Christmas 2008

The photos are in random order, but we had a great Christmas! Hunter kept sneaking food from the fridge. Clearly he didn't get enough to eat at lunch.

The cousins
Opening a present together...a difficult concept.

The reindeer ate all of the food!

One of Hunter's favorite gifts - the camouflage set! Thanks Aunt Gay and Uncle Jim

Daddy picked the perfect princess bank for Hannah.

On the Town

During the Christmas break, we visited the aquarium and the riverwalk. Hunter found the coolest alligator ever. It was only after this picture that we saw the sign that said, "No touching!" Oops!!

We never miss a chance to have beignets.

We love watching the river boats and being silly!

This has to be one of favorite photos ever! Hannah was angry with me for telling her to stop climbing on the rail. At the young age of 2, she has already perfected her glare!

We take a picture like this every time we go see the fish, and every time I just think it's too cute!

I was trying to get them to look happy - didn't happen!!

Each child threw a penny into the fountain and made a wish.

By Special Request

Hannah had a rare moment of interest in the camera and all she wanted was for me to keep taking her picture. Since it's hard to get her to sit still for a picture, I wasn't about to let this opportunity pass. Check out Hannah and her many poses:

Christmas Eve

After Christmas Eve service, we fed the reindeer:

Prepared Santa's cookies:

Sampled Santa cookies

and went to sleep!

Celebration in the Oaks

With only six months or so left in New Orleans, the rush is on to do everything we have thought of doing in the two and a half years that we've lived here. Thursday night some friends joined us to check out the amazing Christmas lights in City Park. We all had a wonderful time, but the kids were especially thrilled with everything!

We visited Storyland.

Played in Alice's house...
Listened to the Cajun Night Before Christmas...

Watched the trains wind through a miniature version of New Orleans...

Met Mr. Bingle (Hunter thought he was taking a bath)...

Climbed on a fire truck...

Hannah played with the pigs...

which meant Hunter had to play with the pigs...

Considered visiting Hansel and Gretel's house but opted out...

Took a tour of the space shuttle...

Stood in awe at the abundance of lights...

and called it a night!

Christmas Program 2008

The three and four year old classes held a Christmas program on Monday. Hunter stayed on stage for the first few songs. Then, he left to find me and Pete; he gave me a kiss and said he wanted to stay with us, but we were able to coax him back on stage without any tears! This was quite an accomplishment since the last two years he has left in tears. I guess he really is growing up:(

Hunter's class entering the sanctuary.

Taking it all in!

Jingle Bells

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Mary Had a Little Lamb

As you can tell from the video, all this performing wears on a boy! Anyone see any family resemblances here??? just curious:)

Let It SNOW!

The snow started falling about 8:20 this morning and lasted almost two hours! We had such a fun time watching it. Hunter LOVED playing in the snow. Hannah wasn't quite so excited about being wet and cold but she endured it for a few minutes. The dog wouldn't even step outside. Both kids want to play in the snow again tomorrow. Since snow in New Orleans is a very rare occurrence, I'm pretty sure we won't be playing in the snow tomorrow!

Hunter was fascinated with his footprints!

They had to check on their house.

Round two for Hannah. We had to change her clothes and start over. She really didn't care for the snow too much!

Hunter had a ball scraping the snow off his fort. He kept saying what a mess the snow had made.