New Orleans

September 30, 2010 on 8:41 pm | In Haley, Hayden and Laura, Trey | No Comments

A few weeks ago we went down to New Orleans for my cousin’s wedding.  I had the honor of being the photographer.  It was a spectacular event.  She was beautiful and the location was amazing.  Not only was the wedding fantastic, Haley and Trey got their first taste of New Orleans.

And, by first taste of NOLA, I mean they got to eat at Cafe DuMonde.  We started talking about beignets weeks before we went down.  Haley was pretty fired up about getting donuts with powdered sugar on them.  AND hot chocolate.  You can’t forget the hot chocolate.  I was just fine with the coffee to go with my beignets.

One thing that I learned on this trip (well…reminded of, anyway) is how awesome it is to have parents to help out with kids!  I love my kids…don’t get me wrong.  But you put the four of us into one hotel room and you’re asking for trouble.  Haley’s naptimes NEVER corresponded to Trey’s.  Luckily, we were able to drop one with my parents and the other could nod off.

We also got a chance to visit our good friend Jimmy Shires while we were in town.  It was nice to be able to catch up with him.  Jimmy’s one of those “count on one hand” type of friends.  The type that you can go without talking to for a few months, but pick right up where you left off.  I hate he moved from Memphis, but I’m glad we got a chance to start that friendship while he was here.  And now…a couple pictures of the kiddos.  More of the wedding to come later this week.

Labor Day

September 6, 2010 on 8:30 pm | In Uncategorized | No Comments

Sunday was definitely a day of rest. After a fun filled Southeastern adventure with the kids I was ready for some down time.  We left Thursday to go visit Laura and to meet the newest Holmes, Sarah Grace.  She is such a sweetie and Haley had a blast playing with Caitlyn and Emily…and all their fun toys!  From Huntsville we drove to Birmingham to visit with friends we hadn’t seen in a long time- it was great to catch up, Heather!  We rounded out the day with a less than enjoyable evening at Chuck E. Cheese.  The visit to the Birmingham CEC made me appreciate how nice and clean ours is in Cordova.  Always good to appreciate what you have!  Trey and Haley got to play with their little buddy, Griff, Saturday morning while we all got ready for GAME DAY!!

We got to Starkville in the afternoon and was able to enjoy our day in the Junction tailgating.  Haley got her face painted, some pom poms, and we enjoyed great barbeque in the alumni tent with Jason and KJ.  It was fun showing Haley how bulldogs like to celebrate game day. 

Sunday was spent bragging to all our friends (a.k.a. SEC enemies!) about our VICTORY over Memphis.  We were quick to comment that we have to celebrate all we can, just in case the season doesn’t turn out as great as we hope!

So, back to the day of rest, Sunday.  While lying on the couch and enjoying the afternoon, I watched at least one episode of Cupcake Wars.  Hayden and I have seen this show before and often pretend to "taste the essence of lavender" in our food.  Well, we were joking around at dinner about the different cupcakes they had made and we got inspired…or should I say challenged.  Next thing I know, Hayden is setting up lights and I’m google-ing cupcake recipes.  Of course a quick trip to Kroger was needed but then we were set.  Lights, Camera, Action.  Haley, Hayden and I got some great pictures making what we thought were going to be the best cupcakes on the planet…Unfortunately, they were very dry and salty…don’t know why they didn’t have sugar listed on the recipe (just called for one cup of brown sugar…which wasn’t nearly enough)!  But the Chocolate Whipped Cream icing was to die for.  So, we tried again today with a little more success.  I think we’ll continue on the cupcake challenge journey until we get it right.  Mostly because it will give me an excuse to keep eating the icing, which is basically Chocolate Mousse.  YUM!  Look out America, we may have our own cupcake show soon!