Birthday Party

Last night, we went to the Mullen's to celebrate Cedric's birthday

. As always, it was a great time!

Michelle, Chad, Karen and Chris

Birthday Toast

Karen, Bridget, Becky, Michelle, me

A Beautiful Weekend

On Friday night we went to our church for "Scream on the Green."  They had many family friendly activities for us to enjoy.  The kids loved the Hay Maze--the boys stayed in it the entire evening.  All the parents agreed it was the best $5 we have ever spent!!

And it wouldn't be Texas without some kind of BBQ buffet.

Then, the DJ taught the crowd how to dance to "Thriller"--it was hilarious.  Callie and Samantha had so much fun learning the moves.

Little Cole Man was dancing, too--his 'zombie' moves were priceless.

On Saturday my school hosted its Carnival. 

They had tons of inflatables, so my team teacher (and friend) Stephanie thought it would be a blast to joust each other.  Our students thought it was great!! 

Then the big event of the day.  The two teachers who had the most student votes had to race each other on the GIANT inflatable Ironman Obstacle Course.  Well it figures I get picked to race against the 25 year old teacher, with no kids who trains to run MARATHONS--I didn't have a prayer.  I really did try my best but she whipped my butt.  I just couldn't climb over that dang wall---the boys said that half the crowd left after Miss Galvin won--they said it was taking me too long to finish!!!  Some of my students told me later, "Don't worry, Mrs. Straughan, we still love you." 

On Sunday we went to Jesse and Allie's (originally from NOLA) to watch the Saints game.  We ;had a wonderful brunch complete with mimosas and bloody mary's--it felt like home!!

                                           It was just a perfect weekend--I couldn't ask for more.

Babysitting Libby

This weekend Becky's friends came into town for a visit, so we let Little Libb-O-Deaux hang out with us. While I was cooking dinner I heard Callie say, "I think Libby is too fat for her chair!" We obviously don't know how to put the bouncy chair together.

Then we decided to play dress up. . I wish we had some crawfish!!

Callie loves posing with Libby. She wants to teach her how to be a princess--but judging by the enormous bows Becky puts in her hair. . .I think she'll have that taken care of!!

Wonderful Birthday Weekend

When I came home from work on Friday, Chad had a surprise waiting for me---my sister, Julie!! It was a wonderful birthday surprise and I can't believe he kept it a secret.

The boys had their first basketball game, too. And despite the loss, I think Coach Chad and Coach Trevor did a good job!!

I got to have two wonderful nites out for my birthday, too. And I'm realizing that turning 35 makes it a little more difficult to recover!!

The new Saintsation!!

Some Sisterly Love

I love this pic of these two!!

Trying to teach me how to line dance--I was awful!!

Finally, a picture with his real smile!!

Some Ladies Nite Fun

Me and my Soul Sista'

What a great weekend! We had so much fun and I felt so relaxed--I didn't even think about work, or lesson plans, or grades. It was much needed--Thank you so much, Chad. You planned a wonderful weekend. Yes, you are GOLDEN for awhile.. . . just don't mess it up!!!!

She Did It!

I can't believe it. On Wednesday Callie came home from school announcing that she wanted her ears pierced. Apparently, a few of her friends have taken the plunge, so Callie thought she was ready. I had Chad take her because honestly I didn't want to waste a trip to the mall. Well, she did it. . .I can't believe it. For those of you who know our girl, you know that she has some MAJOR fears when it comes to her ears. But Chad said she was very brave and very intent on getting it done.

She does love her new earrings--they are little pink flowers. And she is already talking about getting the ones that 'swing.' Oh my girl . . .

Before. .putting on a brave face


Getting prepped

My poor baby---during. . .

Later at home

Back to School

Yes, it's a busy time for our family. We are now in our second week of school and are trying to settle into a routine. I am looking forward to this weekend and an extra day of sleep.

Here we are outside my classrooom our first day back. I can't believe my boys are in 6th grade!!

Pictures Developed

I finally developed the pictures on the water camera from our San Antonio trip. The pics never seem to come out too well on disposable cameras, but we did manage to capture a few moments.

Here's Chad and the kids carrying their tubes down to the Guadalupe River--the water was so cold-- I mean FREEZING!! It took awhile for all of us to get used to it.The route we took was supposed to take 2-3 hours, but since the water was so low--it took us almost 5 hours!! Many times we had to paddle ourselves along the water. Then at one point I became tangled up in sticks with the ice chest, so I walked along the bank.

Callie was somewhat nervous at first. But all the tubes had bottoms and The Fosters were nice enough to let us borrow Sam's lifevest. Later Callie told us that she couldn't wait to tell everyone how brave she was on the rough waves.

While we were in San Antonio, we FINALLY went to Schlitterbahn Water Park---this water park was part of the bribe to get the boys to move to Texas. I wish we would have known how massive these park(s) were--we could have spent 2-3 days there. I think we are looking into staying at the Schlitterbahn Resort next year--the kids loved it!!

My favorite picture---someone PLEASE teach these girls how to read!!!!

Sleepover

Well, if you'll notice, I am posting this at 8 am. . oh yes, the Goodnight Girls slept over last night. Both girls are bright eyed and bushy tailed--Nannie Jamie, well, not so much!!

LATER THAT DAY. . . .

Since the weather wasn't suitable for swimming, we all went to the Children's Museum in The Woodlands Mall. The girls seemed to enjoy playing dress up--there are several areas for role playing.

Megan and Callie in Storyland
Michelle Making Groceries
THEN EVEN LATER . . . Nannie Jamie took a NAP!!!

Jalyn's Visit

My niece Jalyn came to stay with us for a week before school starts back. We packed in as many activities possible so Jay would have a good time.
(We're secretly hoping Jay can talk Mom and Dad into MOVING here!!!)

The kids had fun going to Sam Moon, Build -A-Bear, Creekside Pool, Shankz Glow-In-The-Dark Golf, and NASA.

I hope we created some happy memories. . .I hate that I can't see my nieces and nephews regularly. We love you, Jay. . .come back soon!!

Ethan's Baptism

The main reason we went back to NOLA was so we could attend Ethan's christening. Little Ethan handled all the commotion quite well and was all smiles. . .as usual.
He is such a sweet little guy.

PawPaw cutting up with the boys in CHURCH!!

Callie and I were able to hang out with Ethan after his nap. . then we were headed to Mammy and PawPaw's to pack :-(
FINALLY. . .a shot of all the Perilloux grandkids. (You have NO IDEA how difficult this was!!!)

Gulfshores Vacation

The kids and I were were finally able to spend some time at Mom and Dad's condo in Gulfshores.

The view from the condo

Lotioning Up for the Day

Getting ready to hit the beach

The boys had a blast body surfing. The water was clear and the waves were big enough for them to have fun, but not too big to make me nervous!!
In the evenings we would cook dinner and hang out just waiting for the sun to go down.
Then, we would take the kids back to the beach to look for crabs.
BooBoo was a real trooper and took the kids down every night!!
Getting ready for bed!!
Thanks Mom and Dad. . .the condo is just perfect!!