Marching into March

February went by too quickly . . . and we weren't even that busy.  I'm participating in a #bebetter52 challenge this year, and each week we get an assignment to help us become better people.  The week of Valentine's Day, we were challenged to write love notes to random strangers.  I stuck a note in the mail slot for the mailman, put up notes in the teacher's lounges at the Elementary school, and put hearts on random neighbor's houses.  I have no idea what anyone's reactions were, but I hope at least one heart made someone's day - I know it made mine.

This year Ken and I are putting more of a specific focus on Family Home Evening, to help Amelia prepare for baptism.  These are snap-shots of my lesson on preventing "spiritual eclipses".  Moon pies and Capri Sun drinks were the treats that evening :)  I wish I had the mental energy to always plan such fun FHEs . . . they definitely go over much better with the kids . . . but life goes on and we do the best we can.

Both girls love playing music with Daddy . . . and that often takes many forms.  More cowbell Sophie!  And don't mind the photo-bomb at the end ;)

Sophie LOVES helping Ken work out in the yard . . . even when equipment and/or tools are too heavy/ hard for her to use.  We'll thank her this summer for our green, moss-free lawn ;)

Ken and the girls had President's Day off, so we headed up the mountain for a little fun in the snow.

We had sleds, but Sophie wanted to try her own way of doing things . . . and had just as much fun.

When the girls tired of sledding, there was always snow to play in.  They started digging this hole and were using it for their "house" by the time we left. 

 

I love how their different personalties come out, how they each chose to be when they asked me to take a picture of them in their "house".

 A few days later, we got snow at our house!  I caught this sunrise at the end of our street.

And with the snow, of course comes a snow day.  And playing outside as much and as long as possible.

 Sometimes, the snowball is just a bit too big to push, but that doesn't stop Sophie!

The last week of February, I had the opportunity to do a business trip in Milpitas, CA, which put me 15 min. away from one of my dear friends.  We got together for dinner and catching up like old friends do. 

And suddenly we're into March, and celebrating Amelia's 8th birthday!  I can not believe this sweet girl is already 8.  She helped me make her lemon blueberry birthday cake, including decorating it, and loved every minute of eating it.  She loved the cake so much, she wanted to share it, so we delivered chunks of cake to a few of her friends!  Love her generous spirit!