Zoo Trip

Friday was beautiful so we decided to take a trip to the Nashville Zoo. We got a pass for the zoo last year and we love it so much. The best part is that we can get friends in for free with our pass so we ended up having 4 Moms and 8 kids under the age of 5. While crazy at times, we had a great time seeing animals, riding the carousel, playing on the gigantic playground, and soaking up the sun. I'm glad we got it when we did because it's snowing today. Go figure.

Yellow Happiness

We've had a wonderful Spring Break so far and the weather actually felt like Spring today so we headed down the mountain with some friends to see if the daffodil field was blooming. We got lucky and it looks like we caught it early as some buds were not open yet, so we can hopefully go back with Daddy this weekend. *A* loved picking them and seriously couldn't get enough, luckily they are only 2 cents a flower!

Hello Sun!

We spent a lot of time outside this weekend and explored a new trail. It ran along the bluffs which called for hiking while holding hands at times,

but there were some great spots to stop and enjoy the view and have a bite of lunch.

The trail mix was a hit and apparently even after you have just had lunch, you *need* trail mix to keep you going.

This swirly tree stump was very intriguing to me and (H) thought it might have a creature living in it.

We're planning on spending as much time as we can outside today because it looks like rain for the next week or so. On the bright side, it'll be Spring Break soon so even if we are cooped up inside, we'll be on break!

Space Boy, Snow Mommy, and Dancer Girl

(H) has discovered Star Wars, can I just tell you how happy that makes his daddy? Anyway, he's not quite outfitted yet so he uses what he has. He had some birthday money leftover and the other day decided to purchase his first Star Wars action figure. I see the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Yesterday we woke up to 3 more inches of snow. It was beautiful and while I'm ready for Spring, I was excited this was finally a wet snow so we could make a proper snowman. It was the fastest snow person in history because the snow was so perfect for rolling and stacking. The kids ran inside to get all the proper implements (carrot, bottlecap eyes, scarf, hat), and once it was dressed and ready they announced, "It's you Mommy!". Here they are with their Snow Mommy:


Today was our 2nd "Watch Day" at ballet, they have been practicing for the recital this semester and while there have been many snow days and sick days, we were SO impressed with *A*'s dancing.


Of course we're totally biased, but there seems to be some real natural talent there. I see this being something she will excel at her whole life if she chooses to continue. At the end of class, they got surprised with their recital costumes. She was thrilled and said "Do we get to dance on a real stage Mommy? I've never been on a real stage!". She just had to try the costume on as soon as we got home. Here she is showing me first position. Once I finally convinced her to take it off, I quickly hid it in the closet so we can keep it nice for the next month.

The Sunny Side

I was totally going to write a post about how sick I am of sickness around here (*A*'s been sick/under medical care of some form or another for the past month and our car has been in and out of the shop almost equally as long) but after a really relaxing day home (b/c we had no car to go anywhere and b/c of *A*'s cough and ear infection), I am focusing on the positive. The kids played AMAZINGLY well today. I was able to get so much done (which is good because this coming weekend is prospective student weekend at the seminary and we're hosting a dinner), and we had some long overdue quality time together.

As much as I love how much there is to do up here, it gets a little overwhelming and over-busy and it's nice to just take a day off of all responsibilities. It was about this time last year that I was having similar thoughts, and I decided to drop choir to put a little freedom back in our schedule. I'm considering doing that again actually. Must be something about February.

We're trying to make conscious choices about what we do with what little time we have here. It's great to fill our days with fun and friends but lately we've forgotten what it's like to be just a family. Monday nights are our new family night. We're going to try our best not to schedule anything on these nights because it's the only night during the week we're all home together. This weekend, we made a conscious decision not to do Little League. *A* wasn't really all that into it and we decided our schedule is pretty full already without trying to fit in a night for practice and then games every Saturday. Perhaps next year when both kids can play.

It feels good to be able to say "no". To step back and just be. I think the kids appreciate it too. Today they were kind and agreeable, friendly and silly. We only had one minor spat and it was because (H) hurt *A*'s feelings when he was frustrated and used his words too loudly.

Anyway, I'm kind of struck at how positive this post turned out after the past few weeks of yuckiness, and I am struck at how calm and peaceful I feel after a day of being home alone with the kids with very little interaction from the outside world. I know after days of this we'd not be so positive, but it's something to remember when everything is so busy and spinning out of control. I leave you with a glimpse into our play-filled day:

**As I'm loading the dishwasher and making dinner, *A* comes into the kitchen with her apron on, pad and pencil in hand.**
A: "Can I take your order please?"
Me: "Um, Yes, I'll have a grilled cheese."
A: "We don't have that."
Me: "Ok, I'll have a hot dog."
A: "We don't have that either, we only have soup. It's very good."
Me: "Ok, I'll have the soup."
A: "And what would you like to drink?"
Me: "Orange juice please."
A: "We don't have that."
Me: "Ok, what do you have?"
A: "We have Coca-cola. You like that."
Me: "Ok, that sounds good, thank you."
A: "You're welcome, your order will be right out."
I just love that she's pretending to feed me and cook for me while I'm in the process of doing the same for her. I especially love that this time of day which is normally the craziest part (kids cranky and hungry and underfoot next to a hot oven) was probably my favorite part of today because of our little conversation. Thank you sweet girl.

Finally!

We finally had a big snow here this past weekend. All the snow that hit the south last week missed us completely (because we were too far North!), but we heard more was on the way this week so we kept our fingers crossed. Sunday night while driving back from Birmingham (after *A*'s run-in with a bookshelf ending in 2 stitches), we got to the top of the mountain and were greeted with huge snowflakes falling in great numbers. Apparently it had snowed on and off all that day, but overnight Sunday was when the most fell and by Monday morning we had about 5 inches. It kept on snowing until yesterday actually, and we now have about 7-8 inches on the ground! It's so fun and so pretty! It stuck to everything and was so fluffy. We went sledding, made a mini-snowman(the snow was too fluffy to make a big one), and apparently ^J^ thought it was good bike-riding weather! Enjoy!

Love Bugs

The kids and I have taken to a big family nap in the afternoon these days. Ever since their rooms have been combined, the kids haven't napped well. Which isn't a big deal, they still have "quiet time" and give me some moments of peace (and then they're ready for bed at 7 which is *really* nice). But occasionally we NEED a nap and especially with our bout of strep, it seems we've needed more naps than usual these days, so the best way for that to happen (surprisingly enough) is for all of us to pile in my bed. After a few moments of giggling, pushing, talking, and cover-stealing, they're out.

I just had to capture these cuties in their matching red outfits all tuckered out after a big day of preschool Valentine's parties. It was so fun today when they came home and went through all their valentines. *A* wanted me to read each and every word on hers while (H) made short work of his and had devoured 4 starburst before I even realized what was happening.
Happy Valentine's weekend to you and your Love Bugs.