Sunday @ Poppa & Grandma Dee's

The Ardoins had us over Sunday for a day of good food and relaxation. We had one of our favorite of Grandma Dee's culinary creations--chicken and tasso. We don't get rice and gravy too often so we were licking our chops as soon as we walked through the door. We had homemade milkshakes and malts for dessert. Some chocolate. Some vanilla. Some strawberry. Dad even had a caramel malt--delicious!!! We also spent the afternoon playing several games and the kids got to catch up on a few movies. First, we played Beyond Balderdash--a great game for creative minds and bluff masters. Then we followed that with a couple of games of Pegs and Jokers, an Ardoin family favorite. For those of you who haven't heard of Pegs and Jokers, it is a game similar to Sorry, only with more twists and strategies. Plus you play in teams which requires even more strategy. Our last game was a Chopin family favorite--Pokeno. From straight Pokeno, to Four Corners, to Black Out, to Picture Frame--we played just about every way possible. After a great day of laughter, food and relaxation, a tuckered-out Chopin family headed home.

Big Fun in Butte La Rose

Saturday brought a lot of outdoor fun for Gus, Beedle and Dad--on a day that looked bleak after earlier rain showers. Dad's BNI (Business Networking International) group held a BBQ social for the members and their families. It was held at Danny Landry's uncle's camp in Butte La Rose. Danny was very hospitable. In addition to serving BBQ'd hamburgers, hot dogs, beans and roasted corn, Danny allowed the kids (and adults) to take advantage of some recreational activities--fishing and kayaking. The boys got to fish for a good while. Both Gus and Beedle caught some fish (on their own). Unfortunately Dad was not there with the camera when the fish were caught, but the rumor is they were some record-setting catches. In fact, Dad failed to take a picture of Gus' most amazing catch--a three-foot alligator! Gus fought with him for a few seconds. Fortunately, the alligator was not aggressive; he just ate his cork and swam away. But it's not everyday a kid catches an alligator! After the boys caught their fair share, Danny was nice enough to take them for a ride in his yellow kayak. The boys had so much fun! Dad even got a chance to take it for a paddle or two with his boys. By 6pm it was time to go home. The boys said their goodbyes and headed home to tell their tales to Mom, Gracie and James. A special thanks goes out to all the BNI members and their loved ones in attendance who helped make the day so great. And a very special thanks to Danny Landry for warmly welcoming everyone to his family's camp!

Malia is Born!!!

What a blessed day! Our friends, The Thomas Family, had their fourth child--the beautiful angel, Malia Therese. She is truly a blessing to all, especially her family. All prayers have been answered--God has given them a healthy child. Both Malia and her mother are doing great--no complications. We will continue to pray that Malia is inundated with the Holy Spirit and has continued good health. Thank you, Lord, for sweet Malia!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is Mom's birthday! My lovely bride turned 32 today. We celebrated her "birthday eve" at GiGi's house with a nice dinner and red velvet cake--Mom's favorite. It was a joint birthday celebration as Mom shares the same birthday as Uncle Charlie (only he's 55!). It was a great time.

Today started off with a late sleep (later than normal, at least) and gifts from her family--homemade cards from the kids and a special birthday message from Dwight Schrute...


















Mom got to eat her favorite food...
















Watermelon!!!

GiGi was so kind to watch Gus, Beedle and Gracie for the night which allowed Mom, James and I to go out to eat to celebrate Mom's birthday. From what I heard, they did not mind as they went to Piccadilly's and watched movies. We, on the other hand, went to one of Mom's favorite restaurants--Antoni's. It is a quaint, authentic Italian restaurant with wonderful food and a very peaceful ambiance--exactly what Mom needed after a day where the kids were not on their best behavior. The three of us enjoyed our dinner (even James got to eat!) and then we made our way for coffee at CC's Coffeehouse--another favorite pastime of Mom's. After we drank our coffee, we headed for home where we watched a couple of episodes of The Office and caught up, once again, with Dwight Schrute. All in all, I think Mom had an OK birthday.

Many of you know Mom already. I think you'll agree with me that we are truly blessed that she is on this earth and in our lives. I am very honored to have been around her for almost a third of her life. She is a person of great joy and love. I hope she has many, many, many more birthdays to come! And I think the world does too! Happy Birthday, Mom! I love you!

Book Worms

Today was an exciting library day. The Kids have been going to "library school" on Tuesdays but today brought extra excitement. After their little class, they got prizes for their summer reading. They each earned a certificate and some coupons to several places around town. Their most prized possession was a tattoo! The kids love to get their new books from the library. This is a picture of them as they came in from the library. They make little piles of books and divvy them up. I remember doing this as a kid too(with Halloween candy!)

Growing Up

Wow, James is already four months old!

How does that happen? It seems like yesterday Gus was a baby and now we have four kids! James is growing faster than any of our other kids did. He is officially on the growth chart, and I love to squeeze his fat little legs. It must be because he is loved more. Beedle makes sure of that. I don't know how Gus ever grew with out older siblings. James loves to watch the others entertain him, and they always include him in the fun. The kids push his seat around from room to room so everyone can be together. When James finally falls asleep, Beedle makes sure to arouse him so he does not miss out on the party! Mom and Dad get time in after the others are sleeping. It just feels good to snuggle with a baby. Lots of kissing and cooing going on over here. It is sad to think of how fast they are all growing. To think one day our very busy house may be empty!

A Fun Sunday with GiGi

We had a GREAT Sunday! We spent most of the day with GiGi. We went to church (on time!), we went out to Cracker Barrell for lunch and then we BBQ'd some trout and spent the evening at her house.



Gus, Gracie, Mom and Dad played a little baseball. Gus is getting much better everytime he picks up the bat and ball. Gracie is still learning the fundamentals but does not lack the passion.

As is tradition, we all played a game of Farkle. GiGi was the big winner with Gus finishing a close second. Mom took the bronze. And the participation award went to Dad & Gracie who finished dead last! Oh well! However, disappointment did not last as GiGi celebrated her victory with her beloved grandkids.

Good Friends, Good Times

Saturday brought lots of fun for our family. The boys went to a birthday party with Dad and Mom went to a luncheon with the younger two kiddos. When we finally made it home there was a special surprise ...

Okay, so what you don't see is Mom pigging out as well! I have a case of nostalgia every time I hear the ice-cream truck meandering through the neighborhood. What can I say...I am a sucker. The kids were thrilled to have a day of treats. We even had PIZZA and a nice visit from more friends that evening.

Vacation Bible School '08

It was that time of year again for the boys to experience Vaction Bible School at St. John's Cathedral. This year's theme was Rainforest Adventure. Gus and Beedle had a wonderful time. Mom had some good one-on-two time with Gracie and James, while the boys were learning more about sharing, giving, growing, loving and praising (yes, these were the topics each day). The school concluded with a performance by all of the children. They sang and danced, praising God. They had a special treat afterwards...a waterslide! Here is a piece of the performance...

As you can see, Gus & Beedle were not necessarily the loudest, but their hearts were in the right place.

Here's a video of Beedle getting a little more into it...