My birthday

Forgot to add this into the January extras - my birthday! It was a very nice low-key day. We went to church, I got some quality time with the kids, watched football, and had strawberry short cake for dessert. 

January extras

We kicked off January fighting some sickness after the busy holidays. There was my trip to Texas, snow days, my birthday, a trip to Massanutten, and lots of inside play time in between. It has been colder than I remember it in the past few years. We've tried to keep getting out despite the bitter cold. 

kids gave me a spa night. 

Riser, Mimi (his monkey), and I continue to throw down on some Yahtzee and Mancala while Bonnie is in school.

We have been hearing a lot about a little boy (Miles) in Bonnie's class, and one day she came home with this in her folder.

Riser has loved having Bonnie home on some of these snow (ice) days. 

The kids helped Benny make my birthday cake.

And Bonnie still enjoys coming up with some of her own creations in the kitchen.

Baths in the tub with the jets have also been a fun activity when it's too cold to get out.

Riser with our pets.

Digging in the dirt.

He has been growing too much.

We've had some fun snow to play in.

Bonnie and Riser made an elaborate oasis for a ladybug they found in their room. It was complete with a parking lot, bed with pillow and blanket, garden, fire, snow, and movie theater.

It's been nice to have some slower days at home with these two. It was a good start to the year! 

Artwork

Bonnie filled up another door of artwork this winter. We have to be very choosy about what goes up on the door, because she is constantly creating things. It's so fun to see!

Below was some super cute leaf art she did with Grandma and Eleanor.

Below: 'Riser is pretending to be Michael Jackson.' This was one I just found in her drawer one day. But spot on - Riser is obsessed with Michael Jackson.

A dinosaur she made for Riser.

A portrait of our family - love Riser's hair.