Stuart Little

 Makayla was recently cast in her second play at Amarillo Little Theater. It was the production of Stuart Little! She was so excited to be a part of this play. Although, I was not in town for opening weekend, I was able to watch a full run dress rehearsal and they killed it! I am always so amazed at the level of talent among these kids. They rehearsed for about a month including all of Christmas break. They performed four school shows and 5 public performances.

                                    James and the boys watched two shows over the weekend.

proud brothers

a performance tradition...flowers!

break-a leg notes for our star!

James Henry's favorite thing about every show is intermission!

Sunday afternoon's show and beautiful roses

proud dad!

 For their strike party, the cast went ice skating and celebrated a sold-out weekend!

celebrating Stuart Little style!

We are so proud of Makayla for all her hard work, long hours, late nights and dedication!

We are so thankful she is doing what she loves.

Amarillo Little Theater has been such a blessing to our family and we are beyond thankful for the adults that take so much time with the kids and pour so much love into their lives! 

Makayla's 12th birthday

Our sweet not so baby girl turned 12 yesterday! She celebrated with her friends over the Christmas break with a slumber party. We made mugs and pillowcases. They had a nacho bar, hot chocolate  and cookie cake. They watched movies and stayed up ALL night! She has some really sweet friends.

We had our family dinner over the weekend at Golden Corral. (Makayla's choice)

She loves, I mean really loves Dr. Who!

new movies from Nonna

 Yesterday James Henry and I had lunch with Makayla at school and bought cupcakes to share with her class. James had to work yesterday but the first thing Makayla told me when we got there was, "Daddy called me at school and I left my class to go talk to him on the phone!" How sweet is that?! I love that man so much, he is the best dad! He couldn't stand missing her day so he called her at school to wish her a happy birthday.

                        When Makayla got home yesterday her new reading corner was waiting on her..
                                                    (It is the start of a room re-do for her!)
                                           

                                                                     She loved it!

 Last night was the final full run dress rehearsal for Stuart Little before performances began today. How cool is it to get sang Happy Birthday to by all 40 of your cast-mates and sharing cupcakes with them!

It was a really great day. I can't believe next year she will be a teenager! Time, please slow down!

Guys Only Trip

Over the Christmas break, The Lis men went to Louisiana for a long weekend and spent time with our families and on the family land in Arkansas. They had a great time and are still talking about it. I know it was a fun trip, just the guys on a road trip, hunting and hanging out.

This is how you eat on a road trip without mom

James' deer stand view in the morning...

Christopher loves hanging out by the campfire.

another morning deer stand view

Christopher peeking out of his papa's deer stand

He is an awesome shot!

James' deer stand buddy in the mornings....

Christopher and papa discussing wilding sticks

I cant get enough of this gorgeous view

The fearsome hunting trio..James, Christopher and James' Uncle Dave


 

                                 

The weekend wasn't all hunting...there was a lot of time spent with their grandparents.

James loved the time he got to spend with his meme and pop and loved yelling at Cowboys together whole watching the game.

Since Makayla had rehearsals all weekend we stayed in Amarillo and had a fun girl's weekend full of shopping and Dr. Who marathons! They did bring some back lots of goodies and Makayla received all her Christmas presents from her grand parents.

                               

                               

These are the trips memories are made of....

Ringing in 2014

We spent New Years Eve like we always do, just the 5 of us. We enjoy staying home and being safe and being with the people who matter most. This year we had family game night and appetizers were on the menu! It was a fun night!

We played Star Wars Trouble...

Had a silly time together....

We played HeadBanz...

Our family favorite, Rummikub...

And Christopher bought back mine and James' favorite past time of Dominoes!  

James Henry lasted until about 9:30 and Makayla lasted until about 10:15. Christopher was the only one who stayed up until midnight with James and I. 

Makayla spent New Years Day at rehearsal and the rest of us cleaned up our Christmas decorations. We had our family tradition of Cajun cabbage for dinner. I wouldn't have wanted to ring in the New Year any other way! 

Happy 2014!