Mardi gras 2015

Besides the Nonna Randazzo's King cake we did not get into the Mardi gras spirit this year. We were out of town or under the weather for most of tthe parades. 

Avery did have her school parade the Friday before Mardi gras, so that was a lot of fun. 

Alexa quickly figured out how it worked. 

And had a blast with her loot!

Mardi gras day was FREEZING! I honestly didn't think we would brave the elements this year, but everyone woke up happy and healthy and ready to play. I bundled all of us up in about three layers and we headed out!

This was the forecast and me trying to stay warm. 

I am so glad we ended up going. The girls really got into it this year. Alexa was do cute dancing, waving and hollering for beads. 

Chad and Jamie met us out there with their crew. Josh's Aunt and cousins were there as well. 

Despite the cold I know everyone had a great time. 

After the parades rolled through, we headed to Josh's grandparents to warm up and eat gumbo. We went through an old box of beads from around the 1970's. It's amazing how much they have changed since then. These beads were mostly glass with brass closures, they we all colors and shapes imaginable. They are collectors items now, and even then I am sure they weren't left on the street to be trashed like they are now. Happy Mardi gras!!!

Tennessee...the rest of the trip

The rest of our trip in Tennessee flew by. We woke up Monday morning to SNOW!!!

The girls spent approximately 5 mins playing in it, then they were ready to get back inside and warm up!

That night we loaded up and headed to Knoxville. They have a trampoline park called jump jam. It's so cool! There trampolines from one end of the place to the other. There are foam pits, obstacle courses and zip lines. The kids (and grown ups) had a blast!

The rest of the trip was pretty low key. We hung out, ate lots of good food and enjoyed spending time together. 

Tennessee trip Day 1

The girls and I have been planning a trip to see Leslie in Tennessee for the past few months. I waited for a good deal on plane tickets and we started counting down the days!

After much planning and packing, we headed to the airport this morning. It wasn't as big of a hassle as I was expecting. We checked our bags and headed to the gate. 

These girls are becoming seasoned travelers. Thankfully, the flight wasn't full so we were able to have out own row. 

It was about an hour and a half flight to TN. Avery was occupied with her leap pad and Alexa kept busy snacking and playing with her sister. It was an uneventful flight thank goodness. Leslie picked us up at the airport and we headed to their house. 

Besides playing with her cousin Lydia, I think this is what Avery is most excited about. Cereal and snacks for days! We are looking forward to a relaxing trip and hanging out with the Harris'. 

Happy 5th Birthday Avery!

Whew! What a day! Ms. Avery was the boss today and what a day she planned!

We started out bright and early. Before church we hit up Buttercrisp for donuts. 

King cake donut for the birthday girl!

We went to church and afterwards, she wanted macaroni from Panera Bread. We drove thru there, then headed to The Kids and Family Arena to play!

These girls had a fabulous time. Alexa is old enough to get up and around all the jumpers. And she is FEARLESS, so she had a great time. 

Sweet, sweet sisters. Avery is so sweet with Alexa, no matter how onery Alexa is being. 

This little bit had a blast in the arcade area. 

Goofy girls. 

 

When we got home from the bounce house, I realized we hadn't sung "Happy Birthday" to the birthday girl. The only thing we had in the house was a teeny tiny piece of king cake. She was a good sport about it :)

After we hung out at the house for a bit, Avery was ready for her next adventure: Buffalo Wild Wings. That's her favorite resturant right now (don't ask me, but we love it too!) She ordered more macaroni and watched college gymnastics on one of the big TVs. 

This little girl was a trooper all day. 

Two pieces of my heart!

And apparently, when you're five, this is how you take pictures now. Lord help us! Happy birthday Avery girl. We love you so much and hope you had an awesome day!

Avery's 5th Birthday Party!

We had a great weekend! Friday and Saturday we had a church leadership retreat, so the girls got to hang out with Grandma and Jericho. Saturday evening we treated the girls to chick-fil-a and got ready for Avery's birthday party on Sunday.

 We were up and ready bright and early Sunday morning for church. Big sis wasn't very interested in pictures, but little sis was being a ham!

 She finally joined in, and got her hair pulled!

 After church we finished the last minute details, the headed to NorthShore Gymnastics to party!

Avery takes gymnastics here on Tuesdays and she absolutely loves it. They also have really great birthday parties so this was the second year in a row she had chosen to have her party here.

 

 

Everyone had a great time! The slide and zip line are always a big hit.

 We had a great turn out!

 Happy birthday sweet girl. We love you so much!

 I cannot believe my first little baby is 5 years old!

The Birthday princess!

 She's got everyone wrapped around her little finger!

Everyone had a great time. We ended the weekend with Alexa puking all night! Praying it was just something she ate. Everything went beautifully and Avery says she had a great time!