Happy New Year!!

I had to get fireworks this year to help bring in 2012!  In the past, I've gone along with Chris and his view that it's money up in smoke...but I love them!  The boys are getting to the age where they can appreciate the smaller ones so I just had to.  We started by getting some Chinese food because we were done with leftovers and then brought out the chairs, lighters and our meager brown bag of fireworks.  Chris' parents were in town to help us celebrate and we all took turns showing the boys what to do and how to do it safely.  Chris got some pretty "Pink Floyd" looking pictures of the night. 

Adam's School Christmas Program

Adam had his first program ever!!  So cute!!  His school put on, "The Night Before Christmas."  He was Cupid the Reindeer. 

We started off with the class Christmas Party.  It was so cute to watch him interact with his classmates.  

This was the boys' turn to swap gifts.  Could they be any more anxious?

So cute!

Christmas Day 2011

We had a wonderful Christmas morning this year.  We got to share it with my sister, Mom, and Dad.  The boys were so excited about Santa visiting and were thrilled with their gifts. Adam got his own telescope.  He has been diving into astronomy lately and can't get enough (following after his daddy).

Caleb got an adjustable basketball goal.  He knew exactly what to do with it.

Then it was time to check out the stockings.  They were filled to the brim with goodies. 

Chris and Caleb checking out a new toothbrush.

My parents gave the boys some awesome new sports equipment.  Love the energy the boys can burn off with these things.  And they pack away nicely!!

Adam opening a gift and Layla trying to check out all the new smells.  We trashed the living room this year with gift debris.  It was fantastic!

My dad trying to open a present, with Caleb all up in his business.

We topped off the morning with a Ginger-Monkey Bread.  Delicious!! 

Christmas Eve 2011

Our Christmas Card Picture this year...

This is the picture we wanted to use, but thought Caleb might not forgive us one day. (So I'll post it on the world wide web!!)

We had my parents and sister visiting for Christmas

Christmas Pizza

Making Christmas Cookies for Santa

I cooked/grilled Christmas Eve Dinner this year!!  Braised Spare Ribs

Putting out the reindeer food that Adam made at school

Cookies ready for Santa and it's off to bed!!

Later That Evening...

To wrap up our day in New Orleans, (see 2 previous posts) we wanted to visit City Park just outside New Orleans to see the huge Christmas light displays and fun playgrounds.  So, we bundled up and walked and walked around this multi-acre park!!

Captain Hook's Ship in Storyland

Adam in the whale from Pinnochio

Chris' Parents and the boys with the 3 Little Pigs

The Fire Breathing Dragon Slide

The "Saints Tree".  A beautiful and gigantic Oak decorated with large  fleur d lis and footballs. 

Giant rocking horse that really rocked

Giant drum that worked

Continuing Our Day in New Orleans

After the football game, we had tickets to the new Audubon Institutes's Insectarium (thank you Aunt Laura and Uncle Jason).   Perfect day to check that out.  We loved seeing which bugs the boys were interested in and which ones grossed them out.  Guess how Caleb felt about this exhibit.

Checking out the ants

We just happened to be there when Santa dropped by for a visit and to read a story to all the kids. 

Then came the great part!   They have an insect eating kitchen that offers different dishes for the public to try.  One chef was telling Adam what was in the peppermint bark he was eating.   Classic!

On the menu was Peppermint Bark with crickets; Cake with crickets and meal worms  in it;  Eggnog with fruit flies sprinkled on top. Adam was a good sport and tried it all, but was not a fan.

Caleb, on the other hand, couldn't get enough!!  He had 2 cups of eggnog. Notice the fruit fly stuck to his cheek. 

He ate his and the leftovers from everyone else.

I tried the cake and bark, but after a few minutes my mind kicked in and told my stomach it was not a good idea. 

Seeing Eye to eye with a baby croc.  This thing did a 180 and made me jump out of my skin. 

This was so real looking coming out of the aquarium.

Winnfield High Goes To Superdome!

Going back in time here folks, way back to 2011.  Before Christmas, Chris' high school Alma matter made it to the state championships in the Superdome in New Orleans.  We had to go since we were so close.  We had a great time watching with the boys, however the team didn't have much luck. 

It was awesome to see the entire town of Winnfield show up to support this small town team play the opponent from outside New Orleans.  Our side, adorned in red, greatly outnumbered the other side of the Superdome.  Here's Chris and the boys with one of Chris' best friends dad.  Yes that is his real mustache dyed red.  Caleb is checking it out!