February 2022

 Although January turned out to be quite the busy month, we couldn't wait for February to come. February means it is Valentine's Day, but more importantly, Kate's birthday! I told her she could have a sleepover birthday party if her friend's parents were okay with that idea. She has been waiting for this day for FOREVER. She helped with the planning and the decorating and the itinerary. Jane was even allowed to invite a friend so she didn't feel left out.

Kate was gifted by her friends the Roald Dahl complete book collection, an art kit, and an American Girl doll salon and styling playset.   

Kate has learned to be very grateful for everything she receives. She was a great host for her birthday party and no one felt left out. They played upstairs, listened to silly songs, and enjoyed each others company.

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

When it came to the sleeping part of the party, I don't remember too much!  I sent all the girls upstairs around 10pm. They set up their little sleeping areas. I remember only going up the stairs once to let them know it was fine to talk, but there would be no jumping and bouncing around once the lights went out.  After that, Bryan and I turned the lights off and went to bed. We woke up in the morning perfectly refreshed. No one woke us in the middle of the night. The girls were all asleep when we woke up.  IT was a perfect sleepover party! HA! Might have just jinxed myself!

We celebrated Kate's real day during the school week. She got a gear bike, an electric piggy bank, a polaroid camera, and more fantasy chapter books. 

Then we picked up grandma and grandpa from the airport. That was the BIG surprise! We haven't had a visit from them since Bryan's promotion party in January 2019, so the girls really wanted to spend some quality time showing the grandparents all the things.

Grandpa got to love on Howie. He loved watching Howie chase the reflections on the ground from the bird feeder, playing tug-a-war, and jumping. 

The girls had a Valentine's activity at their piano teachers house during their visit. They had been practicing songs and would be performing them in front of others their age taking piano as well. Grandma was able to listen to them at their little piano activity.  She also was able to visit their little private school and meet the pastor.  She loved it!

Kate showed grandma how to make cotton candy with her recent Christmas gift. Grandma LOVED it!

We finished one of the toughest puzzles ever with the help of grandpa! Never again will we do that puzzle. [side note: got rid of it at our garage sale]. Kate purchased this for Bryan for Christmas. He likes puzzles, but he did not like that one. Ha!

Grandma also helped fix a few ripped/torn items with my sewing machine. Kate is very fascinated with sewing. She really wants me to show her how to, but I am not confident in it myself. I know she has mentioned downloading some tutorials on her tablet. This is something I will need to put some effort in to helping her (and me!). 

It was so nice having them around. The girls love that one on one time with family. We mostly did regular stuff while they were here and that was really nice and made the girls feel important.

At the end of the month, I took a girls trip with my best friend to Las Vegas! We had so much fun walking the strip and going to shows.

We also signed up to run the Rock n Roll running series. Stacey ran the 10K and I was doing the half marathon. We ran the strip at night! It was really fun and the weather was perfect. And I did okay considering not really training! Now I have completed 8 states :)