Christmas in Memphis~2011

We were lucky enough to have 8 extras join us for Christmas this year. We don't get many visitors so we're always so excited to have extras...especially for Holidays. My parents, Alyson's family & Reiley all flew in on the 23rd and the excitement began right away with a visit to GUS's fried chicken---YUM!!!! The following morning Cara was baptized, a little shopping was done and then of course the cooking began. We celebrated Christmas Eve mexican style...kind of a Hooper family tradition. Unfortunately I was a little busy and forgot to get the pinata out-guess I won't have to buy one for next year....

After dinner we opened up Grandma Shauna and Grandpa Dave's presents...and we were all surprised with a pre-vacation to our Disney Cruise vacation with a 3 day Orlando vacation. We're all so excited we can hardly stand it!!!! The kids of course got their Children's Place jammies and then headed off to bed so Mommy and Daddy could start more craziness with Santa.

Christmas morning in our Sunday Christmas best with Grandma and Grandpa~This was taken after church-the kids were up the stairs quickly to change so they could get started on their Santa gifts.

Grandpa did very well this year....look at this beautiful ring my Dad got my Mom. I love it!!!

For Christmas we (us kids) decided to take our shirts from our last Disney vacation, this past summer, and have them made into a quilt. My sister Natalie made it and did an AMAZING job....she far outdoes me in the talent/craft/everything department!!!! After Christmas was over we hung out, went to LOTS of movies, out for BBQ, did the touristy stuff, shopped, went to basketball games........dot, dot, dot

We were sad to see our Memphis Christmas come to an end....It was so nice to have family in town.....most of all it was so nice to see my kids make memories with their cousins, aunt, uncles & cousins. Here's Isaac giving Evan a hug goodbye...so cute!!

Cara's Baptism

12~24~2011

Not only was Cara lucky enough to have her Grandma and Grandpa Hooper and her Markham family at her baptism but she was able to be baptized on the 24th-the eve of the birth of our Savior. It couldn't have been more perfect. It was a great time to take a break from the Holiday craziness and reflect on the gospel and the blessings it brings to us. Cara's Aunt Alyson spoke on Baptism and her Grandma Shauna spoke on the Holy Ghost...they both did great!!! It was the first (and not the last) time that Cara heard the "head, shoulder, knees & toes" saying about modesty. All in all it was a perfect day. We're so proud of Cara and for the decision she made to be baptized.

The long awaited Christmas Dance recital....

Both Ryleigh and Cara did awesome!!! They both love to be on stage and do such a great job no matter what style of dance they're performing. This year both Cara and Ryleigh are on the NVS regional competitive team and have shown that they really have a talent for dance. They take tap, jazz, ballet & lyrical. Cara has a solo in her lyrical this year and I must admit--I got a little choked up. I was so proud of her and so touched by her passion for it. Can't wait to see their talents grow.

CARSON TURNS 12!!

Well I'm not gonna lie-Carson was kind of the "IT" kid on the block after this party. This may be old news to most of you but the GAMING TRUCK party is the way to go. It was so cool and so impressive. Small explanation--game truck pulls up, kids hop inside, filled with leather couches and 5 big screens, gaming coach helps them with all their gaming needs, mom and dad stay inside and enjoy the peace and quiet haha!!!

Really though look how cool this is. Carson is what I like to call an ATHLETIC NERD (hmmm kinda like someone else I know). He's just as good with a PS3 controller as he is with a ball. This was his ultimate party and I must say the gaming truck company lived up to their website. I totally recommend this to anyone with any aged boy.

CARA TURNS 8!!!!

She decided on Chili's for her birthday dinner-out of all things she just loves their corn on the cob and as the picture shows the brownie sundae too.

Cara has been dying to have a roller skating party so that we did. We took her and 15 of her friends skating for 4 hours-and I was pooped!!! Dave was a good sport and did a little skating action while I chased Evan ALL around the place. Note to self-babysitter next time! Cara got some great gifts, got her favorite ice cream cake, only fell a few times and enjoyed her special day.

THANKSGIVING IN ATLANTA

We've made it a tradition of going to Atlanta to spend time with Dave's brother, Scott's family every other Thanksgiving. I love the city of Atlanta so I never complain--plus I love getting to spend time with Scott, Kim and their kids. This year we were lucky enough to have Kevin and Deidre join us too, which made for even more fun. It's always nice to be able to spend a Holiday with family---we don't get to do as often as we'd like for obvious reasons of course.

Kim's sweet Mom treated us to a very yummy, very southern Thanksgiving dinner-and for that we were truly thankful!!! We had a great time chit chatting, playing games outside & of course there was a bit of "shut eye" after the turkey dinner.

The kids had fun just hanging out as they always do. It doesn't take much to entertain this bunch. All you need are a couple of playstation controllers and LOTS of Diet Mtn. Dews haha!!!

Jr. Bucs 2011 Superbowl Champions!!!

Couldn't be prouder of our #24!!!

One reason I love living in the South--Praying always comes before playing

A few of Carson's biggest fans

Carson had an awesome season-he averaged 2 touchdowns per game which was very exciting, but I think my favorite moments were watching him just pound his opponents to the ground. This boy has no fear and has more aggression on the grid iron than I ever imagined. He was definitely born to play football!!!

Here's Carson with just a few of his teammates--he absolutely loved this group of boys and Dave and I really grew fond of their parents. I must say I'm already missing them~

This team lost only one game, won their age division in the Superbowl and walked away as the league champions. Way to go BUCS!!!!