Afternoon

It was a beautiful afternoon, so we had to get out and enjoy some sunshine!  We headed down to the neighborhood park to play.  I love these precious smiles!

OWAN Decorating

Jessica and I had a great time decorating the ballroom for OWAN.  The Vegas glam theme came together perfectly, and the event was a huge success for Old Union.

Worn Out

I love these two sweethearts so much, and I love seeing them cuddle.  Tonight, they were exhausted!

Big Girl Bed

We took off one side of Ridley's crib and converted it to a toddler bed.  She was thrilled and climbed in and out, over and over.  Time slow down.

The Escape Room

I had a blast out with the MOPS tonight at the Escape Room.  We were put in a room to figure out the mystery and escape in 60 seconds.  It was hilarious and so much fun!  Needless to say, we didn't make it out in time, and we had tons of clues.  

We all had fun and lots of laughs, so it was a great night!

Valentine Photo Booth

The littles had a Valentine photo booth at their pre-school.  I giggled when I received the proofs.  The first one breaks my heart, because it is so obvious that Reed wasn't feeling it.

He somehow gets it together for a forced smile.

Ridley is playing coy or a little Dr. Evil with her pinkie in her mouth. 

These children crack me up!  Happy Valentines' Day!

Jump Rope for Heart

Ryland participated in Jump Rope for Heart again this year through his school.  Today was the jump roping presentation of skills.  He has gotten so much better in a year, and it is cool to see his coordination develop.  

CHCS Valentines

I dropped off two adorable little ones today with all their Valentine goodies.  Reed was the talk of the school with his dear stand box, and he was so proud.

Ridley was playing hard to get this morning.  She refused to smile and after several tries, I gave up.  She still looked precious in her heart dress.

In the afternoon, I joined Reed at his Valentine party. They had this large note pad that each student said what they love.  Our sweet Reed said mom and dad. My heart melts...

Sweet Reed getting all sugared up with an ice cream sundae full of toppings!

Look who is finally smiling!  Miss Riddles had a great party!

Valentine Crafting

It is serious Valentine prep time at our house.  Ryland and I finished home created valentine cards with melted Crayon hearts.  He was excited about the deer head stamp and camo paper.

The finished Crayon hearts packaged in camo.

The Valentine box ended up perfect!  It is a great dear stand.

Ryland's Teacher Conference

I always love to hear how wonderful my kids are doing in school.  Today, I met with Ryland's teacher for the annual conference.  We spoke about how Ryland is doing in the class and where he falls with the expectations of the district.  Of course, he is exceeding expectations academically, and he is a class favorite.  Mrs. Evans filled me in on how kind and sweet Ryland is to everyone in his class.  He is a genuine boy that cares about his classmates.  My heart is so full!

Friends

Ryland has made a great friend at school, and he and Grant are big buds.  It is so much fun to see them interact and play but most of all just be silly boys.

The Tree

One of my favorite things about our house is the old oak trees.  The children love them as well.  Today was all about climbing with their friends.  How many kids can climb one tree at the same time?  So many special moments with these trees.

Snack Protection

Our dog, Cooper, is a total mooch.  While having snacks this afternoon, Reed came up with a way to keep Cooper away from their snacks.  He set up the sofa cushions to block the snack thief.  Reed is always thinking.

Reading

Tonight after dinner and bath time, I look over to the family room to see all three of my children sitting on the sofa.  Reed was buried in his Nabi and Ryland and Ridley were looking at a book.  I could hear Ryland reading to his sister and explaining the story.  I love when they are sweet to one another.

Mermaid Party

Saying Goodbye to One

As I was getting Ridley ready for bed tonight, I am full of mixed emotions.  I can't believe my sweet sunshine will be two tomorrow.  I will kiss those adorable cheeks one more time, and tomorrow I will begin the terrific twos!  I love you, Ridley Claire!

White

After way too much consideration, thought, and paint samples, my walls are white.  I am so excited to see the finished product.  It is already so very bright and cheerful! 

Playing

In my longing for less stress and a slower pace, I took the kids on a walk/bike ride this afternoon after school.  We headed down to the greenbelt to enjoy the trails.  Before I knew it, we were playing in the creek and under the bridge. 

This is the last photo of the day, and I love it.  I love their sweet expressions of joy!

Pallet Party

While John Chris is away skiing, I have been enjoying lots of sweet moments with my children.  Tonight, I thought it would be fun to try a pallet party.  I laid out lots of blankets and pillows in my room, thinking that the party wouldn't last long.  We cuddled in and watched a little Paw Patrol.

Before I knew it, all three of the kiddos were out, and even Cooper sneaked in. 

Sweet dreams sweet babies!

Sticker Time

What's a girl to do while her brothers learn more Jui-Jitsu?  Sticker books!  Ridley and I had so much fun playing with stickers this evening during class.  The simplest joys are sweet, and she is helping me slow down and appreciate time.