Hunter Hayes concert

Here are some pics from the Hunter Hayes concert. Trying to post from my phone. 

Emma's laser tag party

This year Emma wanted to have her party at Laser Tag.  We have been to several parties there, and it is super fun for them, and no planning or cooking or cleaning for me!  So that's a win - win situation.  She had about 10 friends come, and Katie also brought one of her friends.  Here are some pics from the party:

 

 

The birthday girl got a "free" token card to play games

Emma and Alex ride the motor cycles

Some of her girlfriends play air hockey

So, this one came out weird, but it was the only one I took of Katie and Natalie

everyone waiting to get wrist bands to play their first game of Laser Tag

Emma suited up to play

Nannie Kim dropped by to wish the birthday girls a happy day

Eating pizza after the first game

Discussing strategy with Cameron

Skyla, Cameron, Emma, Ambree and Mackenzie

Now with mustaches!

Picking up the birthday girl

Yummy cupcakes

singing happy birthday

opening up presents after the second game

I think they had a great time, and it was soooooo... easy for me!  Happy birthday butter bean!

The girls' birthday

The girls turned 10 and 14 this week, and have sort of gotten used to having the same birthday.  Mark and I had a little surprise planned for them this year (and no, it wasn't a Disney trip - I could never keep that secret - sharing the planning with them is too much fun).  Here are some pics from the family celebration the other night:

 

 

My goose can not smile "normal"

The mandatory "gangsta" pose

Jovi shares in the celebration too

So at this point, after they had opening their other presents (they both got Kindle Fire's), we surprised them with one other little treat - tickets to see Hunter Hayes the next night.  They were so excited!

 

The yummy cookie cake from our new American Cookie Co in Denham:

The concert ended up being tons of fun the next night, but I only took pics with my phone.  I will download those later!  Happy birthday you two crazy girls!

Northside Veteran's Day program

Emma's school held a very nice Veteran's Day program this week at school.  As a Girl Scout, she was able to be part of the flag presentation at the beginning of the program.  They also retired the flag at the end.  I didn't get a lot of great pics b/c she was in the back of the procession, and once they got to the front of the gym, she was kind of hidden.  Here's is what I got:

 

Emma and her best friend Addie in their Girl Scout vests:

Emma with her friends Skyla and Addie and Addie's little cousin:

Girl Scout neighborhood food drive

This past Sunday, Emma and some of the girls from her Girl Scout troop had a door to door food drive in our neighborhood for the Mighty Moms organization in our area.  It was a gorgeous day and the girls had a great time.  We collected 2 wagons full of canned goods and the girls would have collected more if the moms wouldn't have gotten tired!  It's tough getting old!  So proud of my girl.

 

Katie's last football game

 

So our junior high adventure with Katie is slowly coming to an end this year in 8th grade.  Tuesday night was her last football game to dance with the Jacket Jazz.  They actually didn't "dance" at halftime b/c it was homecoming and they just kind of accented the band while the court was presented.  I did get some good pictures, though.

 

Mark and his girls:

This is more of a realistic picture of our family:

Yup.. I am that short.  In fact Katie has started almost cuddling over me like a parent:

Katie and Jessie:

Katie and some of her teammates:

Katie is he tallest one next to the band:

Like I said, not much dancing going on this night, but now we can move onto basketball season, and I should be able to get some cute pics soon. Geaux Jackets!

Camp Marydale Fall campout

This Saturday, Emma and her Girl Scout troop had a great day at Camp Marydale in St. Francisville.  The weather was amazing and we had one of the best days ever.  Emma has several new girls in her troop this year, including her best friend, Addie.  We all enjoyed the festivities:

 

 

Emma and Addie when we arrived - it was a chilly morning!

 

Erin, Emma, Addie and Mia:

Alena, Addie Emma and Erin:

The whole troop waiting for the flag raising ceremony:

Action shot:

Emma and Addie say the Girl Scout promise after the Pledge of Allegiance:

Our first activity of the day was archery.  They were so excited, and it ended up being a great learning experience.  Almost everybody ended up hitting the target, even the tiny ones!  Emma and Addie both hit their pumpkin targets several times.  Watch out Katniss.

After our archery class, we took a small break before heading on our haunted hike.  This was tons of fun b/c the trail was decorated with "scary" props and it was great exercise for all of us, including me!

After our hike and lunch, the last activity of the day was riding horses.  Because we didn't receive the message that jeans were required, we ended up having to ride in shifts b/c we shared jeans and leggings.  It was a little dramatic at first, but everybody ended up being able to ride.  Emma and Erin were in the 2nd shift. 

The last event of the day was the Bridging ceremony where girls transitioning from Daisies to Brownies or Brownies to Juniors (as we were) or Juniors to Cadets make the "bridge" to the next level.  It was very sweet.  The actually gave the girls junior mint candies after they crossed the bridge.  Super cute.