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!

Fishin' Ain't Easy

Nicky and I were invited to our friend, Matt's, fishing camp in Lake Verret. I was so excited and bought a special fishing shirt for the occasion. (I'm a girl...) Now, I've caught fish before, but NEVER have I touched one...NEVER. This particular weekend, that would all change. Apparently, when you catch a fish, you're supposed to hold it by the mouth and proudly take a picture. Not one to back down from a celebratory tradition, I stuck my thumb in that nasty mouth and smiled from ear to ear...more than once! 

This is so awkward!

There we go!

And another one!

I really can't wait to go back! There is something so wonderfully peaceful about being out on the lake in the beautiful morning sunlight. It's so easy to appreciate God's creation when you're out in the middle of it with no distractions.

'Tis the Season

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

This is our first Christmas as a married couple, and our first compromise in tradition was the tree...real or fake? I have never had a fake tree, and Nicky has never had a real tree. We decided on artificial, because it makes the most sense for apartment living. We braved the crowds of shoppers on Black Friday to purchase our first Christmas tree! Here she is in all her 6.5 ft, pre-lit glory!

Nicky believes tree toppers should lean. I think it reminds him of his favorite Christmas movie - The Grinch

Beautiful collection of ornaments

 A little fuzzy, but very exciting!

Our handmade stockings! (A wedding gift)

I love holiday place mats!

This season has been so much fun! It's exciting to start traditions with Nicky. Another thing we're trying to do this season is follow an Advent Calendar. I got the idea from my friend Jenny (who inspires me to do all things creative). In her words, the calendar is a way to celebrate Christmas by spending less, giving more, worshiping fully, and loving all. A few things on our calendar include reading the Christmas story from the Bible together, leaving a Christmas card and cookies on a few of our neighbors' doorsteps, watching a Christmas movie together, and calling a friend or relative that we haven't spoken to in a while. It's exciting to be intentional about celebrating Christ this Christmas. It sounds simple, but it's a concept that can get lost in the midst of chaos that people so often create during this time of year.

These are a few of my favorite things about Christmas:
1. Hot chocolate
2. Christmas movies (the television pretty much stays on Hallmark)
3. Christmas decor
4. Christmas musicals at local churches
5. Secret Santa in the office place
6. Wrapping presents
7. Baking
8. Time with family
9. The constant mention of Christ
10. CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!!

Mexican Food :: Check!

November meant another dinner with some of my favorite girls in the whole world! Unfortunately (and as usual) our sweet Jamie was unable to be there with us, but as the holidays approach, we know we'll get to see her soon! We celebrate Anna's and Jenny's birthdays in November, and our waiter did not dissappoint with a little celebration!

Surprise! Her boyfriend had flowers delivered!

The talented gentleman serenaded Jenny and Anna with an opera-like "Happy Birthday"...in Spanish.

Beautiful birthday girls!

We finished off the night with cake, ice cream, and a few rounds of a super fun game called "Bananagrams". I'm looking forward to December with ALL the lovely ladies!

Anna comes to Houma!

I get really excited when any of my friends or family mentions that they'll be coming to visit us in Houma! Obviously we miss Lafayette and being near everyone, but we are creating a life here, and we like for the ones we love to see our home. My dear friend Anna came to visit at the beginning of November. As soon as she got here on Sunday night, we went out for dinner. The next morning, I made waffles and coffee, and we chatted in our pajamas until noon! I showed her around Houma, then we dropped by Hobby Lobby for wreath materials! Anna runs a restaurant in Lafayette and the decor is red and gold. These wreaths will adorn her restaurant doors this Christmas!

She later added large poinsettas to the center of the gold satin ribbon. Gorgeous!

She eventually made 8 more for the windows!

Thank you for coming, Anna! Can't wait til' next time!

Renaissance Festival

My parents' 29th wedding anniversary was October 24th. As a way to celebrate, they invited Nicky and I to join them for a Saturday at the Renaissance Festival in Robert, LA. Here are a few photos from day...

He surprised everyone with his skills!

I loved these puppets.

I thought her face was precious.

We had such a wonderful time, and can't wait to go back!