Graydon and I did some snow day baking. Banana muffins are my favorite way to use overly ripe bananas.
Curtis earned his yellow belt!
Our youth group had a chili supper fundraiser after church one Sunday and the kids helped serve.
Dinner with our neighbors and a belated birthday gift for Graydon!
Science experiments with baking soda, vinegar, and a balloon.
All three of them love to drink smoothies.
She doesn't quite understand personal space.
The kids like to watch baking shows and Graydon was really inspired to make French Macaroons. This is not an easy dessert to make. The first step is whipping eggs to make a meringue - which I had never done before.
For first timers, they didn't turn out too bad. We got the "feet" that you are supposed to get. I just left the in the oven a little too long, so they were a little crispier than they should have been.
Doctor check-ups for the older two. When I scheduled their appointment for 8am in early February, I neglected to consider that we'd be in the height of cold and flu season (and this season has been particularly rough in our area). The waiting area was packed when we showed up for our scheduled appointment because first thing in the morning was also walk-in clinic hours. Even the well section of the waiting room was filled with sick kids. I was so concerned that we were going to pick up something while waiting there. Fortunately, they called us back right away so we didn't have to wait out there as long. This is how the kids feel about their paper gowns.
But neither had to get shots! And, it's been a month and none of us have been sick!
More of Mabel trying to get just as close as she possibly can.
My friend Jessica's husband passed away a year ago on February 10th. We had a little girls' night to take Jessica out, remember Jesse, and support her as best as we could. There were tears, of course, but lots of laughter too.
Time to assemble valentines!
Curtis was probably the least happy about having to write out all of the names. I overheard him say to himself, "Thank you, Ava, for having such a short name."
I made valentines for all of my first graders too.
And we made little gifts for the teachers. I crocheted some washcloths to go with the scrubs.
Graydon did a research project on John Adams.
This was his final product! I should have taken a photo of it right after he finished. This was after it hanging at school for a week. Some of the labels are starting to peel away. But I think he did a nice job on it.
On February 12, Andy left for a ten-day adventure to the Holy Land!
I kept tabs on him through the Find Friends app on my phone. Who knew it would still work from so far away!
He was gone for Valentine's Day, but I did receive this flower from him. :)
I made our traditional heart-shaped pizza. Not a pretty picture, but it tasted good!
I also make chocolate-covered strawberries every year.
My mom came in that evening and she stayed until the morning that Andy got back. It was so nice to have her here and made Andy's time away easier and more fun.
By this point, Andy had moved on to Jerusalem.
I believe this is the Garden of Gethsemane. Andy has lots of photos to share. Maybe one of these days, I can get him on here to share about his trip.
After church one Sunday, we took the boys' youth group to Urban Air. They had a blast!
More of sweet Mabel.
Bella's class did a STEM project where they build cars using mouse traps and recycled materials. She and her partner were chosen to present their cars at a school board meeting.
On February 22nd, Andy came home from Israel! We were glad to have him back!
The following Saturday, we went to a donkey basketball game at the high school. During half-time, the kids got to ride donkeys.
Curtis also rode a donkey, but his photo ended up super blurry.
Bella's basketball team was honored at the sports banquet.
Friday night selfies. (Graydon was away at a sleepover).
She really likes to be on my lap when I'm doing my school work. Maybe both of us will end up with a Master's degree at the end of all of this.
Mustache Monday!
Getting ready to spring forward tonight! I'm not looking forward to losing sleep or to it being so dark in the morning, but I do love having it stay light longer. Spring is coming!
