Mahoney Christmas Celebration

William loves the holidays. Grandparents and more grandparents, presents and more presents-- what more could he ask for? Grammy and Poppy spent the week before Christmas with us and we had a great time!

We celebrated Christmas with my stepsister and brother-in-law and our adorable nephew, Max. Here are some pics:

Maren was in great spirits!

Max is getting so big and sitting up so well!

Max & his Poppy

William and his Backyardigan's book. This was the theme for this Christmas.

Max opening his first Christmas presents.

This was Max's first time with carrots. He loved them!

Me & Aimee

Me & my sleepy girl

The Louisiana Gang

Last weekend we had a cookie swap and family gathering with all of our friends from Louisiana. We had a great time! There's something comforting in being with friends from "home". Heidi and Brian were wonderful hosts. There aren't any pics of the big kids because they spent all night playing in the basement! The Dad's were wonderful and kept the babies for most of the night. Thanks guys!!

Emily & Gracie

Emily, Gracie & William

Michael & Maren

Mike & Emily

Mason

Matthew

Brian & Ron

The guys on Daddy Duty!

The Girls!

Mindy, Me, Mel, Heidi, Rona & Catrina

Our Hostess with the Mostest!

We took our baking seriously!

We all pigged out and took plenty of cookies home.

Thank you Johnsons!

Thanks Alex and Jakob for keeping William entertained-- you all are the best!

Thanks Diane!

We received an early Christmas present from Michael's aunt. I couldn't get William to stop dancing around to take this picture! He loves hats and gloves! He's been wearing them to school everyday since he got them.

Diageo Party

Michael's company had their Christmas party last weekend. His boss hosted the party at his home. We had a great time. Santa made an appearance and even brought presents for the kids. It was also quite nice to have the Hillman's there with us.

Christmas Tree

There has been so much going on lately so our tree decorating has gotten spread out over the week. William has been begging to put the angel on the tree. We finally got to that point last night. He was disturbed at first that it wasn't a star that was going on top. They put a star on the tree at school so he thought we should do the same.

I of course requested we take another picture without William's belly showing. Michael looked at me like I had four eyes, so I let it rest. At least they're both smiling and looking at the camera!

We're a Baking Family

I've always posted all of Michael's great cakes so I thought I'd take a picture of my latest baking efforts. I had a Christmas gathering with my girls from work and I offered to bring dessert. I was very proud of my sweets. The cake was so pretty AND it tasted good. I was a bit tougher on myself with the cupcakes. It's a work in progress!

My Big Girl

Last Saturday I started Maren on rice cereal. She is going great! Here are some shots of her first try with cereal and the spoon. It's been almost a week and now she smiles and gets so excited when she eats her cereal that it's hard to get her to stay still.

Christmas PJ's

When I was shopping last week I saw these cute Christmas PJs for the kids. I didn't know if William would like them because they are "all-in-one" jammies with feet. Suprisingly, he loves them! I am hoping to get a picture with both he and Maren together. Stay tuned!

Santa Picture

Santa comes to William's school to take pictures. It makes it easy for us because we don't have to fight the mall crowds. William was really excited to see Santa and have Maren there with him. Maren just woke up before we put her in Santa's arms.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Ok, so its been in the 70's this week, but the past few weeks it's been getting pretty cold. I have to bundle Maren up before we head out to bring Will to school.

Maren at 3 Months Old

Maren at 3 months with Petunia

She is getting more smily and chatty everyday! We're loving it!

Our Thanksgiving Trip

We went to New Orleans for Thanksgiving to celebrate with our family. As usual we had a jam packed trip!

SUCRE

Our first day we were home we went to Sucre. It is a sweet shop on Magazine Street that is partly owned by my former boss, Joel Dondis. It is a really cool place! Joel has done an amazing job on a concept he's been working on for years. It's great to see it come full circle into a beautiful store with delicious sweets and gelato. Check out the website: http://www.shopsucre.com/. The pictures on the website are enough to make your mouth water!

William clearly enjoyed his chocolate gelato.

William & Dede picking out chocolates.

Maren appropriately dressed with her purse of sweets!

After we pigged out we went to visit my Maw-Maw and bring her some sweets. It was the first time she got to see Maren. Maren was in a wonderful mood, smiling for everyone.

THANKSGIVING

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving day eating and relaxing!

Maren obviously enjoyed cuddling with her Aunt Christy & Aunt DeDe

William & Uncle Mike had some quality time too.

LSU Game

Friday Michael and I went to Baton Rouge to see the LSU/Arkansas game. Everyone knows how that game ended up. Needless to say it was a quiet ride home! Who knew that loss wouldn't mess up our chance to play for the National Championship! It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed be back together for the first time in 2 years.

Mike's new cage. It is huge and there was quite a crowd checking it out.

Thank goodness our seats are in the sun for most of the game because it was COLD!

William & his Papaw watched the game together.

MAREN'S BIG DAY

Saturday we had Maren christened at the chapel in Jesuit High School. Michael's uncle, Millard is a priest so it's a great family affair! Michael's sister, Tara and her husband Jim are Maren's godparents. We were so excited that they could come in from LA to be with us. William was especially excited to get to visit with his cousin Ellie. Nana and Pop even braved a night with the 3 of them- Will, Ellie and Maren.

Tara, Jim & Ellie

After the christening we had a get together at Michael's parents' house. We are so thankful for all of the family and friends who came to visit us. I really meant the world to us to see so many of you -- thanks again!

Julie, Sally (with her daughter, Charlotte) and I used to work together at Commander's Palace. Everytime I go in town I need to get my fix! I miss them dearly!

Sherry is a high school friend of mine. Her blog is linked to mine. She is great at updating her blog! Her son, Gavin came over and had a chance to play with William. They both had a great time together.

Mike & Maren-- he's a natural!

My Stepbrother and his wife, Jen did't get a chance to make it to the party, but I'm so glad they came to visit afterwards. Their daughter, Keira was born in May. I love that the girls are so close in age.

Pat & Maren

Jen & Keira

COUSINS

They were so cute together! (Until they went 2 days without a nap!!)

DEDE

My stepsister, Dawn claims that all babies cry when she holds them. My children on the other hand LOVE her! Maren was just as happy as can be anytime she was with Dede. Dawn fed her and even changed her diaper-- that's a very bid deal!!

The diaper changing needed to be documented!