.  Any hoo, this past weekend, was my 25th reunion from good ole' SJA.  I can't believe I have been out of high school for  25 years.  (maybe because I've, sadly, never left it -ha ha, but I digress...).  Since Nannie Jane was staying with us for a few nights, we took advantage of having a free babysitter for the night.  The reunion was at the L'auberge casino down town, and Mark and I had never been there - pretty nice actually.  We met up with my little group before the party to eat and visit:

Shawn, Stephanie, Kristi and me (my group from school):

Me and Ashley Duhon (Deal), literally my oldest friend, from preschool and grade school. So much catching up with her since she lives in California!

Another "old" friend, Charla - another St. George Dragon!

Nannie Jane stays to visit!

After the Thanksgiving festivities, Nannie Jane stayed to visit while the rest of her family went to the Iron Bowl to watch Auburn beat that other team.  (How awesome was that?).  We had a great time, and wish we could see her all the time like this!

Nannie Jane and the girls make some gingerbread houses:

Headed out to do some shopping at the antique village in Denham:

We love you Nannie Jane and wish you were closer!

Thanksgiving 2013

So the Carrolls hosted Thanksgiving lunch this year, and a good time was passed by all.  We also celebrated Paw paw, Katie and Emma's birthdays.  Although Paw paw's gifts were slightly less dramatic, everyone had a great time.

Nannie Kim and her "boys":

My sweet baby: 

Grant and Emily:

Post dinner discussion at the table:

Present time after lunch:

Katie checks out their new Just Dance game:

Mini Katniss and her new bow:

It wouldn't be a Weimer family gathering without some Just Dance on the Wii: