A Grandma & Grandpa Christmas

After a full day in New Orleans, we devoured some burgers at Fat Cow. (I LOVE that place!!!) And we finished the day with Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa.

Check out Claire - checking out the presents!

Claire and the Christmas tree

Claire was pretty good at unwrapping her gifts this year. She needed a little help, but she definitely knew what to do. 

Each time she opened a present, she did a sweet little gasp and then ran to show Grandma, Grandpa, and Dad what she got.

 
Jordan got a sexy lizard - I mean a horny toad tie tack.

Claire also wanted to help everyone else open their presents.

Every working man needs a good pair of boot, right?! 

We had a nice Christmas celebration with Steve and Lou. (And I'm sorry I forgot to send your presents back with them, Stephen, Mel, and Liz! You'll get them sooner or later!)

New Orleans in December

The day after Jordan's graduation we went to New Orleans to see some sights. But first, Chris and Claire kept warm on the couch. (Please note that Chris doesn't need a blanket here; he's plenty warm as it is!)

Then we headed to  New Orleans! Chris and Lou had never been there, so we showed them around a bit. If you know Chris, you know this picture needs no explanation.

The hotels were decorated beautifully for Christmas - with a little NOLA flare. 

It was a cold day!

We walked down Bourbon Street, we ate lunch at ACME Oyster House, we window shopped in the French Quarter, we went into a few stores, and we had some beignets from Cafe Du Monde.

Chris with the Supreme Court of LA building

I'm glad we saw Jackson Square with Christmas decorations! 

When Claire saw this HUGE tree from the car, she said, "They haven't put any ornaments on the tree yet."  There was a big fleur-de-lis at the top, but that and the lights were all this tree needed!

Jordan, the Graduate!

We have a graduate on our hands!!!! Today was the day! And it was awesome! Jordan graduated from Our Lady of the Lake College with a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia this afternoon. He's FINISHED with school! Congratulations, Jordan!

Jordan at the beginning of the ceremony

Jordan getting his hood

Claire looked and looked for Dad while he was sitting down, but she never found him until he was walking out at the end of the ceremony - and they both saw each other! It was very cute! 

I got to sit by Kelly. I love Kelly. 

 He graduated!!!!! 

So many family members came to support Jordan. We've got Steve, Chris, Stephen, Liz, McKinley, and Lou.

We've also got my parents, too! Thanks for coming, everyone!

Proud parents!

A good-looking bunch of siblings!

Grandpa played Ring Around the Rosies with the girls. Too cute!

Brian and Jordan

Kelly, Brian, Jordan, and me - We're going to miss these guys! They are headed to Michigan in the morning. 

Jordan and Patrick

After graduation, we had a little party with some jambalaya and red beans & rice from Sammy's. (Has anyone tried their cheese sticks? I hear they're pretty good!)

We also had a delicious strawberry cake. I looked for graduation plates for the cake, but I didn't find any; I think I found a good substitute, though!

Where did the cake go?

Oh, there it is! 

The happy graduate!

Liz and Chris

Chris, Jordan, Stephen

I love this guy! Congrats, Bando! I'm so proud of you!!!!

Anesthesia Party

Jordan's class celebrated Saturday night with a party. They made it! They graduate this week! I am super excited, and I know Jordan is, too! I remember going to the party on the evening of his freshman orientation. And now he's done. Wonderful!

His class

Josh and Jordan

Yvonne and Jordan

Brian, Shawn, and Jordan

Brian and Jordan

Kelly, Brian, Jordan, and Julia

 Julia and Kelly

Brian, Cody, Jordan

Cody and Jordan