February - Valentines Day!

We love Valentine's Day around here. Though it's not really focused on romance, we have several fun traditions that mean we look forward to it every year!

Ben had to make a box for his valentine's at school. Of course he wanted to check on Pinterest to find a cute one. We worked together to make this adorable Ninja Turtle one.

I started doing scavenger hunts several years ago for the kids to find their Valentine's day goodies. It is by far my kids favorite thing we do. Every holiday they want a scavenger hunt. For the Valentine's one I try to list out things that we love about them and of course they have to rhyme. I put a lot of thought into them and they are really special.

With two kiddos in school, that means TWO valentine's day parties that GG and I get to attend. These are always fun to see the boys interact with their friends at school. They both have some really sweet little friends.

Here's Des with Cole, Nate, Bode and Grady.

Then we packed up and headed over to Ben's class. His favorite thing to do is show off his sister, NO LIE. It is absolutely precious. He wants her to sit with him and then gets her to answer silly questions for his friends to hear. Des knows most of Ben's friends and they always make him feel welcome. It's just so sweet.

We also have spent the last 7 or 8 Valentines Days with this special lady. One of our favorite traditions is spending the day with our Mimi. She was here for an overnight when the boys got home from school. She brought them huge balloons that were a hit.

We had a cozy night cuddling with Mimi and then first thing the next morning, the kiddos got to do their scavenger hunt.

Then it was off to basketball with Mimi in tow. It was another great Valentine's day!

December - Christmas Morning

When you have 3 wittle wons, Christmas morning starts early. We adults had been up late the night before and actually SAW Santa. We tried our darndest to wake up the boys so they could see him too, but they were just too tired. First thing in the morning though, the kids were ready...well the boys were, little miss g. had no idea what the fuss was all about.

 

Breckin joined us soon and we spent a few minutes rubbing the sleep out of our eyes and talking about what we might find.

 

Then it was time. The kids ran down the hall and found A STASH of fun gifts from Santa. He DID NOT disappoint!!!!

GG had forgotten how Christmas Morning goes. The boys had to show her that there were even MORE gifts inside her stocking!

I know these are blurry, but she was FRANTIC. She could not sit still and could not believe that she was the receiver of all these super fun things! It was so fun to watch her!!!!

Once B. woke up a bit, she had some fun with her daddy in the Pony tent!

Selfies with my love. He was SO happy and excited.

 

And this goof ball got everything he wanted. Why, yes, that is a Texas Tech football uniform. They love to play against each other and they needed some NON OSU team gear so they could be opponents. :) They are the real deal, y'all. 

 

Then we got down to the business of opening presents. 

She's all, "Mom. Check me out. I know I look cool."

 

So many new toys! So much love!

 

After yummy breakfast and loads of coffee and tons of gifts and a little bit of cleanup, I got busy making Christmas Dinner using one of the nicest gifts I've ever received...a brand new, beautiful Kitchen-Aid mixer...

 

I was spoiled rotten this year! I got way more than I deserved and really nice, thoughtful gifts from so many. We have such amazing family both near and far. xoxo

 

And we certainly love when some of them get to be here with us!!!