All of the things since last time

It seems I left off as a cliffhanger with Mardi Gras 2023. One of my besties rides in a parade every year, so we bring some decorated shoes for her to hand to lucky recipients, and we catch lots of other goodies. Addy's first parade was this one, and she was pretty grumpy at first, until it started raining stuffies and toys. Boy did she love it- she shouted "Throw me somethin', mister!' with the best of them! Now we try not to miss a Mardi Gras!

It's raining Toys!

Beignets and good friends are a perfect match with crazy outfits in New Oreleans

Loving Cheerleading AND learning about Science

Turning 7 isn't so hard when a new bike is waiting for you first thing in the morning. Thank goodness for training wheels!

We were able to travel with Bro out west as he played in a big lacrosse tournament- those mountains were gorgeous!

Addy was flying Rocky Mountain High! Just like an angel!

But almost all of us love the 4th of July at home the best. These 4 girlies have been the "neighborhood gang" besties for so long!

She is so creative- always into art and making the world a more beautiful place.

But all too soon, the summer ended, and she was off to school- 2nd grade, and her teacher was so beautiful, young and fun!

Plus, her bestie was in her class! The cheer squad is so much fun with L- Blondies against the world!

Sunday Funday for dad's birthday

So, this was the year that She REALLY got into Harry Potter books. The Wizarding World was at her fingertips, literally. We read the books- all 7 of them, out loud (this was my second time reading the entire series aloud- gosh!) and we had such a great time, team reading them. She'd read the first page or so of each chapter, then I'd take over. She'd want to do some of the voices. After each book, we'd watch the movie. Since her brother was a pretty staunch "Potterhead," as well, there weren't many complaints. Addy's great at accents, so she can pull a pretty mean Hermioine.

We realized sometime during the summer that we hadn't ever taken her back to Florida after we moved away, and we may have missed her "Magic Moments." So, we planned a special trip for Mid-autumn. Of course, Hogwarts and Diagon alley were huge favorites!

MMMMM..... Butterbeer!

We were all pretty freaked out when she was selected by a wand. Chills.

Her Owl, to bring the post, of course. She's still waiting on her Hogwarts Letter. Only a few moths now to see if it might actually arrive.

That wand actually casts spells on the shop windows in Diagon Alley!

Dying over those freckles!

So, it wasn't much of a stretch to imagine that we did up the house as a bit of a "No-Muggle Zone" for our favorite holiday that year! Can you guess our characters? Dave was amazing as "You Know Who" But Brody and I are rather minor characters. (hint- we covered the golf cart in purple, he will stop the 'night bus' for you if you hold up your wand and need a ride. I have a 'Quick Quotes Quill)

If you guessed that Brody is Stan Shunpike, I'm Rita Skeeter, Addy is Luna Lovegood (check out her Dirigible Plum earrings!) and Dave as Voldemort) you're a true Potterhead, too! We really had to keep Dave away from the little kids- he was so frighteningly acting the part!

pumpkins, butterbeer, and "by the pricking of my thumbs- something wicked this way comes"

It shouldnl't come as a big surprise that on Christmas Morning, "Santa and his favorite elves" had a big surprise waiting for Addy- her American Girl doll got a Hufflepuff costume, and her room was redecorated to be the Hufflepuff common room!

The shoes we decorated for our friend at Mardi Gras also had a Harry Potter Theme. We were tasked with adding a Barbie Doll to each shoe this year. Here were a few of the favorites-

Ginny Weasley- Griffindor House- All star Quidditch Seeker

Luna Lovegood- Ravenclaw House and daughter of Xenophelius Lovegood, editor of "The Quibbler."

Moaning Myrtle, Ghost of Hogwarts Girls Bathroom

Hermione Granger, Gryffindor House Prefect and Best in her year.

If theres anything that Addy loves more than Harry Potter and Art (esp. if it has glitter) it's her big brother. She may put up a fuss about going to all of his "borrrrrringggg games." but she is absolutely his biggest fan. And he's such a great big to her adoring little-ness. What a cutie, and adorable pair they make, too.

