Thanks for being creative, Daddy!

A few weeks ago now Mike decided that the kids weren't using the "toy room" that's above the garage as much as they use to.  The older kids aren't as interested in dolls and trucks as they were a few years ago and the younger kids just want to do what the older kids are doing.  He brainstormed a bit and in typical Mike-like fashion, construction began. 

Any guesses?

 

It's not quite finished but the end product is a fort with a slide and a rock climbing wall.  The kids are giddy with excitement!  It'll be a few more weeks to put the finishing touches on it and to order the safety mats for the floors, but they are enjoying the parts that are done!  Thanks for being so creative, daddy!

A morning routine...FINALLY!

Getting the kids out the door in an orderly fashion this winter has been a challenge.  So finally here we are the end of February and I think we've found something that works!  All the kids enjoy the show Wild Kratts on PBS...and enjoy it enough to not complain that they are dying of heat exhaustion at the meer thought of being dressed in winter gear and remaining indoors for more than 5 seconds. 

Hoping we can keep our record of not missing the bus!  We were cutting it WAY too close.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Brooke and Clayton were so excited to dump out all of their Valentine's Day loot the moment they got home from school.

The night was a lot of family fun at Flabbergast.  Apparently Valentine's Day was the day to go - we practically had the whole play area to ourselves.  Woohoo!!



Evelyn was in heaven to have so much open space to crawl in

Notice the Dora gloves. 
Lincoln found them in a random bin the other day and was so happy that they fit. 
I think this is day 4 of not even taking them off to sleep!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Just a little party for a little princess

 

 

 

Grandma Denyse with Brooke, Lincoln and the Birthday Girl

Grandpa Ken

Grandpa Mark

Grandma Nancy



And Uncle Chris...
Evelyn was done with the game of pass the baby.

Soon Enough Baby Evelyn

After school the "big" kids wanted to go out to play while I made dinner. 

Baby Evelyn did too...soon enough baby girl.

 

Brooke and Lincoln attempting a snowman



Happy Valentine's Day a little early. 
Brooke made a snow heart.






Perfectly content with the snow that was tracked onto the rug.



And one sad Clayton who found out that work before play can be tough. 
He did eventually get out to join the fun.

The last of the firsts...

Our last first birthday has come so quickly...

 

Evelyn turns one tomorrow. 

So thankful for these precious pictures during her bathtime tonight.