The first picture is of Payton reading bedtime stories to the boys before they go to bed. She was doing this for a good chunk of the month and the boys loved this time:
We also ventured out some this month, too:
Like here we are attending our children's museum special social. We even met up with some friends this time. Jayden had a blast and loves to attend this monthly while his siblings are in school.
February means Valentine's day and the kids got busy making boxes for their class party:
I don't think Jayden or I minded the extra time.
At conferences I got to read a haiku she wrote:
I heard excellent reports from both teachers of my children and they seem to be doing well in school and with their peers.
We play lots of board games around here:
We worked on school activities (cactus and pig puppet):
and matched cards:
And lounged some, too:
One day I spilled flower everywhere and as I went to throw it away, the kids asked to play with it for it a bit. Ask and you shall receive:
They played for over an hour!
Payton and Riley also started working on 4-h projects for the fair this summer. Here they are making message boards together:
We also got out for a birthday party for Riley's classmate. Riley was so excited as this was his first party with kids at school:
And putting together their valentine's day cards for their family and classmates:
I also surprised my sweet valentines in my house with some gifts for them on Valentine's day:
I also made some donuts for the holiday:
Payton made all of her family members their own special Valentines, complete with a haiku for each of us. Riley and Jayden made us all cards:
So a funny story about these stickers:
Payton got stamps for Christmas and kept showing me letters she put together. I never thought a thing of it and put them in the mail. Well... about a week later we got an envelope returned saying that the stamp was not a stamp but a sticker. She had sent several (about 8) letters and we got some back and some delivered, some recipients expected to pay for postage. It was a huge guessing game as to where all the cards went or were going for most of this month! And we laughed the whole time, even Payton, as she is still learning how to use stamps (and I am learning to double check better).
We also had several sick kids over this month, resulting in several days home from school.
Unfortunately, Jayden got the bug, too.
And tell me you have had a period of sick kids without saying you have sick kids:
This area is all cleaned up now as the bug has passed. But, until next time...
The kids had a dress up week. I only got one picture though of the whole week. It was dress up like a barn animal for Riley and twin day for Payton (her twin was a classmate at school)
Payton had some big stuff at school! She was selected for the student spotlight:
Back at home, we continue cooking up a storm of food. Indian tacos:
This was the best day. Next time, I plan to pack a picnic so we have more time to hike and won't end up hangry (like we did by the time we got home on this expedition).
The kids always want pizza night (they could eat it every day):
Homemade rolls and steak:
And Jayden continues on his muffin baking path:
On Sundays we listen to church in the vehicle and drive around. We are fortunate they livestream their service and it just makes sense for us in the season we are in. One such Sunday, we took a drive to the lake and then took a literal hike after services:
The weather was nice for several days in February, so took magna tiles outside:
and watered the tree lines:
One day, I received 2 pictures from the school teachers. I was just super thankful to know how well taken care of my kids are and how sweet their teachers are this year for really including me in their days:
And, the one event Payton waits for all year was here! Father daughter dance and it did not disappoint. We sent sweet Payton and her dad off to the dance and the boys and I got to hang out with grandma, who happened to be visiting:
It was just the best time! The next night, grandma watched the kids while monte and I went out for an anniversary dinner (13 years this year):
Before grandma left I was able to spend some time shopping with her and it was good to get some one on one time with her as well. It had been many months since we last saw each other. But, eventually our time together came to an end. We then returned to our regular schedule after a break weekend with grandma.
Our friend came with us one day after school and we took her to the y and taught her racquetball:
At some point in the month, the kids got really tired and asked for a rest day. So, after school one day I surprised them with pajamas and popcorn and a movie! We laid around and got that much needed rest:
I think it's safe to say it was another night well spent. Monte and I were thankful and grateful for a quick period of time away and grandma had fun with 3 of her grandkids.
Before grandma left I was able to spend some time shopping with her and it was good to get some one on one time with her as well. It had been many months since we last saw each other. But, eventually our time together came to an end. We then returned to our regular schedule after a break weekend with grandma.
We also spent some time exploring our property. Fresh air and walks just keep us grounded and reset our energy:
And then, we ended the month begging for another rest day. After you read all this you can probably see why. It's been a busy month. The kids found matching pajamas in Paytons room (courtesy of grandma from her recent visit) and we all put on pajamas again and spent a day lounging around. It was exactly what we needed to run into March:
We hope your February went well!
