An Extra 24 Hours

It's Leap Day...an extra 24 hours to do that stuff you don't normally get to do. With a significant snowfall the night before, the kids and I decided to spend a little time outside enjoying that white stuff we haven't seen much of this winter. Sophia helping me shovel the path
Taking a little break to enjoy the snow

Becasue the snow was so heavy and wet, Jack had a hard time moving around.

He spent most of the time in one spot, with his legs spread apart and a blank stare on his face. Jacob sat by Jack to keep him company and taught him that you can eat the snow...only the WHITE snow!

Then we built a snowman. Frosty. I know, real original.

It was fun to use that extra 24 hours to make a special memory that will last must longer than an extra day.

My Funny Valentine

It's Valentine's Day...and what better way to spend it than with one of your favorite Valentine's!?! This morning, I got to volunteer in Jacob's classroom during his Valentine's Day party. We got to play games, make crafts and have a special Valentine's Day treat. Jacob was so proud to have me in his class (something I realize he won't be all to eager to have me do in the not-so-distant future). My Valentine being a little goofy!
"Heart Breaker"
*****
And what a heart breaker he is!! I found out that he has a special Valentine in his class named Abbi. They gave each other numberous hugs at the end of the day, and on the car ride home, he confessed that Abbi was his Valentine. "She's a pretty special girl, Mom."
I guess Cupid's arrow can hit at any age.

Segl's Big Day

They say that blood is thicker than water. Well, Segl must have some Person blood running through his veins because he's always been like another uncle to our kids. So, it seemed only fitting that we help him celebrate his 30th birthday!

Trying to get a good picture before blowing out the candles...

...impossible task!
Happy Birthday, Segl!

Jack Frost

I wouldn't say I'm a winter kinda girl. This mild weather we've been having this winter is fine with me. But it's mornings like this... ...that make you appreciate living in a place with 4 seasons!

This morning we woke up at the cabin to a frosted wonderland! Every branch on every tree had crystals covering them...and with the sun hitting it just right, it transported us from a brown, colorless winter, to a beautiful white one!

Jack's already taking after his big brother & ready to drive the snowmobile!

Sophia's 1st Snowgirl

Ice Fishing...Sophia caught a Perch

All 3 kids on Daddy's sled

This Little Light of Mine

1/2 Birthday

Isn't it funny...when you're an adult, birthdays are viewed as the day when you're 1 year older; 1 year more "experienced"; 1 year closer to death. But when you're a kid, birthdays are all about the excitement of being older. 1 year older means more independence; 1 year closer to riding a big bus to school; 1 year closer to getting your drivers' license (yes...Jacob actually thinks about that!). And when you're little, an annual birthday party just isn't quite enough recognition for getting older...kids want to be recognized for being 1/2 a year older too!

Today, Sophia was celebrated at school for her 1/2 birthday. She was so excited to go to school and wear a birthday crown (how fitting for her), and wear a birthday necklace, and share hot pink frosted cupcakes with her class.

I guess there's something to be said for getting older. Each day we have should be celebrated. 1 year older means 1 more year to be grateful for the life we're given.