Cole's 2nd Birthday!

I wanted to include some more pictures from Cole's birthday celebration. We had a wonderful night together! For the most part, after almost 8 years, we are pretty used to being away from family, but there are those times when you just really miss them....holidays and birthdays...so it was really great to have our dear friends come and have such a fun party celebrating our "Cole-Man". The night before, Tod and I had gone out to do some birthday shopping at Toys R Us...you have never seen 2 adults having more fun. Finally, after all these years, we get to buy boy toys...trucks, cars, tools, trains, robots, etc....you name it, we looked at it! We had to do some serious selecting to figure out what of all the options we would finally settle on. Cole still ended up with quite a haul! We love this boy.

At the Mayor's Office

After my trip to San Antonio was already planned, Ashton received a big honor at school. Her artwork, along with one other student's, was chosen to be displayed at the Mayor's office for the next year, representing her school. You can imagine my dismay when I found out that the reception was on the same day I was leaving for my trip! I was sick about missing such a big event for my gal, but thanks to my willing neighbors and hubby, we were able to work it all out...I got dropped off at the airport, the little kids went to a friend's house, and Tod took Ashton to her thing. She was able to meet the mayor as well as be recognized at the City Council meeting. We are very proud of her! (According to her, her work is a "still life done in the style of pointilism).

Sisters in San Antonio

It all started back in January when my mother-in-law visited San Antonio. She and my sister-in-law, Kym, hatched a plan for a girls weekend in March to see the musical "Wicked" in San Antonio...I never thought it could really happen, but everything fell into place and we were all able to meet up and have some pretty amazing days together. My sister Katy lives in San Antonio (Tod's oldest brother and fam also live there), my sister Mel came from Utah, and Cindy and Megan came from Missouri. It was so neat to be able to be with my sisters and also my in-laws. We had so much fun!

I'll be honest, getting away was not easy...but thanks to a very willing husband (and lots of rescheduled piano lessons), I was able to do it...and it was heavenly!!!!

I have heard SO much about "Wicked" and I didn't want to be disappointed, so I set my expectations pretty low. Let's just say, it was INCREDIBLE...I was so impressed and loved it...definitely something I want to take the girls to see. The music is beyond amazing, and we have been listening to it non-stop ever since! After the muscial we ate at "Mi Tierra"...a delicious Mexican restuarant.

The rest of the trip included a day at the River Walk, lunch at County Line, shopping, touring HEB grocery store where Nick works, playing with Sutton, LOTS of talking and laughing, funny stories, amazing Texas weather, a BBQ with both families, and just an all around good time.

When I first arrived and was walking towards the baggage claim at the airport, I spotted my sisters chatting together. For just a moment, it took my breath away- these 2 girls are my best friends and I love them so much. The chance to spend time with them is rare and precious. I am so glad we took this trip.

It's Always Fun When Grandpa Comes...

We had a very special treat at the end of February...my dad came out to visit us for the weekend. The main reason for his visit was to work on the wiring and lights for our basement...he is an electrical engineer and so good at what he does. There was no doubt we wanted his help to "enlighten" our dark basement cave. He and Tod worked very hard and got almost everything done. It was so great to have Grandpa all to ourselves and we enjoyed every minute of it. When the guys weren't busy working we got to go to both of the older girls' basketball games, watch BYU basketball on TV and even squeeze in a few card games and bedtime stories. We also had a lasagna dinner using the same recipe that my mom always used. It was yummy and nostalgic. I love having my dad around. He is so kind and patient and such a good example. He is also an extremely hard worker. I am so glad that he took time out of his busy life to come and help us. It was a wonderful weekend together.

The girls were so excited to pick Grandpa up from the airport- His flight didn't come in until quite late, but they insisted on coming with me.

While at the airport, we saw the "American Pickers" and couldn't resist getting a picture with Mike. (American Pickers is a History channel TV show. It is based in Iowa)

Grandpa working hard while Tod "assists".

Reading stories and playing card games...

Watching B-ball...

