I realized while I was uploading my pictures, that it has been a really, really long time since I've written anything about what we've been doing. My only answer to that thought is that we've just been enjoying life and taking it all in. Cheesy, I know, but true.
John's travel schedule has decreased dramatically and all of the sudden we have more time than ever before. So we've been drawing with Mellany, playing cars/trucks with Johnny, and basketball with Charlie. We've been having dinner as a family at home almost every single night, watching Daniel Tiger together and completing house chores in a "divide and conquer" mode. It has been AMAZING!!!
We've also been doing all the Valentines things....valentines to pass out, decorations, boxes......And even though John and I neither ones are fans of Valentines day, it has been fun doing these things with the kids--so I've got pics of all those fun things too!
There's been a little taste of warmer weather around here and we are sooooo itching for spring to come. This family is ready for camping, trampolines, swinging on the swings, park visits, picnics, the family beach trip.....etc. etc. etc. But for now, I will soak up the snuggles and hot cocoa while it lasts!
When this mama needs to take a shower, the tablet is the perfect solution for Johnny. Charlie takes his nap and Johnny is playing games....it is a win for everyone!
Charlie's motor skills are really coming along. He does a great job with a fork and spoon. (He LOVES oatmeal!)
Towards the end of January school was cancelled. Mellany was "in charge" that day so we were all instructed to be in our matching jammies, lay out our blankets and have reading time. I thought it was a great idea!
We also enjoyed a few crafts that Gammy had sent in the mail! (Missouri license plates for our bicycles and stickers!)
Mellany is really enjoying her Girl Scout Daisy meetings. On this particular afternoon they had a police officer come visit to talk to them about safety. One of the things he discussed was a taser....Mellany was so engaged during the visit and had tons of things to tell us when she got home.
Just catching up on one of his magazines first thing in the morning....
While the girls are at ballet, the boys will play!! Charlie so badly wants to be one of the "big boys"
On the first "warm" (weekend) day, we took full advantage and took down our Christmas lights. And thankfully for John, Johnny was around to help!
Our sweet neighbors let Johnny borrow their garbage truck that Johnny just LOVES, and he carried that truck around for a week! I couldn't resist capturing him lining up all the vehicles...
Daniel Tiger before bed...
Sneaking in some play time with Mellany's Barbie Dream Camper
Valentine's Day Boxes....Johnny didn't need a box for preschool but of course couldn't be left out and wanted one to put together when Mellany was picking hers out at the store. He was so proud. Both boxes turned out super cute...Johnny's was a robot and Mellany's was a mailbox (which she decorated by herself and wanted no help--our sweet "artsy" girl!)
One of Charlie's favorite times of day is "bus time". He loves watching Mellany walk to and from the bus....he shouts "BUS" & "Mel" and just waves his little heart out!
We made a family purchase this past weekend and bought a piano! John learned how to play piano as a kid and I always wanted to learn. Our kids absolutely love their little "kids" piano so we thought it might be a good time to introduce them (and me) and re-introduce John to the instrument! It's only been a week but John has picked up right where he left off, the kids are playing on it all the time and this mama can play "Wheels on the Bus" like a BOSS!!! :) Bringing the piano home was a tight fit, but definitely saved us some money not having to have it delivered!
We also got some ice this past weekend and decided to have a craft day! Mellany painted some magnets she got for Christmas, Johnny painted a dump truck he got for Christmas and Charlie played with Play-doh.
Mellany also created a chore chart to earn a Girl Scout patch.
Later in the afternoon, the kids "helped" John clear the driveway
Some bedtime snuggles followed later that night and I couldn't resist capturing daddy and his girl
This week was a big week for Mellany. Not only was it Valentine's Day, but it was her snack week too! During her snack week she got to bring in an item that is special to her. She chose to bring in "Biscuit" and was so excited to talk about him to the class and show him to all her friends.
Charlie loves to "cheese" for the camera and really loves the puppy that barks and walks like a real one.
Valentines Day.....so much fun sorting through all the valentine's. That night I made a special heart pizza for dinner and the kids thought it was so cool! (Mom WIN!)
