Winter Update

We have had a string of illnesses coming and going through our house lately. Since Christmas break, at any given time, at least half of our family members have been sick with something or other. It stinks. It has been our worst winter! Usually Ben will be sick the most since he catches anything and everything. The kids and I may get a cold or two but that's it. But this winter has done us in! I really should buy stock in Kleenex and Vicks Vaporub.

Anyway....on to happier things...we have managed to do some fun things in January and February.

My kids LOVE big boxes.

Luke has been very into this funny little cake hat (a white elephant gift from Christmas). He loves to wear it around the house and the girls like to "blow out the candles."


Emma had her first gymnastics show. A little red riding hood theme. And super cute costumes! She did great and the show was adorable.
With her friend Kelty



The girls attended the annual Fancy Nancy party at the local library. Rachel was finally old enough to go this year and was beyond excited. They spent all morning planning their outfits and jewelry and applying layers of glittery play makeup. Cute girls!

The girls wanted to have a little Valentine party with their friends. We did it after school one day and it was a lot of fun.

Happy Valentine's Day! I love decorating the table and giving each person in the family small gifts. My mom did it for us and I loved it.


And I have to end on a sweet note.

Isn't this picture the best? Ben took the kids sledding a month or so ago. I wasn't feeling well and stayed home. When I discovered these pictures later I almost cried at how cute my little ones are! He took some beautiful photos of the kids that day in the mountains--it was such a pleasant surprise to find them when I took them off the camera. I love my darling kids so much, even during those times when I'm tempted to send them off with the circus! :)