The Birthday that Never Ends

Norah's family celebration is tomorrow. She requested a "big cupcake cake with jelly beans on top."

Daddy's Workshop

Norah's beloved butterfly necklace came apart, so Mike spent about thirty minutes fixing it. Minimal curse words were uttered.

FIVE

Norah is five! She had a BIG day today. Breakfast pancake, a few presents, Mommy and Daddy visited at school (think she was excited?!) with a treat and a book for the class, a special delivery from a friend, Chick-fil-a for dinner, and more presents. What a sweet, loving, and lively five year old she is. Couldn't love her more!

Nails

Lots of nails painted around here lately.

Working snack

Norah multi-tasked during her snack today and played tangrams with the new Osmo toy that she also got this weekend. Included is also a word and letter game, and she works so hard on them both!

Weekend Adventure

While the girls were enjoying time with Fafa and Megan, the plan was for us to head to Massanutten Saturday night. It started snowing so heavily on our way there that we had to turn around. Not to miss our time sans kids, we quickly booked a room at the Omni in downtown Charlottesville. We got coffee at a local coffee shop, walked around in the snow, ate lunch, took a nap, and got up just in time for a yummy and cozy dinner. The next morning, we slept until almost 9! By the time we got on the road to get the girls, the snow was melting quickly and we were well fed and rested!

Sledding

Sledding down the hill was a major hit over the weekend.

Butterfly necklace - Friday February 20

We went to Fafa and Magee's house for the weekend. Norah got to open her birthday gifts and loves this butterfly necklace. Her favorite part is that it has her birthstone, an "amafist" in it!

Undies

When it's only 18 degrees outside, why not stand in your undies and look out at the snow?!

Food Bank

Instead of gifts for their birthday party, Norah and Brooke asked for their guests to donate food for the local food bank. They were so excited to see how much was collected!

The Aftermath

The foyer after a big morning playing in the snow. Followed by hot chocolate of course!

SNOW

It's been freezing cold here the past few days (most of the day today was only 18 degrees according to my car). We had some snow in the afternoon, but it's supposed to be a lot more by tomorrow morning. The girls still convinced us to let them go out tonight. They lasted about 10 minutes.

February 16, 2015

We had a quiet day at home just resting yesterday. The girls convinced Mike to play in Ellie's bed with them.

Forgot to add yesterday: When Norah was sick and throwing up, she said to me, "Mommy, I guess my white blood cells are okay, just not working close enough together today."

Valentines Day

MeMe came over last night and treated us to dinner. She arrived wearing this necklace that Mike made for her when he was little.

Around dinner time Norah started throwing up and it continued until bedtime. What better way to show love than cleaning up after a sick child for the evening?

Valentines Day Eve

The excitement for Valentines Day around here is crazy. Both girls had their class parties this week, and today we worked on making cards for their Daddy. Norah's is a "Valentines Day Jeep" and includes windows (with everyone's eyes peeking out), orange wheels, and a popsicle stick road.

Norah said today, "Mommy YOU are my valentine. I am your secret admirer."

Ellie has been through her class valentine bag about 100 times. Each one she pulls out, she says "Mommy, who this one from? Who give this one to me?"

Green smoothie

We have a smoothie with lunch at least once or twice a week. This one has pineapple, banana, mixed berries, spinach, a little orange juice and ground flax. Everyone enjoys them!

Tulips

Few things are better than fresh flowers in the house, especially during the middle of winter.

Bath Hair

Bath time got a little crazy tonight.

Valentine Prep

We had one more day at home to make sure Norah was rested and healthy for school tomorrow. We took advantage of a quiet day and made valentines for school this week!

For the Love of the Sport

Second day of the swim meet, and I did the 200 back and the 200 free. What I love most about these meets is the fact that no one cares what you look like in a swimsuit, how fast you are, or how old you are. It's just fun to dive in and race.

There was a 91 year-old man who did the 500 free yesterday and at least two events today. It may have taken him a few more minutes than everyone else, but he finished. So inspiring, and his wife was beside him the whole way cheering and wrapping a towel around him as soon as he got out of the water.

I have loved the sport of swimming for most of my life, but competing in these masters meets has given me a new appreciation for it.

Swim meet

Swam in my second Masters swim meet today. Certainly not close to where I was in college, but still a (post-college swimming) personal record.

Citrus surprise

It's amazing how a sweet gesture from a friend can change your whole day! Amy left this surprise on my doorstep this afternoon, and earlier in the week my friend Sarah made our family a delicious dinner. I am so thankful for all of the friends in my life these days.

At Your Service

Norah requested egg salad while laying on the couch today, and after not having much of an appetite since yesterday morning, her wish was granted.  When this arrived, she said, "You brought my food on a BEAUTIFUL tray!"

These trays were passed down from Jommy, and came from Nette (my grandmother). I have memories of eating sick meals on them when I was little. So special.

Strep

Norah woke up with a fever this morning and it was strep throat. There was a lot of laundry, screen time, and cuddles today.

Giggles

These girls got a major case of the giggles today over playing with the toilet in the dollhouse. Who says only boys appreciate potty humor?

Lemon

The days have been cold lately and I've been drinking a lot of hot water with lemon (when I won't allow myself any more coffee for the day!).

Tough Life

Rosie has such a tough life.