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.

Texas visit with grandparents

This trip to Texas has quickly become one of my favorite trips of the year. I get to travel with my mom and siblings to spend time with my grandparents. We play Yahtzee, do puzzles, catch up, and eat delicious food (and I get to hand all the major responsibilities over to Benny). After a ton of hosting over the holidays, it was absolutely wonderful. 

I believe we got our first puzzle done in under 2 hours. 

We went to a fantastic Mexican restaurant for dinner. 

And played Yahtzee before heading back to our hotel to catch up on sleep. 

The next day we were refreshed and ready to take on the Hamptons.

We went for a bit of a more challenging puzzle.

We got to go to, and participate in Opa's memoir's club. It was an honor, and it's truly so fun to meet and learn about many of their neighbors.

We took a quick walk before the skies opened up and it started pouring rain. We did meet a very cute dog!

We finished puzzle #2.

We went to China King for dinner (always a hit) and played Yahtzee to round out our night. 

The next day was our last day. We probably got a little too ambitious pulling out a new puzzle, but we at least got it started. It was also so fun to go through some of the jewelry Grammy had made and pick some things out for ourselves and our girls!

It was such a nice visit with these amazing people. I am so thankful for my grandparents. Even though we've always lived states apart, I've never felt that far from them and I'm so thankful for the relationship we have. They are truly a gift.

And it's also so wonderful to get some quality time with mom, Katie, and Eric - a great trip all around! Thank you so much for hosting us!