LSU game and New Year's eve

We had some friends over on New Year's eve to watch the LSU game (enough about that sporting event) and celebrate the New Year.  I only took some G rated photos of the celebration that night.

Katie and Emma with Morgan and Avery who's parents are our friends from old Belaire days (and were also in our wedding):

Emma and "Baby" Sarah, who isn't a baby any more!

The kids had to have some sparkling apple cider for the new year, so we toasted a little early for them:

The Williams girls again:

The toast:

Emma and her gangsta' cap: 

So since most of the game watchers didn't leave until around 11 pm.  The girls (and I) actually made it until midnight that night (for the first time).

Here they are watching the ball drop:

Happy New Year!

Our attempt at a family New year pic:

The first attempt was less successful!

Happy 2013 everyone!  We love you!

A very cold weekend in New Orleans

We decided to do a night in New Orleans over the holiday, and it ended up being one of the coldest nights this year.  At least the rain had stopped the day before, so we could walk around without umbrellas.  I had purchased a family "deal" on my Living social Ap for the Children's Museum in the warehouse district that expired in January, so we were trying to visit there before it ran out.  I think my kids are about to be to old for this museum, so it was nice to visit at least one more time.  

Katie and Emma on the pulleys:

Mark has his turn:

Katie and some rhythmic gymnastics:

Katie should be a great driver according to this reaction test.  Whew!

Emma's reaction time was also better than mine!

I came around the corner to this scene in the museum... Awww!  

Making sparklers in the Art Depot:

Emma and her finished product:

Hey look!  Mama went on the trip too.

Emma and her mad hula hoop skills, go Emma, go Emma!

Daddy and his girls:

Waiting for our room at the hotel, the Sheraton 4 points in the French Quarter:

Our room was very nice, and a great location.

So after checking in the hotel, we got some lunch and headed down to the Aquarium.  I didn't realize Emma had never been there (or at least didn't remember).  She absolutely loved it.

It's hard to tell here, but this lobster was ginormous.  I'd say it was at least 3 or so feet long.

 Emma in the aquarium tube:

Katie:

I really wish she would overcome her fear of having her picture taken!

Daddy and his girls outside the aquarium:

Mama and her Emma:

Mama and her girls:

After the aquarium, we walked to the Riverwalk to get beignets - a must for  my kids.  It was pretty dark and cold when we got out, so we decided to take the little street car that runs along the river back toward the French Quarter and our hotel.  Also a first for Emma:

Our last picture of the night:

Houmas House dinner

 A few days after Christmas the "adults" in the family had a very nice dinner at Houmas House plantation home.  The meal was amazing and the home is beautiful. Obviously it was dark outside, so I didn't get a lot of pictures of the grounds, but we have decided we definitely need to return with the girls during the day.

Mark and I before the meal:

Many of the statues on the ground were "decorated" for the season!

 My roasted beet salad.  The crab meat was huge!

My parents:

The entire crew:

The palate cleansing sorbet (vodka included!)

The filet Mark and I both got:

The picture of my dessert didn't come out great, but it was a delicious apple galette!  We had a great time before Jane and Scott and the kids had to go home to Dallas.  Happy New year!