Jackie's Version of Cheese

So, last night I laughed harder than I have in a long time. Jackie likes to play on the stairs at my parents house and I decided to grab my mini camera for a few snapshots of her romping around. Well, as soon as she saw the camera, she went straight for it and said, "Picture! Smile!" So, she was about a foot from my face and was posing. Her posed smile is hilarious. She dips her head down a bit, does this rediculous smile and her eyes go kooky. I'd never seen her do this before. I was rolling. I'll show you a few to illustrate.

No matter what I did, her face would migrate to this funky pose.

Yes, she'd been doing art projects and has marker all over her face. It just adds to the flair of the face, I think.

Where did she get this!!! I can't stop laughing about it!!

Brothers

Coming from a family of 3 boys and being the only girl, I know the meaning of brothers. I love watching my brothers turn into 5 year olds (in a good way, seriously) when they get together and it cracks me up to see my husband and his do the same. No one can make him laugh quite like his brothers.

Colin, looking at Canon as he teases him about Lord knows what.

We just wish we all lived closer so that we could have bonding moments like these all of the time. :-)

Cousin Love

These girls crack me up. They are 6 months apart, but now almost equal in size. Caroline may outweigh Jackie at this point. They love each other, but there are little tiffs every now and again.

They were fighting over the tiny automen with a punch from Caroline.

Brief moment of sharing.

And another punch. Do not feel sorry for Jackie. She gives it back and is the more vocally aggressive of the two. She's all about "mine!" and "stop!". It's pretty entertaining to watch these girls interact. Little do they know how important they will be to each other in the long run. :-)

Nice Try

This was as good as it was going to get. Poor kid...

Chirstmas 2009 - Better Late Than Never, Right?

Well, well, well - I know this is pathetically late. I really did wish you all a Merry Christmas in my heart. I even have cards still at home. It's getting to the point of embarrassment to even give them out anymore. But, they are cute, so you may get them anyway... I still wanted to share a bit of Jackie's 2nd Christmas. She loved it! I was surprised with how much she was grasping. She recognizes Santa (didn't like sitting in his lap, so no good pictures of that) and was all about leaving out milk and cookies. She recognizes Jesus and says his name. Loved the presents and unwrapping them - I was surprised that it held her attention for so long. It was a great holiday and one to remember.

Shopping for kitchen gadgets at William Sanoma. She looked so cute that day. I figured the napkins were a safe place for her to rummage around.


Helping Dad put up curtains. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad! Now not every peeping Tom can see in the house...

Seeing her Santa gifts for the first time. She was still pretty groggy and was most excited about the bear she already owned that was riding in the wagon. :-)

Opening another book. She was given lots of Suess books this year (found a good deal!)

Putting the puzzle together with Mommy.

Riding the bike! Her feet don't quite touch...

Loads of wrapping paper!

Hanging with Grandma and Abbey on Christmas Eve. Rockity Rockity!

Grandma kisses.

Dance Party in the kitchen. Caroline is getting down.

More dance party. Grandma can shake it, too!

Hearing Sanata's jingle bells outside. All of the girls were pretty enthralled with this.

A couple days after Christmas, we enjoyed a little time in the snow.

Jackie just wasn't sure what to do. She would plant in the thick snow and just look to me to pick her up. :-)

After the festivities, she was a little overwhelmed and sleepy. I love this pouty face.

Mardi Gras Ball - Part 2

Friday night we attended the very traditional Victoria Ball and Saturday night we were invited to the Krewe of Rio ball. Completely different. They still elect royalty, but the ball is like a huge party on crack. They are completely all about every second of the night being totally crazy and fun. The dancing began the moment we walked in. I'll share a few photos to illustrate the madness. :-)

Larry - decked in his feathers.

What an experience!

Mom, Mother in Law, Gramma and ... Queen?

Colin and I set forth on our trip to Lafayette for an experience like no other... Mardi Gras in Louisiana. It seems early, but Mardi Gras season actually begins January 6th and ends Ash Wednesday. There are several festivities that lead up to the parades, such as Mardi Gras Ball's. My mother-in-law is part of the Krewe of Victoria and was selected as queen of the ball. If you've never experienced one of these, they are amazing. Each costume is so detailed, decorations are over the top and elaborate and gowns are exquisite.

Myself, Annie, Colin and Canon prior to the ball. We each have pins saying "Queen's Daughter" and "Queen's Son."

Colin, Julia and Cason, enjoying a few drinks before the festivities.

Larry and his boys. It's just neat to see them together like this.

Anne and I enjoying the party. What a party it is!!

Colin and I posing. This never happens. I'm so happy to have a photo of the two of us.

These were party favors on the queen's table. They made stabbing noises as you swing them.

Here is Queen Judy herself. I told you, elaborate and detailed. She looked stunning and happy and so in her element as she made the rounds of the room. She's worked so hard for her Krewe and totally deserves this. Congrats Queen Judy! We love you!