Love

Valentine's Day. Thanks for the new pajamas Grammy! The kids get so excited for valentine's day because they love following a heart trail on the floor to their treats. For some reason I have a mental block about this detail but they reminded me this year and last year and so the tradition continues, hopefully it is set in the brain of mine now, I honestly would have totally forgot to do it. 

They got some candy and a ninja turtle toy that they used to show each other how much they loved one another by having a ninja turtle fight with their new weapons!

The girls were really excited and let Ellie around the hearts and then got Colt up and did it with him, poor kids wasn't even awake yet. Later he asked, what are these hearts for? I had to tell him about how he followed them and got his treats.

Teenage mutant ninja turtle fight. Or as Colt likes to say, teen ninja turtle. 

The girls had a fun Valentine's Day party at school with some snacks, games, and crafts. 

Eric got me some lovely roses and I got him nothing, our tradition for Valentine's day, don't be jealous of how romantic we are. :)

Fight dad session. The kids just love when they all get to attack him. That is one of the times I love him the most. 

Why do my phone pictures come out so great sometimes and terrible other times? These were one I really wanted to come out clear!! 

We went out for pizza and then hung out together. Love you guys. 

Happy Valentine's day to all my valentines! I love you love you. 

I love you <3 br="" nbsp="">

Their New Favorite

We found a new park near us that the kids are loving. It is the only one they ask to go to now. It is kind of old with lots of metal things including a merry go round and see saws! So fun for them because all the other "new" parks don't have these fun/dangerous things! It is small and closed in and perfect for us. This is just a post of a lot of pictures from the park. I like seeing all their different faces and expressions in each picture, but I can see how that can be boring for all of you reading this :)

Rachel's New Accessory!

Rachel got glasses! After struggling with writing we went to a developmental ophthalmologist who did some test and found Rachel is mixed dominant. Pretty much her brain hasn't chosen a dominant side yet to function with so it is struggle between the two. She uses her right hand to write but her left eye is dominant, which causes a problem with her eyes working together. She should out grow it in a year or so. She is also farsighted and the glasses should help her with both problems. The first day she was excited to get them but after waiting 10 days for them to arrive she lost that and didn't want to wear them. Now that it has been about a month I she does a much better job of wearing them at school everyday and puts them on when I ask at home which is great. I can definitely see an improvement in her school work all around and she is doing awesome! Her teacher even wrote a note that her handwriting has made a big improvement! Way to go Rae!

Kylie and her great family were so awesome and wanted to encourage Rachel to wear her glasses like Kylie does and brought her over a pair of glasses for her doll so their dolls could match them! Such a fun idea! Thanks so much guys, she really was thrilled about it and is doing really good at wearing them now with no fuss about it! Mission accomplished! 

We are so proud of you Rachel! You are doing a great job at school and you look beautiful in your glasses! I love to see you happy Rae! Keep up the great work and happy smiles!

The Munchkins

January. Where did that month go? A few quick reminders for the book.  

Ellie giving attitude, normal now. 

Deciding whether to hit him or let him be?

She is talking a lot more now and surprises me everyday with something new. So cute when she waves and says hi to everyone and uses her thank you's and even throws in an excuse me here and there!

Rachel, Livy and Colt were following this guy with a metal detector around the park while Ellie walks Pebbles. Free babysitting. 

Playing in the rain. 

Boxing with dad :)

Danny's 20th birthday! Who can believe he's 20 already! Happy Birthday Dan, we love you!

Outside lunches in January, thanks Houston!

Ellie is the shadow/copycat/glue to Colt. She wants to be right near him, copies the things he says and does and keeps going back for more even when she gets hurt!

We were feeling brave this day. Giving them each a shopping cart is an easy way to turn a happy trip into a screaming and stressful one. 

Busy always on the move girl still keeps me going all day everyday. Cute and fun and exhausting and is now adding temper tantrums to her list of activities for the day. 

Loves the trampoline but can't get down, just sits and waits for someone to come get her. 

Colt had a friend over and there you go.

A zoo trip that wasn't half bad! Beautiful day and the kids listened pretty well. 

Bottom line: I love them. Some days I am totally sinking and other days are peachy. But in the end I am grateful for the ride.  The only thing I wish is that I had more of a clue at what I am doing as a mom!!