First Time Roller Skating!

We celebrated Elizabeth's 8th birthday
at the skating rink last weekend.  This was
the first time the kids have put on skates...
and it was the first time in about 20 years that
mommy and daddy have put on skates!

Avery did not have a problem skating but
her wheels were really tight so that gave her
a good start.  Aaron on the other hand took a
little while to get the hang of it and at one point
had a little break down but Uncle Matthew came
to his rescue and helped him.

They had such a good time and Aaron has
already asked to go again.

Daddy had no trouble getting back into skating--
Mommy realized why I didn't go skating much
when I was their age!

Mom Brag

I have to take a moment to brag about Aaron.  His report card was
sent home this week and he made straight A's again this 9 weeks.
We are so very proud of his hard work!  His teacher sent home this
note attached to his report card.  Mr. Lemoine had wonderful things
to say about our boy!

A few family pics

Here are a few pictures from family picture time... Avery
had been throwing up all day and running a high fever
but she still managed to look cute during picture time.

Cousin Sleepover!

We were so excited to have all the Gaines' cousins in
town for a few days.  Aaron and Avery love to have
M & M come to spend the night when they are visiting.
All of them camped out in Aaron's room!  Avery though
unfortunately got sick the following morning (she had strep)
and missed out on 2 days worth of cousin fun activities.

Both of us (momma and Avery) were so upset that we
did not get to spend more time with everyone. 

Bass Pro Outing/ Meeting Santa

This is another pre Christmas/out of order
post.  We invited our good friends to go
to Bass Pro with us to see Santa.  Little
did we know that once we got there it was
a 2 hour wait to actually see Santa... luckily
they had many activities to keep the kids busy
and just walking around the store takes some
time!  The kids seemed to have a great time
and the mommies didn't lose their minds with the
wait lol!

Present opening at Gram and Paw Paw's

Christmas lunch at Great Granny's house

For lunch on Christmas Day we went to lunch at
Granny's house... here are a few of the cousins and second
cousins anxiously awaiting gift opening time.

Christmas Morning at our house

I am not sure who was more excited about Christmas
morning... the kids or momma! Both kids received a new
bike and they both have been enjoying them ever since. 

Gram and Paw Paw also joined us for Christmas morning
breakfast which included blueberry muffins and egg nog
french toast...both made by daddy. 

There was no Disney trip surprise this year... to momma's
dismay but hey there is always next Christmas :)

Preschool Christmas Play

These posts are a little out of order since my pictures are scattered

on my phone and camera but here are Avery and Brooklyn singing

cheek to cheek during the preschool Christmas play.  We are so 

proud of both of them!

Sprinkling the reindeer food

Avery made reindeer food at school
so we sprinkled some on the the lawn

Christmas Eve Service

We recently (after attending for 3 years) joined and
became members (pending Andrew's baptism) at First
Baptist Church.  We are excited to officially be a part
of this wonderful Church home.  It has only taken us
10 years to find somewhere we love going!  We had our
wonderful friends Traci and Brandon over for Christmas
Eve dinner then all of us went to church for Christmas Eve
service.

Christmas Celebrations in Lafayette

We celebrated Christmas in Lafayette on Dec. 23rd with
Pop Pop and JuJu.  The kids had a great time helping
prepare dinner and opening all their gifts.  We were so
happy that our Jackson was able to celebrate with us as
well. 

Boy Scout Christmas Dinner

We have been partying it up this Christmas
holiday... this week we attended the Boy
Scout Christmas dinner.  Aaron was selected
to carry the flag that evening and he did a
great job and took it very seriously.  There
was also a surprise visit from Santa who
delivered derby cars to all the boys to be
used at the derby car race next year. 

Aaron also received 2 awards this night too. 

Avery's Christmas Party

Avery had her Christmas party this
week at her preschool.  We were
treated to lots of songs that the kids
sang, yummy treats, a visit from santa,
and each child opened a gift.  We were
so happy that Gram was able to join us
for the party as well.
 

Time for a trim

Avery recently had a small haircut... this is
the before picture as I forgot to take a picture
after her haircut.  I cut about 4 to 5 inches off...
much to daddy's arguing... but I am sure it will
not take long for it to grow this long again!

A few Avery cell phone pics