*Dave*Leslie* *Andrew*Ashley*Hailey*Katie*Nathan*: February 2016

Dave and I came home from Hawaii early on Wednesday, February 10th. We were just in time to give them a few small presents and give Andrew and Ashley some kisses and hugs before they left for school for the day. Dave headed to work and I jumped right back into life as mom; the best thing in life! A trip away was wonderful. It gave me a wonderful break and made me feel rejuvenated. Coming home was a great relief and happy day!

Within a few minutes of being home Nate was back to regular antics: Climbing on the table and dumping out boxes of cereal. With a face that cute, and a Hawaiian break on my side, I was just grateful to be home with him!

Nate is a worker man! He is obsessed with brooms, vacuums, mops, tools, wiping tables and working! He loves to mimic the jobs he sees us do. He has excellent fine motor skills for working with small objects and spaces. When he sweeps uses him body just like an adult and looks like a real worker man!

Hailey worked hard putting her Valentines together. She loves to make gifts and packages for others. She wanted to do it all on her own and it was no surprise that she worked hard to make each one special.

She loves giving gifts and loves getting candy. So, Valentines Day at preschool was a win!

Cute Hailey and Nate playing on the swivel office chair.

Andrew and Ashley wanted to go in and buy pizza all on their own. It was easy to let them since I can see them perfectly from the car parked right in front. They are growing up.

Friday night bowling night at Fat Cats

Once Nate saw these little vacuums it's all he was interested in.

Dave's Birthday is February 13th! This year it was a Saturday. We went to the Thanksgiving Point Children's Museum in the morning. It is such a fun place and we have an annual pass there this year.

The kids were all brave to touch the creatures at the special animal class we went to.

Nate was a little bored for a sit down class, so he and I left early and played in a toddler play area until our group finished up.

Dave, Andrew and Ashley went on the ropes course. Ashley was braver this time than her first time. She just needed a little help here and there. Andrew zips around the entire course so fast and doesn't seem to mind the height at all.

The ropes course takes one hour. Hailey, Kate, Nathan and I waited in the downstairs play areas.

We got home and the kids (especially Hailey) gave Dave some great homemade gifts. I wish I could remember what we did that evening but, without a picture I can't recall at all.

The kids teaching Nate the joy of Whoopy Cushions!

Happy Sunday Valentine's Day! I love, love, love my crew!

Sunday Dinner at Papa and Nana's house. Birthday Cake for Dave!

One of Hailey's fun creations for a gift

Ashley got this sweet Valentine's note and gift from her friend (and sort-of pen pal) Liam. Liam's family moved away for 3 years for schooling and will be back for 5th grade.

A little cleaning in Andrew's room and I found his stash of candy wrappers! Keep in mind we have a rule of no food upstairs!

Dave spends most Saturdays skiing with Andrew and Ashley. This special day Hailey had a turn to try. She has not liked skiing like the older two. Hopefully next year it clicks.

A little backyard target practice with his bee bee gun

Sweet Nathan has been pulling up for months. He has been using push toys for months too. He could even walk back and forth across a room if I motivated him with candy but, he chose to crawl if there wasn't candy! He finally decided to walk, on his own, and all the time at a couple days past 16.5 months old!
~
We have to watch him carefully as he loves to climb.

A play date for Hailey where she got to hold their lizard

Dave coached Andrew's Jr. Jazz basketball team again this year. He is a great coach and they are a nice group of boys. They were undefeated all season and loved playing.