Why?

Can somebody please tell me why my preschoolers (Owen and Davis have done this same thing) sign their name to the graffiti that they leave on my furniture?
On another note...Kate's artwork (and ability to write her name) have really come a long way in the past two months. Below is one of the first pictures that she drew that actually made sense to someone other than herself. I think this was a picture of me or Jed originally, but today she told me that it is a bug...wow, even her ability to interpret her own art is changing. It is fascinating watching children grow.

Two Peas in a Pod

I love this picture of the girls wrapped up in their bath towels. I wish I could freeze them like this.

Two things that make Kate happy...

These days there are two things that are sure to make Kate smile...french braids and dance class..I kinda think they are adorable when combined. Don't you think?

Valentines Day

As they do every year, the kids loved Valentine's Day this year. Owen loved his school party and all of the cards and candy that came out of it. Davis loves his Valentine's box that he made at preschool and enjoyed all of the treasures that were left inside it. Kate enjoyed giving Valentine's out to her friends at dance class. Gracie loved our traditional heart shaped pizza....A fun day for all!

Jed's Birthday Part 1

As we are getting older (our kids included), life seems to be speeding up. Seriously. Jed's birthday this year fell on a Thursday. He seemed to have a good day at work, lunch with the staff, etc. Let's face it though, celebrating with the kids is really half of the fun. Okay, so I guess I am speaking for myself, but I think Jed would agree. :) They were SO excited for Daddy's birthday. They spent days wrapping gifts (like their toys and drawing they had done for him--priceless treasures), decorating the house and helping me plan his breakfast and dinner. They were so excited about his cake (Not as excited as us, however. This cake is made at a local bakery and it is nothing short of a little piece of heaven...and I am NOT just being dramatic. It is to die for! Jed didn't eat any treats for days and days to save up for this cake and I would agree it is worth the calories!)--YUM! Jed requested no presents, but wanted to take the family for a quick get-away to the coast, something we always talk about and never do...so without further ado, Happy birthday Jed...please pass the cake!

Happy Groundhog Day!

I was the parent helper at Davis' school today for Groundhog Day! I love spending that "one on one" time with him when it is my turn to help. Here he is going through the "groundhog tunnel". I thought it was a fun way to end the day...and I think he did too.

Over the hills and through the woods...

Sometimes as I am driving the kids to my parent's house (7-8 hours each way) I question why I make this voyage when Jed cannot come with me (this thing called "work" really gets in the way from time to time!). Then upon returning home I look at the pictures from the time with family and it all becomes clear.

Without further ado here are NINE of the reasons I choose to make this trip over and over again...

#1-We were finally able to meet our newest nephew/cousin David Carter...such a darling baby. Matt and Ashley do good work. This little guy is pure joy with his bright blue eyes and smile that lights up the room.
#2-Great Grandparents: We are so blessed to have my Grandpa and his wife, Grandma Dorothy, living in the same area as my parents. Our kids don't know how lucky they are to have 3 extremely vibrant great-grandparents.
#3-Kids exhausted from good old fashioned (okay so the Wii and movie time don't count as "old fashioned") play. Davis didn't like that I had mandated that it was "lights out" time and moved some pillows and his blanket into the bathroom in our bedroom so that he could read a book without me knowing--little rebel boy!
#4-Nana and Papa have the Wii...the kids love it and I have to admit I love it too! Shhhh...don't tell anyone.
#5-Papa, Auntie Ashley and Auntie Amy--sadly I don't have any pics of me or Amy, but Ash and my Dad humored me with this photo after the kids were in bed. I love this time chatting and eating ice cream.
#6-Nana. How she loves all her kids! My favorite part of the whole trip was going to lunch with my Mom, Amy and Ashley. Wish we lived closer to family...
#7-I get a chance to connect with my nieces and nephews before they change too much! I still can't believe this is my little Emma! She is going to be taller than me soon!
#8-Papa's doughnut runs with the boys...what can I say, it's tradition. When I was younger I could always talk my dad into Saturday morning doughnuts and the boys seem to have the same ability as their Mama. I am so proud. Since the girl cousins greatly outnumber the boys (especially when Chris and Tracy are able to meet us there with their girls) this allows the boys some time alone with Papa and they look forward to it every visit. My boys were disappointed that we wouldn't let David come to the doughnut shop with them. They have so much to teach that little guy!
#9-The Cousins! They sure love each other and I love that.