Mardi Gras at Chicot

In my opinion, there are only 2 good things about Mardi Gras: King Cake and a day off of work. The rest of my family feels the same way, which is why we decided to get out of town for a much needed mini-vacation. We heard great things about the new cabins at Chicot State Park, and we were not disappointed!

The cabin was beautiful!

The views from inside looking out onto the water were so peaceful. I just love cypress trees!

The walk from the cars to the cabins was a little intimidating at first, but you get used to it.

We pretty much kept this going the whole time. How could you not??

My grandparents brought their RV down to the state park to spend Mardi Gras with us, and they were delighted to receive OFFICIAL GAME SHIRTS!

McCampin' McComics! (Their anniversary is 12/15)

There was no shortage of good food and good fun!

Everyone looks so friendly before the game starts...

But a "friendly" game of spoons can quickly turn dangerous...

Dinner time!

Game time!

What's a camping trip without s'mores?

Or horseshoes?

That's right...RINGER! And two more followed that one!

This was a great getaway from the craziness of Mardi Gras. Can't wait to do this again!

Get Your Game Face On!

My family LOVES to play games. Game playing is pretty much the focus of every family gathering, and this past Christmas was no exception. Therefore, my sister thought it would only be fitting to give the best Christmas gift ever...GAME SHIRTS!

Who's in the house!?!?

JC's in the house!!! (Both of their initals are J.C.)

The Youngins - Seth and Abby

"Boifren and Gurlfren"

Don't mess with...

The Packin' Prathers!

The 'Rents! (10/24 is their anniversary)

Dad is the handyman and Mom is the knitting queen, hence the hammer and knitting needle! :)

Game time in my family just got official.

Hilton Head 2011

Three years ago, Nicky's family started a tradition of going to Hilton Head, South Carolina for a family vacation. It's one of the things I most look forward to every year.

Although many aspects of the trip are the same, we try to do something different each year. This year, Nicky's parents, Nicky and I went a couple of days earlier than the rest of the family so that we could tour Savannah, GA. The small town was so beautiful, and the history was so interesting.

We ate at Uncle Bubba's - a Paula Deen restaurant!

That's some good eatin', y'all!

I highly recommend the trolley tour!

Another addition to this year's trip was the First Annual Shrimp Cook-Off!

There was a little bit of trash talking going on as we each prepared our shrimp!

There were 6 entries in the First Annual Shrimp Cook-Off!

Nanny, Nicky and I tied for 1st place with our shrimp dishes. Ben was the M.C. of the award ceremony.

The official trip t-shirt was a tradition that started last year. Here's a look at this year's shirt:

This is one of Pop's favorite quotes - the guys found it to be appropriate when referring to their shrimping adventures.

Gan and the guys!

Hilton Head is nothing but a good time with family!

The guys plus Gan!

Biking on the Beach

Nicky and his brothers

The girls!

I can't wait to see what new traditions we make next year!

The Prather's Past Year

It just occurred to me that I have not blogged in almost a year! I miss it terribly, as it was such a great way to share what we were up to here in Houma. We spent a lot of time on the road, but we also spent a lot of time putting down roots here in Houma. We've joined a church (First Baptist Church of Houma), I'm a member of Junior Auxiliary, and I started a Book Club with 4 wonderful girlfriends. Nicky loves his job and has made great friends who share his love of hunting, fishing, shooting guns, and playing golf. He's become a member of the Coastal Conservation Association and Ducks Unlimited. Needless to say, Houma has become home for us. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into our past year!


Last March, I made a trip to Shreveport, LA with my mom and sister to attend a baby shower for my cousin, Amber.

Amber, Jenni, Me and Granny

A few of the McComic ladies

I displayed my sewing skills by making this blanket for Baby Madelyn

On April 10, Nicky and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. It's no surprise that we love food and love to try new restaurants whenever the opportunity presents itself. Nicky found The Grapevine in Donaldsonville, LA, so we had lunch there on the Saturday before our anniversary and then drove to White Castle to tour the local plantation home.

In May, Nicky and I made a trip to Baton Rouge to see my brother-in-law, Jason, receive his Bachelor's degree in Nursing.

Congrats, Jason!

A few days later, it was my little brother's turn to walk across the stage. Seth graduated from Acadiana High School!

Incredible to think that he's almost finished with his first year of college, and I remember the day he was born like it just happened yesterday!

In July, we made our way to Jackson, MS to witness a precious couple get married.

Cori and John

In August, Nicky and I took a trip up to Signal Mountain, TN to visit Uncle Charles and Aunt Linda.

The views from their home were breathtaking!

Uncle Charles let us take the convertible for a joy ride!

Aunt Linda (a.k.a. Nanny) and Nicky

They took us to their cabin for dinner one night!

What a beautiful retreat!

Nanny and Mikey firing up the grill!

We also went to Hilton Head, SC in October and Chicot State Park just this past weekend for Mardi Gras. But those deserve their own posts, so stay tuned!