Dean's List

Everyone knows we are proud of Emerson.  I say it here all the time.  3rd grade at Dunham is the first year that you receive real grades.  Last year, we got number grade equivalents, so to actually see a grade is very exciting to Emerson and to us. First Quarter report cards came out and she got all A's. Of course we are beyond thrilled.  Yesterday, Emerson received a letter in the mail from Dunham.  It was congratulating and notifying her for being on the Dean's List.  She was beside herself and I wont lie and say there may have been a few proud tears shed. 

LSU vs. Ole Miss

LSU vs. Ole Miss...  To say we needed the win is an understatement.  This game is on my list of Top 5 best games to have been at in Tiger Stadium.

 

Hummingbirds

We love hummingbirds around here.  The first sight of them in our yard sends us scrambling to get the sugar water out so they will stay around a little longer.  I actually got some shots of one that was hanging out and stayed perched on top of the metal hook for what seemed like hours.  I played with the effects of the pictures so it would be easier to see this little guy.

 

Fall Break 2014- Rosemary Beach

We had Fall Break this past weekend, so we took off and went to our happy place- Rosemary Beach.  The kids had Monday and Tuesday off and considering Emerson is doing so well in school, we let her miss the Friday before.  We left from the carpool line Thursday afternoon and headed straight there.  The Avery's came with us and we all shared a pretty awesome home in Rosemary.  The kids had a ball and we could not have asked for better beach weather.  After spending 5 days on the beach in October, I am not sure why we would ever go back to the beach in the summer months.  It was just that wonderful.  Not hot, but sunny and the water was the perfect temperature.  Water was crystal clear which Emerson was very happy about.  This kid snorkeled from the time we hit the beach until we made her get out. Lola jumped right on in with her after a day.

 

Eli just wants to be big like the girls so bad and would head right on out in the water with them at times. 

 Emerson and Lola having a little fun.

 And Eli getting in on the fun with Emerson.

 Seriously, look at Emerson's legs...

 There were lots of people being buried, a few holes dug and only 1 sandcastle built.  We all spent a lot of time out in the water and playing in the surf.  And of course the girls spent 99% of their time hunting for seashells and sand dollars.

 

Lauren took this picture and I think it will go down as one of my all time favorites.  There were several days that we spent all day until almost sunset on the beach.  The sun was setting and Em was still hunting for treasures.

 Our last day and the weather just wasn't on our side.

 Crazy skies and the wind was brutal.  I think this was about the time we stared heading in.

There were OH SO MANY treasures and we couldn't bring them all home.  These are the ones she is the most proud of.  All of her snorkeling paid off!

Until we meet again Rosemary Beach.  You are always in my dreams...

Dunham Homecoming 2014

We were out of town for the Homecoming Game, but we all attended the Homecoming Pep Rally Friday before we left.  It was an especially important one for us, as our Mandi AND our Chloe were both on the Homecoming Court.  Emerson was beside herself that both of her babysitters were nominated.  They are both such special, grounded, gifted young women that are wonderful role models for Emerson.   Here is Em and some buddies at the Pep Rally.

And Mandi is the Homecoming Queen!!!!!!!!!  I cried like she was mine when her Mom text me.  So exciting for her! And for Emerson.  She wants to get her hands on that crown so bad!

 

And here they are for the Dance the next night.  Such pretty young ladies.

Luckily they are both going to LSU, so we will still have them both around awhile longer. 

It's been awhile

The Lazari have been very busy lately.  In and out of town and catching up with friends.  A few weekends ago, Emerson went to Jackson to stay with Bella and Avery. It had been almost 8 months since they had seen each other, so they were very excited for the reunion.  As always, their visits are never long enough and there are always tears when its time to say goodbye.

 

While Emerson was having fun in Jackson, Denny and I spent the weekend in New Orleans.  Our friends, Scotty and Joni drove in on Saturday and also went to the Saints game with us on Sunday. The weather was wonderful and the company was even better.  Good Times!

One D

Who knew an 8 year old could be so darn busy.  We have lots going on these days.  We have allowed Em to take on more extra curricular activities than usual.  When she expresses a real interest in things we try and let her do those activities.  Under one condition, school, grades and her mental ability to do it all, comes first.  These activities are privilege's and if grades drop or if she melts down in the middle of homework, then she will loose a privilege.  She is in Girls on the Run and they meet Monday's and Friday's right after school until 4:30.  Tuesday's we have Honor Choir until 4 and then PSR at church from 5:45-7pm.  And let's keep in mind the homework and weekly test schedule and prep. Our weekends are filled with bday parties, football games and hanging out with friends.  We love this time of the year, as there is lots going on around town on the weekends.

 

Last week, we allowed Emerson to go to the One Direction Concert with one of her BFF's, Stella.  It was on a weeknight in New Orleans. And they had 2 tests the next day, so missing school was never an option.  She was so excited.  Knowing Emerson is knowing how much she LOVES 1D!!!!

So, in a limo they went to NOLA all dressed up... as did most of the females in her school and in the state of LA.

 Who knew that Emerson and another buddy, Camille, would be sitting on the same row at the concert.

So at 1:45am I picked her up at Stella's house and I let her sleep until she woke up. She knew she had to go to school and also had 2 tests, so getting up wasn't sooo bad.  She popped up at 8am, ate breakfast and we reviewed all her test materials.  She checked into school around 9am. 

This was a first for her and she did great! She even made it thru Girls on the Run that afternoon after school.  Needless to say, she went to bed early and slept in the rest of the weekend.