St. Patrick's Day parade

 

Yes, I know, its been quite a while since I blogged!  Basically, there hasn't been that much going on worthy of pictures.  Girl Scouts and cookies have taken up most of our time, but very few pictures were taken of that!  So, when our annual St. Patrick's Day parade and crawfish boil came around, I figured I should snap a few photos.  We started out the day pretty early and Katie and Emma each brought a friend this year (I can be mom of the year at least once in a while). 

 

Emma and Addie waiting for the parade:

 

Kate and Jessie are too cool for pictures:

Not really:

 



 

Nannie Kim and I:

Mr. Richard watches over his kids:

 



 

And here comes the parade:

Kim and Richard with some of their loot:

 



 

After the parade we headed back to Nannie Kim's house for crawfish and fun.  Katie anxiously waits for some crawfish (ha-ha):

 

 

Katie and Jessie hang out in the garage and pose for my pics:



Emma and Addie discuss matters with Stephanie as Kim and Jason also solve the world's problems:

Our future (no-so-distant) doctor Jason:

Poor little crawfish (before):

Paw paw and Richard wait for the crawfish:

Emma and Addie could not get enough of Jason and Stephanie, love these cute pictures:

.... and the crawfish after (they were perfect!):

Everybody digging in - notice Jessie actually got Katie to try a crawfish;  it was the first and the last one of the day!

 





Look at the joy on our faces for the amazing crawfish!

And like most of our parties, the day ended with the dance!



Visiting Texas

Since we have 3 weeks off for Christmas, its a great opportunity for the family to go visit Nannie Jane and her family.  We got there in time to watch the LSU bowl game - not as pleasant of a turn out as the rest of the weekend, but fun either way.

 Jake got lots of loving this weekend from the Carrolls:

The next day was New Years eve and Emma wanted to go to the Galleria and ice skate.  Only me, Emma and Emily skated, but we had a good time.  This mall is gorgeous.

We spent the rest of the day watching football and hanging out a Jane's:

That night we had reservations at Bucca, which is this really cool Italian restaurant where you eat "family style" with big bowls of various dishes - it was delicious.

Mark had to help our waitress open the wine:

Katie proceeded to get a GIANT chocolate cake for dessert (which we all shared - along with some great canolli.  (not sure if I spelled that right)

Christmas at the Carrolls

So as Christmas time rolls around this year, Mark and the girls and I get to enjoy 3 whole weeks off as our parish takes a longer winter break to accommodate testing.  It doesn't really matter to us why we do it, we just know we really enjoy it.  It does make us get out a little later, but we'll worry about that in May!  Here are some pics from the holiday festivities:

Emma opens the traditional Christmas eve present - shocking - Pokemon cards!

Katie and her new Coach wallet - another shocker since she picked it out!

Christmas morning, we all got some great things - even Lilo and Jovi - although Jovi's didn't fit her so well!

Emma's biggest wish this year was for a REAL bow and arrow.  She has enjoyed playing with it a little bit, but the rain has made it more difficult.

Making the traditional "Missy" dessert;  This year, no 3 foot  Southern Living cake, just some wreath chocolate cupcakes:

Everyone around the dinner table having gumbo and brisket:  Juju, Kim, Chad, Jason and Paw paw:

That's my girl:

This look from Emma will be a trend as you may see:

Our LSU purple and gold snowpeople, and Jovi looking for a place to ... well, you know:

Emma and chad - two peas in a pod:

Me and my angelic nephew:

Katie showing the grands how to play with the new WiiU:

And it wouldn't be a Carroll gathering without some Just Dance (2015 edition of course)  - I love how in sync they are - and yes, that is my nephew Jason, the future doctor - nice moves, doc!

Jovi has had enough of this - and to all a good night!