Lasagna Dinner

Birthday Boy

Can't believe this guy is 2 years old today! Where has the time gone? We are STILL amazed we have a boy in this family...and we LOVE it!!!! I love this picture of him at the airport- it reminds of so many things about him at this age...He is fiercely independent- notice how he had to pull the suitcase by himself. If he wants something, he will get it- this includes opening doors, getting in the fridge, climbing, etc. He is very opinionated about everything...including the fact that he despises the jammies he is wearing and changed them right when we got home. He also insisted that I cut the feet out of them! He is also in love with his "B-Boots" (that's what he calls them). He rarely takes them off! Oh, we love this guy so much. Happy Birthday Manny!

This picture is of him this morning when we were leaving to take the girls to school. We were telling him it was his birthday and trying to get him to smile...this is what we got!

Catching Up....

The last few weeks have been crazy and busy. I've wanted to sit down several times to update this blog, but it just hasn't happened. I hardly know where to start, so I think I'll just post some pictures and the main highlights...

First, we had a HUGE blizzard during the first week of February. It was the biggest storm in these parts since the 70's. School was closed for 2 days and Tod was even home from work. I could not believe how much snow we got in such a short period of time. Digging out was a pain, but it was actually really nice to just chill out.

I got to work on cleaning/organizing the basement. And I did some sewing!!! I made a new blanket for my newest niece, Beth (Chris and Marieta's daughter). I have also been making skirts for the girls since we can't find any church clothes in the stores. It was so nice to have time to create!

Basketball is still going strong...we are having such a good time. It is the perfect indoor activity for this time of year.

Last weekend was big for our family. Tod was called to be the Bishop of our ward (leader of our church congregation). I'm not really sure how to feel about it yet...it will mean lots more time away from us, but also blessings for our family.

Steve and Cindy came up to spend the weekend with us. We loved having them and their support meant a lot. I know they are proud of their boy. I love this good, good man. (This is us before our Valentine's Date)

Valentine's Day seemed to spring up on us this year, especially being on a Monday. We still had a lot of fun with new outfits (thanks Grandma!), treats, class parties,etc.e

We thought a lot about our Valentine angel, Grandma Kim, as it would have been her 61st birthday. I was spoiled with getting flowers from my mother-in-law and my hubby.

Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

For a few years now, we have had a problem...when winter hits, our home is taken over by winter gear- snowpants, boots, coats, gloves....you know what I'm talking about. Most days, our banister post was covered and there were still things everywhere! We have a small entry way and couldn't quite come up with a solution...until....Tod decided to take matters into his own hands. He completely unloaded the coat closet and then installed a new shelf halfway across at a lower level. It was so simple...and has made a huge difference. Hence, the title of the post. Now everything has a place and the kiddos can hang up their own things. It reminded me how sometimes in life, we just need to change a few little things to see some big differences. I think about that each time I open our "new" closet.

In typical January fashion, it is SO cold here. The kids have been spending a lot of time playing with sleeping bags and blankets.

Regan got sick again and Jordan was so nice about playing with her and comforting her. Friday was one of the coldest days we have had this winter. I had seen the news so I knew to really bundle everyone up for school. As we pulled out of our garage, I noticed the temperature (displayed on the van dashboard) dropping rapidly. It started around 20 (in the garage) and slowly plummeted. Each time I would announce the new reading, the girls would shriek and shrill. By the time we got to school, the temp was 5 degress below 0 (add in windchill and you have a pretty cold day!) We were giggling so hard and thought we were pretty funny. I love mornings like that.

Basketball is in full swing and I LOVE it! I need to take pictures soon. Those who know me well know that I have a passion for b-ball. Growing up it was my "main" sport and to this day, I love the sound of the bouncing ball and sqeauky tennis shoes on the gym floor. The girls are doing great- Ashton is on fire this year and even Jordan is getting into the swing of things. They get so excited when they score and it is just so fun!!!

I leave you with the words of a paper Jordan brought home a couple of days ago. Her writing went like this, "I wish it was Spring. I could play out side, plant flowers. Or I can ride my bike. All I want is it to be Spring. In Spring we can look forwd to Ester."

I couldn't agree more...but we are are still managing to enjoy the last couple of weeks of January. (And if you are really bored, perhaps you would like to dress up in your sister's clothing and bee-bop around the house for a while!)