Happy Valentine's Day...

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This Valentine's day was a little unique. Daddy took a once in a lifetime trip to Ely, Minnesota to go dog sledding. Yes, you read that right. Don't worry, he's not bucket listing for any reason other than the trip was offered to him by his dad and brother. He had a great time freezing and we kept busy here for 8 days! It went really well until Vivi got a little sick towards the end. In the end, it made me really appreciate that I am not a single parent and made me hurt for those who don't have a partner to shoulder the responsibility and love for your kids. We did celebrate Valentine's during that trip and Nick and I got some good time once he returned, but these are pictures of what we did while he was away. This includes class parties, three birthdays including cousin Chloe's, a loss of a tooth, and a special day at the zoo with a friend. I hope all of you had a good V-day.

Some updates

We have discovered after being married almost 12 years that most things like to last 10 years. Thank goodness we are the exception, but I will say most of our appliances and furniture are not. We finally replaced our much loved couches. They had a good run for about 11 years and got much love from all, much snuggles, much pillow fights, much lava pit building, much snacks and drinks, and much marks. I know the English was bad there but stay with me! So, we decided to start the hunt for the replacements at the new year hoping to catch a deal with all the holidays-new years, mlk, president's day. There is debate whether we got a deal, but all I care about is that we got new couches! So please, come over and visit and help us break the new one's in some time! Until then, enjoy the pics.

Times with Dad

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Just as I've gotten to have some special times with the kids, so has Nick. I went on a small women's retreat with church and Nick got to take the kids to the stockshow. I put together a little slideshow. Also, Vivian has joined Girl Scouts this year and we took selling cookies seriously so there were a few weekends we were selling at booths and the boys got some time together. I included these shots as well.

American Girl Day!

This year we decided to make a girl day of MLK, and traveled over to the American Girl store with our cousin Chloe and the dolls. It was such a special treat getting to have a Monday together and getting all dressed up. This was one of those moments it's so fun to be a girl! Thank you Nana for driving and lunch and Em and Chloe for just making a day of it. Enjoy some pics.

Times with Mom

In these early weeks of this year, we have had some special times together. Maybe because our weather has been everywhere from 80's to 20's sometimes all in one day we have had to get creative. Maybe because we had about a month of 4 day weeks. Anyway you look at it, I consider it a blessing. I have gotten to have precious unexpected time with my sweet peas. Here are a couple of shots of their special times with mom.

Happy New Year!

Our New Year's we finally kicked all the sickies, so we decided to host a close family for some fun New Year's Eve activities. I found this idea on pinterest and I have to share it as it turned out so much fun. Although, it may show up at future birthday parties as it was such a hit with the kids! We put little tasks on paper and then stuffed them into balloons. We blew the balloons up and every half hour the kids picked a balloon and popped it to find out what activity they were to do. Activities ranged from having a Taylor Swift dance party to a silly string fight outside. What a fun way to ring in the new year. Thanks for joining us Topliss! New Year's day, my sister was gracious to open her home to us and have us for a feast of a lunch. It was lowkey and just what we needed. Thanks so much Em! The kids had been missing their cousins. Happy New Year everyone!

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Merry Christmas

Our Christmas was spent close to home in the morning and then joining up with my family in the afternoon for more presents and a great present-snow!! It was such a great Christmas to celebrate. The only down side was some sickies that got passed to Isaac at this point. I do hope everyone enjoyed the blessings of Jesus Christ. Enjoy the slideshow!

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