Spring Break in West Texas

Daniel is usually so swamped during March (tax season) and doesn't get to really enjoy Spring Break with us. So my mom flew in and the kids and I drove with her to West Texas to see my grandparents! First stop was Great-Pa and Gamma in Abilene. Aidan and Avery played outside for about 5 hours and LOVED it. They climbed a tree and peeled pecans with Grammy, Great-Pa rigged up a zipline, and Aidan used the clothesline for gymnastics.










Then we packed up and headed to Midland for a couple of days to see Mema, Aunt Jeri, and Uncle Reggie. We also got to see my cousin Jessica at her brand new store, Sergeant Peppers! It is SO cute and let's just say I'm glad it's not in Dallas because I'd be in trouble. I did some damage but got some really cute stuff (housewares, gifts, kids' clothes, etc). Uncle Reggie made his famous steaks, then we ate out at Mexican food and Luigi's (my family's favorite!). We always eat well in Midland!

Catching Up

Here's some of what we have been up to:

Aidan had his last Upward Basketball game. His friend Ryan was on the other team and they had fun blocking each other. At one point he also had to block a kid who was at least a foot taller than him. AT LEAST. It was hysterical...but he didn't let the tall kid intimidate him one bit! It was such a fun season with great coaches and great friends, and I'm glad he's finally old enough to play. Can't wait to do it again!


Avery got pampered with Mommy this week. I took her to my nail salon to get a manicure on Monday, then she had a haircut at Sweet & Sassy on Tuesday. She can be a rambunxious tomboy but she also LOVES stuff like this...I adore my girly girl!

Before:

After:

Aidan started gymnastics!! It's something he expressed an interest in back when Avery took it last year. There was a boys' class going on the same time as hers and he loved watching them. When basketball ended he chose to do this instead of t-ball and Daniel and I GLADLY obliged (we weren't t-ball fans). He had a blast at his first gymnastics class and I think he'll do great!


I also just ordered these Thumbusters to help him stop sucking his thumb. He has been a thumb junkie since he was a baby and does it hard-core at night, and when he's just vegging out in the car or watching TV. He doesn't do it in public or at school (except when they lay down to rest) but we still thought it needed to stop especially since his teeth are already going to require a lot of fixing. He hasn't been resistant to the process at all, in fact he has a positive attitude about it despite a few relapses here and there. Taking away Avery's pacifiers was SO much easier!

He was also Star Student at school a couple weeks ago!

His sweet friend Connor came over for a sleepover:

What is Avery into these days? Princesses. And more princesses. Did I mention the princesses? She has a collection of Polly Pocket ones that are cheap to replace when they get lost, their heads come off, etc. She never goes anywhere without them, and loves to change their clothes (correction: have the nearest grown-up change their clothes...they are so hard to dress!).

Random picture of the kids helping me make enchiladas. Yes that's Avery's gymnastics leotard. She randomly chose to wear it backwards around the house. Gotta love my weird kids. Avery is still taking ballet with Cousin Sage and she likes it, although I don't think we'll continue on after the May recital. She, like her mother, *enjoys* dancing but lacks skill and determination. I think she'll be back in gymnastics soon :)

Zoo Trip

Aidan's school had early release at 11:15 yesterday so I decided to take the kids to the zoo! We go every year but it is still so much fun, especially with the new "Wilds of Africa" exhibit they opened up last year!

Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's Day was very busy! I helped out at Aidan's class party...the kids were sugared-up and out of control, but they had a blast. They had cookies and cupcakes, played a very chaotic game of Hot Potato, then opened their valentines from each other.

The boy in the middle (Trevor) gave out valentines that said "I mustache you a question...will you be my valentine?" with mustaches that the kids could peel off and stick on their face. So cute and a huge hit :)

The four of us went to Fish City for dinner on Sunday, then Daniel cooked us steak and lobster at home on Monday night. On Monday afternoon we had Aunt Amy, Sage, and Logan over to make Valentine's Day cookies!


I know this is mean of me to post, but it's too funny not to. Aidan was running around playing basketball and Logan (who Aidan adores) was running after him. They bonked into each other and both came in the kitchen crying. We did comfort them before and after this picture, I promise :)

Later that evening Aidan had basketball practice, then we met Daddy at Chick Fil-A before heading back to Aidan's school to watch the Varsity basketball team win a playoff game! I feel bad that I didn't get any pictures of me and Daniel this Valentine's Day, but he gave me some nice roses and chocolate-covered strawberries :)

Happy Valentine's Day from our two cupids!

This and That

Things have been so normal and routine around here it's hard to find stuff to blog about! Daniel has been traveling a lot and is gone most of the week, but we really enjoy the time together when he's home. Aidan is having such a great year at school. I think his teacher used the first semester to really get the kids used to being in school and understanding the routine and rules. This semester they are learning like crazy...I love it! Aidan struggled a bit with his cursive at first (yes they learn cursive in kindergarten at his school!) but has really improved. He's also learning sight words and has reading and numbers homework, along with a weekly bible verse and other stuff like telling time and learning about different countries around the world.


Avery got a new booster seat...no more 5-point harness!

This is Aidan and his best school friend Connor at a birthday party. Connor is such a cute kid, and has a sweet/silly personality very similar to Aidan's.

Here is Aidan teaching Avery his sight words!

Last week the kids celebrate the 100th Day Of School. I don't remember doing this as a kid but it is a really big deal around here!


I decided to get crafty for once and make these superhero lollipops for Aidan to give his class as valentines next week. I got the idea from Pinterest (where else?). I'm just doing little bags of candy for Avery's class.