My Funny Valentines

The kids had lots of fun celebrating Valentine's Day yesterday.  They each got cards to share with their friends at school.  Kate picked Barbie ones and addressed them all herself.  We taped licorice to them because it is one of her favorite types of candy (just like Mom!).  Jack picked Cars ones and Mom helped him address his.

Over the weekend Kate also made Valentine cookies with Grandma Cecile.  She decorated them all by herself.  From what I understand, there was a fair amount of frosting licking occurring during the decorating.  Last night I picked out a cookie to eat after dinner and as I was eating it, Kate said "I licked that one before I put the sprinkles on it!".  So happy I know that.

Brother & sister before school

Jack's Valentine Party

 Decorating cookies

Eating his masterpiece

 Jack and his friend Penny.  So cute!

 Jack being silly with his best friend Dominik.

When we got home from school, both kids opened all of their Valentines from their friends and teachers while I cooked some spaghetti for dinner.  Once Dave got home, we ate and then exchanged our cards for each other.


I always get the kids a gift for Valentine's Day along with a couple of treats.  This year I got Kate her first set of Legos.  They recently came out with Legos for girls and she has been wanting them.  She built this car and the car wash station with very little help from us.  Plus it was a fun activity for us to work on together!

Jack got this super cool Pirate Ship with a train track that goes through it for his Thomas trains.  It kept him busy the entire night!

And I shouldn't forget to mention that my husband spoiled me as always - flowers, cards, jewelry and all!  I am such a lucky girl!  He left for a 4 day skiing trip today and it still amazes me that after almost 9 years of marriage, I still get sad when I drop him off at the airport.  I hate it when he isn't home and can't wait for him to get back (but of course I hope he has a fabulous time)!  


Happy Valentine's Day to you all.  Hope you had a great day too!

Kickin' It

The mother of Jack's best friend Dominik belongs to a local moms group that has organized weekend soccer "drills" for their children.  She invited us to attend.  So last Sunday we took advantage of the beautiful weather and headed to the park at Lake Wilderness for a little soccer!  Here are the pictures (Dominik is in the red coat and their other buddy, Evan, is in the yellow coat):

Winter Program

Tonight we attended the kids' annual winter program.  At the beginning of the year, each classroom selects a different country.  They then learn songs from that country which they perform at the winter program.  They also create costumes and set decorations to go along with the theme.  This was the first year that Jack participated.  His class selected Jamaica.  The kids got to tie dye their own shirts and then the teachers made them headbands with dreadlocks attached.  

"Ya Mon"

Jack didn't get a very good nap today.  And ended up having a complete meltdown leading up to his big performance.  So he has tears in his eyes and his fingers in his mouth.  But he eventually got in to it and clapped for himself at the end!  They sang "Chi Chi Bam Bam" which luckily, is a very short song!

Kate's class chose Austria this year.  So they sang songs from "The Sound of Music".  Kate has been looking forward to this for weeks and she absolutely LOVED being on stage!

Kate with her two best buddies, Noah & Cameron, before the show.

Kate's good friend that lives on our street, Tatum, is in the half-day class.  They chose America for their country.

At the end, the older classes all came together and sang "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" and "It's a Small World".    

Jack started screaming during "It's a Small World".  I'll need to remember that when we go to DisneyWorld for the first time - may want to skip that ride!


It was a great show.  And don't worry grandparents, we captured it on video!

Daddy's Birthday

On Wednesday we celebrated Dave's birthday with a little party when he got home from work.  Per our usual tradition, I took Kate to the party store and let her choose the theme for the party.  This year she chose Captain America.


The night before, Dave was gone at a board meeting, so the kids and I baked his favorite molasses ginger cookies.  I also brought some of them in to work for my director whose birthday is on the same day.  Never hurts to butter up the boss!  

Here are the Captain America decorations.  I even utilized some of my 4th of July items to supplement!

Sully was at the party too of course.

We had pizza from The Rock for dinner along with Captain America fruit snacks.

 After dinner it was time for presents!

The Captain America mask & action figure which Kate picked out for his gift.

I have a feeling the kids may get more use out of those gifts than Dave does!

Dave getting birthday wishes from my parents while wearing one of the gifts they sent him.

 After presents, it was time for cake!  As usual, Dave's favorite, a Baskin Robbins Rocky Road ice cream cake.

Good stuff!

Kisses for Daddy!

We love you Daddy!  Happy Birthday!  Enjoy your last year in your 30s!  Oops!  Did I say that out loud?