He was the a true leader of the JV team as the starting goalie his freshman year. He's not a huge dude, but he plays so big!

We also looked up a bunch- there was an eclipse not too far from us, so we went outside with some friends and looked up- with some funky glasses!

Addy's "princess" group had a "Daddy-Daughter" formal, and this year she got to attend. How beautiful is this little Lady in Red?

Wowza!

And- someone else got to start playing Lacrosse, as well. Here-she's learning to do a faceoff. The girls' game is very different' than the boy's.

And, just like that, the school year is over- jeez, they've grown a ton! What did they learn? Addy, apparently, did not learn to wear shoes or to put on matching socks.

We took Dad to big steak dinner on Father's Day

and then we went to a lake a couple hours south of us for a week on the water.

Brody wants to go faster, and she doesn't mind a big. That little thing is absolutely fearless!

The pups love being at the lake- we all like campfires and laid back living!

Yep, driving a boat at sunset in your pjs- doesn't get any better than that!

We took in a Kids Bopp concert at the state fair. Never again! way too much squealing.

I think my pal and I are ready for our 3rd grade era.

True Swifitie in her hoodie

3rd and 10th

3rd season of cheer and less shy

Bro had a girlfriend this year and they made a lovely couple at homecoming

Addy was jealous of all the homecoming plans, so we threw a little dance party for the kids that same night. Music and food at the park- better music, and I think we had more fun than the high schoolers.

The winter of 2024/25 brought us to different places and found us trying new things- like Addy gave SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING a go! She was pretty darn good, as well!

She found a new love for all things Asian- here's her Valentine's box- Yes. It's a giant Bubble Tea, eating ramen. Yes, Ladies and gentlemen, she made a Boba eating Soba. That's my creative girlie!

And we were on a food theme for our Mardi Gras shoes- We paid homage to all the restaurants that closed down during Katrina.

Sucre sweet shop

3 generations of sweeties!

Addy and her bestie sporting Taylor Swift "freckles" at the local sushi place on Addy's 9th birthday. (Notice the newly pierced ears???!!!!!

anddddd someone wanted to be a goalie, just like her big brother.

Fam went to yet another lacrosse tournament- I had a recent shoulder surgery, and it looks like Addy's doll needs a new hairdo.

First day of 4th grade- her bestie, L, is in her class again!

and a new ride is sweet!

Cheer is becoming more and more fun! (or so we thought at the beginning of the season)

Brody didn't have a girlfriend this homecoming, but that's ok- they all had a great time! The same group has been going all together since Freshman year.

Halloween Campout- Dad and Ad dressed to match- Guess what they were.... Team-

Six. Sevvvvveeeeeennnnn

She took part in a cook after school activity where they repurposed clothing and sewed interesting things together to repurpose clothing into new fashion. At the end of the session, they put on a whole show. It was fantastic.

Christmas photo with the whole family! Mimi moved in with us in September!

Brody stopped playing Lacrosse this year, so we all got to do a big Spring Break for his 17th birthday- Dominican Republic! Addy learned to surf!

Well tanned and relaxed, beach style

And, addy's back in goal

Daddy/daughter dance- man- she's growing up quickly!

Same for Brody- he's off to PROM!

This summer found us trying a lot of new things. We had three exchange students stay with us for the 4th of July weekend. They had a true American Blast- complete with a washable paint gun battle! Addy is interested in studying abroad soon- this program is for 11 year olds!

Addy started dance this year, and this was following her first recital.

and move over Taylor- we found a new obsession. We drove hours and hours to stand in the rain to see...

Oh lordy, just please let the lesson sink in that she can NOT repeat the language or those dance moves!

So, I think we're caught up. Walking to the first day of 5th grade. Last first day of elementary school. I'm not crying you're crying.

These two have so many amazing things ahead of them. I've challenged each of them to spend at least two "date nights" a month together- on his birthday day and hers- and appreciate the last year they'll have with him in the house before he moves away for college. She annoys the heck out of her big bother. He hollers at her and fusses at her, but deep down, they're each other's favorite people. and that's the way it's supposed to be, isn't it?