Mardi Gras!

So growing up in California, once a year I heard about Mardi Gras in New Orleans on the news and that was about it. Well living in the South we have become more familiar with Mardi Gras. This is not just a New Orleans thing it is a southern thing. Yes I am sure it originated in New Orleans, but we celebrate Mardi Gras here also. The whole weekend was filled with Mardi Gras Balls, parades and parties. We decided to head down to Navarre Beach for our local Mardi Gras parade. There was a bonus to this also because Carissa was in the parade. We had a great time. Hannah was so cute, she at the age of 6 learned how to work the system. Every time they would throw her beads she would hand them to me, because as she said "mommy, if I have beads they won't throw them at me." It was too cute, she even had people walking up to her and handing her beads, The rest of us had to catch them ourselves. It was a fun time and seeing Carissa having a great time in the parade was icing on the cake! We are looking forward to the parade again next year.

Party Fun!

We had a birthday party for Carissa with a few of her friends. It was a Mardi Gras theme party (since mardi gras is big in the south). She had a lot of fun the kids danced, played the wii,ate and were typical teenagers. I think a good time was had by all.

Happy Birthday Carissa!

Carissa turned 18! I am still trying to get used to saying that. I am truly amazed at how fast she has grown up. I swear it was just yesterday that my water broke at
3am a month early and she made her arrival 36 long hours later. She was my beautiful dark haired baby that was perfect in every way. Carissa has always been one to want to do it all, and for the most part she has. She has followed her dreams and we are so proud of her for that. So on Feb 12Th Carissa officially became an adult. We enjoyed a fun birthday with her. She of course is so busy it was a quick family dinner of homemade mac and cheese, her favorite. Then she opened her gifts. She got lost of money, and a flat screen TV with a DVD player. I know she really enjoyed all of her gifts. I also know that she was very excited about the TV. She has wanted one forever and since she is all "grown up" now and going away to college we thought she would enjoy it! Carissa we could not be prouder with all you have done in your life so far, and we know that you are going accomplish all that you set your mind too! We love you!

Air Force Armament Museum

So we have lived her 2 years and have never made it up the road to the Armament Museum, so we decided to head there and check it out. The kids especially Matt enjoyed the museum. There was lost of info on planes, and different types of weapons used throughout the different wars the US has been involved in. Here are a few pics, from the trip.

Student of the Year!

Carissa recently had a karate banquet. This banquet is a chance for everyone to dress up and enjoy dinner, and receive awards. Matt and I joined Carissa and her date for a fun evening of food and awards. Carissa also works at the karate club so she was also recognized for being a part of the staff. She received a few awards, but the one she was the most excited about was the award for Student of the Year. This award is voted on by all the participants in karate. Carissa works really hard at karate and she was recognized by her fellow students and they voted her student of the year! WAY TO GO GIRL!

Hannah and the Science Museum!

Hannah's class went on a field trip to the local Science Museum. Mind you we do not live near a "big city" so when I say local I mean a little small. But with that being said, Hannah had a great time. She enjoyed the different exhibits and got to have a fun class with a great science teacher that really made science fun. The kids got to make plastic, I really mean they made plastic that actually would bounce like a ball, it was pretty cool if I do say so myself. After the fun in the museum, the kids got to enjoy a beautiful Florida day eating lunch at a local park and getting to play for a good hour. I of course had fun as well, and feel very blessed that I get to experience Hannah's field trips with her.