Merry Christmas!

On Christmas Eve, we found another NOLA light show...



Christmas morning has arrived!
Joe & Robin serenading me with the guitar & drums Santa brought.
Wearing our family motto t-shirts and onesie pjs.
Duckhunter in the courtyard
Watching the Muppet Movie
Shadow right at home under the tree.

Christmas Prep & Shadow

Robin's class at the Christmas Party
The school went to an assisted living facility to sing for the residents and give them each a jingle bell. Robin is the 4th from the tree. I could not get a good photo of him since his class was in the back row and he is the shortest. :)
Auntie Jenn, Uncle Rish & the kids got Robin tickets for Phineas & Ferb Live for his birthday.

Introducing Shadow, our new cat. Originally, R asked Santa to bring us a kitten this year. We decided, as a family, to go pick out the kitten and leave Santa to bring just toys. Although there were smaller kittens there, Shadow's personality fit our family. He was cuddly and playful, and 5 months old. The volunteer at the shelter also said that older kittens and black cats usually don't get adopted. That sealed the deal.
Can you find him in the skeleton snuggie?
Shadow was the perfect name. He follows you wherever you go! Other names in the hat were Gambit, Gotham, Nitro, Ninja, Cutie-Cute, Puma... But in the end, Robin decided.
He did attach himself to me the first few weeks. He would hear me come home at night and come to greet me. When I work on the computer, he is there.
When I sit in the bathroom while R is in the tub, he joins us. I've never had a lap cat before, it's very sweet. He's so soft and his hair is getting super long. You'll see more pics in future posts.

Robinson turns 5!

Every year Abuela & Big Papa come to see Robin on his birthday. This year was no exception.
We went to the World War II Museum.
We also attended our first "Celebration in the Oaks" Light display through the Botanical Gardens and Amusement Park.
I think the story of Papa Noel and his alligators was my favorite part.

Ever since that commercial aired with the birthday boy in the ticket blaster, R was set on Chuck E. Cheese. Ugh is what I thought at first. But things ran smooth, the kids loved it and I had to do minimal work. Good deal.
"You say it's my birthday!"
Robin invited all of his friends from school.
Birthday crown
Birthday Medallion (very excited about this)
Palling around with the big mouse himself.

Later that night, we took the parents out on the town.
to a Cuban restaurant for Abuela, and for all of us...who am I kidding? Sweet plantains and flan? Hello.
The next day we hit the French Quarter.

Cafe du Monde a must for cafe au lait and beignets.
Robin's birthday party at school.
Happy Birthday, my sweet boy. You will always be my baby no matter how old you get. Mom & Dad love you infinity.

Santa Parade

Our first bead and toy throwing parade in New Orleans was definitely fun.
The boys waiting for the parade to begin. Check out our new toy, the Piggyback Rider. R is way too big for a stroller. This seemed the perfect idea, if only we saw it a year ago. Holds up to 60 lbs. if you're interested.
Mr. Bingle. Don't ask. Or google it if you must.
There were candy canes on stilts and tons of music and marching bands.
Only in New Orleans
Finally, Santa arrives.
Someone scored himself some beads.
Popped into a mall and there happened to be a puppet show going on. Can you find Joe & Robin?

Aw, there's nothing like best friends holding hands.
R finally got to see the man dressed up as a Transformer.

Thanksgiving

If there are any of you out there who still keep tabs on us...yes, I am way behind on posting. I'll start with November 2011 and post the rest later.

Check out my precious boy on his way into the gym for his school's Thanksgiving Feast. He was so excited to see Joe & I waiting.

They sang so many songs! Seriously, like 10 or more.

All of the children helped prepare the food they ate. Out of the turkey, green beans, cornbread,pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, the only thing he touched was the turkey.

Robin with his teacher, Mrs. Breaux. She rocks.

We were a little early for pictures with Santa this year, but it worked out great. No lines, a train ride, and less to do in December! Does it look like this Santa has been hitting the egg nog or maybe is just a little crazy?



Then off to New England for the holiday. We did get to see our "Meuse" family, but all those pics are on my phone. Here we are on the Cape with the "Fiero" family.

Robin & Norah working hard.

Joe, Mom & Donna

Grammy took Robin to see the Muppets and Joe & I got to see Breaking Dawn.