Snow, Snow, Snow......

 To say it has been a bad winter may be the understatement of the year!  We have had no shortage of snow to play in as we have been under a solid blanket of snow since before Thanksgiving.  You'd think the kids would have had their fill of playing in the snow, but they haven't because it's been so freezing cold the entire winter.  The days we have been above single digits I can count on one hand.  So on this day in late February, it was actually kind of nice outside (upper 20's), so we decided to play outside.  Ava thought it felt like "summer" and didn't even want a hat!  The kids were using the sled as a boat in the large melting pool in front of the snow pile.  Yes, you can imagine what their pants, boots, and mittens looked like, but all so much fun, right?  So ready for spring!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

 The kids walked right past their Valentine's gifts, but were so happy to see them when I pointed them out.

 Even though he had no idea what it said, Owen loved his card!

 New truck for Owen and new mini magnetic drawing pad for Ava

 Owen really liked his "flatbed truck"- he never forgot what I told him it was!  Shockingly, his eyes are closed again!

 There was a 2 hour late start on Valentine's Day, so we had a little extra time (Lord knows the kids wouldn't sleep in) to make cupcakes before school.  The kids were pumped!

 Any smiling shots, his eyes are closed so we will go with these :)

 My Valentines!

 After school, we played a little game of "van"- the kids love this game where we line up chairs and then fill up all the seats with dolls and even the doll carseat!

 Hannah came over so I even got to be in a picture while driving.  I much prefer to be in the backseat asking "are we there yet" to one of the kids while they are driving :)

 Owen, Ava & Tristan (16 mths)

Ava wanted a shot at picture taking....

Our "selfie" 

We had a great Valentine's Day.  It was so nice that Ava had a late start so we could make the day a little more special.  We enjoyed our time after school with Hannah and Tristan.  He is such a cutie and the kids love to play with him!  Of course, Hannah had Valentine's Day treats for the kids!

February Waterpark Stay with the Reiter's....

 Madi & Ava are 4 months apart & loved playing together

 It's fair to say Owen was not excited at first because it was so loud, hence this stance for about 20 minutes.

 However, Abi came through and played with him for a long time which he absolutely loved.  She was amazing!

 The rest of the kids enjoyed the lazy river and waterslides.

 Brad, Madi, Ava, & Connor

 Abi & I in our matching sweatshirts

The only kids that would participate in a group photo.

We had a great weekend at Bridges Bay with the Reiter's.  Their kids are all older than ours, but so great at playing with them.  We ate lots of food and enjoyed a getaway!

Disney in Sioux Falls & Playdoh!

Owen pointing at the stage- we were pretty far away in the upper deck

Waiting for the show to begin.  The kids could hardly wait to see Mickey, especially Owen.

 I decided on a whim one day when Ava was off of school to make playdoh.  We hadn't done it for a while.  We made two batches so they each had their own color.  Needless to say, it has been a hit. 

 Does Owen ever have his eyes open for a picture?

 Does Ava ever have a real smile? 

 Lots & lots of vehicles!  This is what the living room looks like every day!

 Owen is lucky to have a sister that plays with him!

We decided last minute to get tickets to Disney Live in Sioux Falls, hence our not so great seats.  The kids seemed to really enjoy it, especially Owen.  It wasn't terribly long and they had excerpts from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and one other Disney movie which I can't remember right now.  The kids loved them all, but weren't familiar with Aladdin because they've never seen the movie.  Fun day!!

Daddy's 36th Birthday & Misc Jan Pics.....

Owen has become quite the helper around the house.  So proud of himself for unloading the dishwasher all alone!

 The kids are so good about playing with each other's toys.  Ava will play cars for a while, then Owen will play dolls with her.  The parking ramp is a big hit for both of them.

 So excited to be "solo"on the mixer making Daddy's birthday cake

 Daddy & his bday cake

Present time!

I invited both Brad's and my parents to come have supper with us for Brad's birthday.  We enjoyed eating at the Pizza Ranch and back to the house for cake and ice cream.  The kids are always in the mood to celebrate a birthday, especially if it means eating cake and assisting with gift opening.  Thanks to our parents for coming to help celebrate!