Busytown for G's Birthday

The kids and I decided to take Graham on his Birthday to a show... a kid's show.  I know he loved every minute :)

Dylan captured this photo.  I was pretty impressed to find that we were actually in the photo. My camera is filled with pictures of dirt, tail lights, and plants from earlier in the day.

One of Ellison and I's favorite Rep actors. Dylan was pretty smitten as well.

I have to say that this was the first Rep production that Dylan was super excited about. He loved every minute and can't wait for his next Rep show.  So glad to have another theater lover in the family.

Yay for Busytown!

Soccer Time

 Ellison started soccer last week.  She claimed it as the "best day ever" and loved every minute of training.

Picnic and the Potty

My house was a DISASTER after being out sick for a week and Graham's back going out.  So on Saturday, I welcomed the sunshine and forced my children to spend most of the day outdoors. The picnic was necessary - I had one table covered with Girl Scout cookie orders and the other covered with Ellison's crafts.  

Mid-picnic, Dylan stood up and decided to pee... in the yard, 2 feet away from us. Olivia thought that was interesting and wanted to follow...

She was not very happy with me when I would not allow it...

Just kidding.  She is just a sassy little thing.

Valentines Day Love

It's amazing how Valentines Day changes over the years. We spent a romantic night as a family of four crashing in on Aunt Ashley and Uncle Andy's new house party. After tracking wet footprints, leaves, and dirt throughout their 2 hour old new  house and staying for way to long, we stopped for a delicious Valentines meal of pizza. We really stepped out of the norm for the big holiday!

Our pizza dinner was actually quite fabulous. The pizza place has an area fully equipped for children with buckets of toys. So while the kids ran off to play, Graham and I actually talked at dinner! (This is not normal)

The restaurant also had a make your own pizza option for kids. Ellison drew out her plan, carefully explained it to the waitress and then expertly crafted it.

Meanwhile Dylan saw the dough, checked out the toppings, and dumped them all in the middle. No rhyme, no reason.

The rest of evening was spent snuggled on the couch enjoying the perfect movie. Romantic comedy? Oh no, don't be silly. We watched Fox and the Hound.

I hope your Valentines was filled with as much love as mine was.

Class Valentines

The kids and I have had a busy week crafting Valentine treats for classmates. Ellison was very excited to make each friend a heart, decorate it, and write something special about them.

Dylan even got into the crafting... although he kept making Valentines for the same 4 people. 

I questioned my sanity after spending hours crafting "robots" for Dylan's class. Why can't I just buy Valentines?!?!

Backpack smiles

My little fashionista - it was no surprise to find this in her backpack.

It's little finds like this one that make me smile.

New House, Olivia Fun, Camera Obsessed

I took the kids by Ashley and Andy's new house for a sneak peek before they move in.  

Ellison approves.

They loved the backyard. They were attempting mounts, ending up...

on the ground.  Thank goodness for new, soft sod. 

Olivia came over to tackle, I mean play.

I was so proud of Ellison. She entertained the young ones, while I prepared dinner.

Dylan has now begun to scream, "mom, go get your camera. Take a picture of me."  

February Love

Last year we started a family tradition of leaving love notes on Ellison and Dylan's doors beginning February 1st. The kids were excited to find hearts on their door this weekend.

They immediately turned around and surprised Graham and I with our own hearts...

We are blessed.