A Little R&R

My sister, Liz, had her second baby and I just couldn't stand not being there with her. Jeff, being the amazing guy that he is, insisted that I take a kids-free mini vacation to see my little sis and the rest of my family.

Let me tell you, it was bliss.

I only took one picture (one picture!) the whole time I was in Utah so words will have to suffice.

The highlights:

• Flying sans-kids. Sitting in the airport, reading a book on the plane, dozing off; it was all a treat.
  
• Holding, changing, rocking Liz's beautiful Annabelle. There is just nothing like a newborn.

• Sleeping in every morning.

• Spending time with my amazing in-laws. Lunch at Zuppas, dinner at Chin Wa.

• Late night talk with my dad about his life as a college student and young father. 

• Lunches and outings with my mom, including eating the best bread pudding I've ever had a Tuile Bakery.

• Lunch with my best girlfriends. It filled my tank. I love these women so much.

• Three wonderful hours of church without any little ones crawling all over me. And the first time in over a year I've been able to go to Sunday school and Relief Society (I'm in the primary at home).

• Lots of down time with my beautiful sister. 

I really enjoyed every moment and took none of it for granted. As they were introducing visitors in Relief Society, a presidency member said, "You must be having withdrawals from your children." To which I answered, "Nope!" Believe me, I love my children dearly. But I knew they were in Jeff's capable hands. I had nothing to worry about and wanted to fully enjoy my break. 

 It was so rejuvenating to have some extended time to myself. I came home rested and renewed. I may have to make a solo vacation a yearly tradition.

**One more! Thanks Candice for posting this on facebook!

Snow Day

Anna finally got her winter wish to build a snowman. Although there have been a couple of flurries here and there, this was the first real snow storm. Isaac and Anna has a blast playing in the snow. I thought for sure they would only last a few minutes, but they played for a good two hours. Ben and Sam watched from inside.

February Odds and Ends

100th day of school. Anna brought in 100 hearts.

 Beautiful sunset from our front porch.

The boys discovered the oven drawer.

 We drove out to Yoder's for breakfast one morning. (Amish diner about an hour away.)

The boys fell asleep on the way home.

 I hosted playgroup.

Anna's valentine projects.

Dance party with the Lemons.' 

And then a sleep over while their parents went to the temple. 

It finally snowed!

President's Day

Anna has been begging to visit the Speaker of the Plain Monument ever since we went without her a couple of months ago. (Pesky school.) She had a day off for President's Day so we decided to brave the wind and cold and make it happen.

Anna and Isaac didn't seem to mind the cold to much, but Ben and Sam were kind of miserable. They were battling colds as it was.

I love Anna's pose here. 

And here. She's really working that knee.

This boy loves sticks.

Anna was more interested in the history than I thought she would be. It made for some pretty good discussion. We were planning on going to the Native American Museum next door but it was closed for Pres. Day. Duh. Of course it was. Not my smartest planning move. Ah, well.

V-Day

Even though we were busy most of the day, Valentine's was pretty low-key this year. In typical fashion, I only took pictures of  a couple things. 

The night before, we spent some time working on Anna's valentines. I had vague plans of doing something unique or homemade, but ended up buying some valentines at the store last minute. Anna was a trooper even though she didn't like the ones I picked out. Although, she did let it slip under her breathe that she hoped she would receive better valentines at school. Oh, well. You win some, you loose some.

At the last minute (I'm sensing a theme here) I called a friend to watch the boys and met up with Jeff up for a lunch-date. We went to our favorite, Thai Tradition. It was delicious and the company even better. I'm still in love with my valentine.

Cheesy? Yes. True? Most definitely

In the afternoon, the boys and I walked up to the school to help in Anna's class. Isaac immediately found a seat and pulled it up to Anna's table. She was thrilled to have him there. Things like that just make my heart happy.

 

 Anna is having a great kindergarten experience. She loves her teacher and has friends in her class. I'm so glad her first school experience has been so positive.

At home we had a Valentine's day dinner of pizza, strawberries, strawberry crush and probably some other stuff I can't remember. (Why didn't I take a picture!?) I do remember we had a lovely time together. Man, I sure do love my family. 

Wichita Zoo

I've heard such great things about the Wichita Zoo.

Anna and Isaac went to the zoo months ago with their grandparents, but I has yet to go.

 And on Wednesdays in the winter it only cost $2.50 to get in. We've been waiting for a warm Wednesday and finally it came! I shamelessly kept Anna home from school so she could come with us. Can you blame me? The girl is so fun to go on outings with.

Mimicking the statue.

 I forgot to turn my flash off and ended up with this crazy picture. You can see the chimpanzee and my two monkeys.

 This lion really put on a show for us. He climbed up to the top of the rock and roared five or six times. It was awesome!

We had a big group of friends come with us. We tried to get a group shot without much luck.