Long Ride Home

Thirteen and a half hours across five states-but we made it!  Thank goodness for electronics. 

Funniest (to watch) Game Ever

Ninja-

 played at every pitstop on the way home.

And it cracked me up every time.

Game Night

(But I am still the Connect Four champ!)

Fish, Fish, Give Me A Kiss

Kids Cook Tradition Continues

Carolyn was very concerned that since we weren't spending Thanksgiving at home that "kids cook" wouldn't happen this year.  Aunt Amy was happy to keep the tradition going!

Coleman and Abigail made the sausage balls

 and Carolyn made the sweet potato casserole.

And it was ALL yummy!

Wishbone

Treats for everyone for Thanksgiving

 A white chocolate wishbone!

Make a wish!

(Too bad I forgot to bring Jennifer and Sara theirs. )

George W. Bush Presidential Library

I was so excited that we had the chance to visit the new Bush Presidential Library at SMU.

 The first special exhibit at the library is the White House Christmas from 2001. 

  The theme was Home for the Holidays-quite fitting for the first Christmas after 9-11.

 The September 11 exhibit is a cornerstone of the library.  Carolyn is touching a piece of the World Trade Center.

 And of course there is a replica of the Oval Office.

 The kids enjoyed the video of Jenna and Barbara Bush talking about the lighter side of being the first family.

The library is very impressive and I'm so glad we got to see it!

November Swim

Why should temps in the low 30's keep them inside?

Cousin Time

 Coleman is a GREAT babysitter!

ICE

We  toured the Nutcracker ICE exhibit at the Gaylord Hotel and slid down the ice slide.  (But I lost all my photos!)

Afterwards, we walked around the hotel and looked at the lights and decorations.  

The little ones really enjoyed the trains.

Louisiana Cousins

We spent the night in Louisiana on the way to Aunt Amy's.

So glad we got to spend time with Uncle Chris, Aunt Ginger, Cameron and Carson!

We Love Coach Kathryn

Great job at the recital tonight!

5th Grade Musical

Tonight was Carolyn's last elementary school musical.

 They did a great job!

What a great group of kids!

Happy 13th Birthday, Hannah!

5th Grade Bowling

I chaperoned the 5th grade bowling trip yesterday.

Bowling is NOT her sport, but we had a great time! 

Brothers Are Awesome

The DO NOT ENTER sign is not just for show.

 And the clothes all over the floor are apparently a permanent fixture.

Team Picture

Although we came close a couple of times, I could never get a photo with all eighteen players!

So for an end-of-season gift, an illustrated team pic had to do. 

She Didn't Make It to Halftime

End of Season Party

After our service in the pantry, we took a sack lunch down to the playground.

 Not only do these girls know how to play lacrosse, they know how to have fun together!

 We talked about our awesome season, and I had a little gift for each of my players.

 The girls voted for the "Keeper of Lacrosse" award and it couldn't have gone to a more deserving player!

 I received a (very generous) gift card from the team as well as a photo book of our season (that we all loved!) 

 Then we headed to the skating rink

Where thankfully, no bones were broken!

A great time was had by all...

 

well, almost all! ;)

Day of Service

 To top off our season, my lacrosse team participated in a day of service today. 

These eighteen girls collected canned goods from their friends and neighbors to donate to The Pantry.

 We weighed the food and checked the expiration dates.

 Then marked through the bar codes (so that the food can't be returned to the store for a refund)

 and sorted it into categories.

After the goods were sorted, the girls put all the cans on flats to store in the pantry until distribution.

 

We learned about how the Pantry provides for families in our area and what a blessing their donations will be.  Today, 92 families received food boxes of about 25 pounds each.  That is approximately 2300 pounds of food given to families in need.

 The girls donated a whopping 808 pounds of food!

 This is such a great group of kids (and parents!)  

I can't think of anywhere else I would have rather been this morning!

County Reflections Ceremony

Carolyn's Liberty Lights the Way won first place at our school and advanced on to the county level.

 Although she didn't win at county, I still think hers was the best! ;)

 These girls always have such a good time together!  

Way to go, girls!