Making a cross-o-lantern

This has become an October tradition in the Gouge house! Daddy and the girls clean out the pumpkin (while I take pictures) and then Michael carves a cross in it. The girls love it - but it grosses them out every time! So funny!

Go Tigers!

The girls have really gotten into the Friday night football games at the high school. I, of course, think they are the cutest little tiger-fans ever!

After Ike came to town...

We really didn't have much damage. We are very thankful that our house was untouched. When Rita came through 3 years ago - this house had to be completely gutted (I've been told). This time we had one tree down and it was short enough that it didn't touch the house. It did, however, take out the girls new swingset. :(

On the front side of the house, however, things were apparently quite peaceful. When we got home, though branches were strewn about all over, and we'd seen SO many trees down - there sat the girls' 1/2 empty bottle of bubbles on the windowsill!

Everybody dance, dance!

Tuesday, the girls started their new Ballet and Tumbling classes. They are both so excited. Alysabeth has been dreaming of this for 1/2 her life :) And Makiya is really loving the tumbling. They're both getting great exercise and learning new things and meeting new people. Plus, they look awfully cute in their little outfits! :)

First Day of School!

Monday was the girls' first day of school! Look how big they're getting! They are, without a doubt, the 2 best kids in the world! :)

Makiya is in 1st grade now and starts getting "real" grades this year. She already got her first "100"!

Alysabeth is in pre-K and LOVING it! She has really come out of her shell this year. Everyone at school is commenting on how much different and more grown up she is this year. She sees me in the hallway and, if she even acknowledges me, just waves and keeps on going.

Here are the girls new backpacks for the year. Alysabeth got a My Little Pony one with "real" hair to style. Makiya wanted a "sling" backpack with the one strap. I found this Croc one online and she has had fun decorating it with all the little Croc jibbitz things. It's the only one like it at her school!

Houston Downtown Aquarium

The last day my mom was here we got a hotel in Houston (since that's where she would fly out of first thing in the morning) and had some fun downtown. We spent several hours and the downtown aquarium and had a lot of fun. It was a great day trip!

More Fun at the Aquarium

The Aquarium also had several fun rides including a ride through a tunnel where sharks sway above and beside you. Lots of fun!