Aubrey's Christmas Program

Aubrey's Christmas program was on Friday. She was thrilled that Grandpa Ted and Grandma Sue came all the way from Hesston to be there. Wayne and I were surprised that our little performer (at home) looked nervous and frequently chewed on her fingernails. I couldn't get a good picture with my phone, but they all looked adorable (of course) :) and the backdrop was really cute too.

Afterward was a cookie reception, which Aubrey said was her favorite part.  

Muffin

My sweet little Muffin and I got to do a little shoe shopping, and "cupcake" eating together this week. Then last night, Tyler, Aubrey and I spent the evening shopping, car washing, eating, and going to the library together. We had a great time and now I'm really looking forward to summer!

 

 (She thinks she's funny, sticking her tongue out).

Snow Days

We've been in a drought around here. I've heard that we are nearing dust-bowl levels of drought. So, it's been awhile since we've gotten much precipitation. A winter storm was predicted to be headed our way, early in the week, but we're in Kansas. Things can change quickly, so we believe it when we see it.

 

Wednesday morning, around 9, I left my base school to visit another school. The snow had started to fall before then, but the roads were still fine. By about an hour later, the roads were slick and it was still coming down steadily. Evening parent-teacher conferences were canceled, so I got to come home at my normal time. The roads were decent by the end of the work day, and we enjoyed the snow. A novelty around here.

 

That evening, they canceled school for both Tyler and I for Thursday. We were excited and looked forward to burrowing in for an unplanned day at home. I woke up to lightning and thunder during the night and heard on the news the next day it's actually called thunder snow. I think that sounds funny.   And it kept snowing most of the day.

Around here, they don't have the kind of snow removal equipment we had growing up in Northern Indiana. Side streets are not plowed. We had shoveled the driveway on Wednesday night, but you never would have known that yesterday. As I struggled and huffed and puffed on the driveway yesterday, and the snow stuck to each scoop of the shovel, I stopped when I was a little over halfway done. It was heavy, thick, and I figured that even if I could get out of our driveway in the morning, I'd be immediately stuck in the thick snow still on the street. We ended up with 14.2 inches of snow. So, we weren't surprised when they canceled school for today too.


Playing in the snow today...

(Okay, most of Aubrey's snow play consists of eating snow).

 

Tunnels...in Kansas?!

 

 

Love it. :)

Let's Celebrate!

Friday, we celebrated Aubrey's 3rd birthday with Ted and Sue. (Even though she doesn't turn three until Tuesday, this is when it worked to get together).

For the past, oh, six months or so, she's been asking when she is going to have her "birthday cake" and wants to wear a "party hat."

She asked for a blue princess cake...and picked a funfetti cake. In retrospect, I should have probably gone with chocolate since she's slightly obsessed with anything chocolate, but this one looked fun.  Also, in retrospect, I should have positioned the fairy princess a bit higher...so she didn't look like she was drowning. :) Aubrey didn't mind, of course.

Her only other birthday request was for "red meat." I don't know whether she even knows what that means, but it cracked me up. So, we had hamburgers, broccoli (which she loves), and macaroni and cheese. Martha Stewart's Perfect Macaroni and Cheese, that is. Sadly the kids didn't like it. I thought it was great. Whatever.

Then some play time with Grandpa Ted while we cleaned up dishes.

I think she loves her new Woofer.

Wayne made sure baby Polly was taken care of.

New magnetic doll set from Grandpa and Grandma...such tired eyes and crazy hair from the party hat.

Felt food from us.

I had to post this because Tyler actually cooperated with taking a picture. Miracles do happen. ;)

And finally, a chess lesson with Grandpa Ted.

Daddy's shorts

 My little lady is growing up so fast...but she still looks tiny when she's "wearing" Daddy's shorts.

So, after my attempt at getting a picture, I handed Wayne the camera. Much better!!



Tyler Torture

Botanica

Last Friday, I didn't have school (but Tyler did). My friend Michelle had her kids home from school that day too. So, that (cloudy cool) morning, we enjoyed walking around Botanica. (Wayne was there too - taking lots of pictures).

Very Hungry Caterpillar

With the busyness of everyday life these days, I am so thankful for time to spend with friends.

St Patrick's Day

There's something fun and light-hearted about St. Patrick's Day.

Friday, while the kids played outside with the neighbors, I made a batch of Shamrock Butter Cookies for them to enjoy. They were far from perfect looking - but I love this melt-in-your-mouth butter cookie recipe.

Saturday, I made a treasure hunt that I found on pinterest. I printed out these clues (with a little shamrock on each one...I couldn't figure out how to import my document to blogger). Anyway, I hid these for Tyler to find when he woke up yesterday morning:

There once was a boy who I knew
He looked a little like you!
He got out of bed,
“Good Morning,” he said
Then he found something new in his shoe.

Inside of that shoe was a clue
Written from me to you!
“To find lots of gold
Before catching cold
Go put on a glove or two.”

My treasure is oh so great
So hurry and do not wait!
I dress only in green
and never am seen
I’m hiding under a plate.

You found me at last, hooray!
Thank you for coming to play.
I’m Leprechaun Pete
I’ve brought you a treat.
Have a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Attached to this last clue, was this treat.

Only instead of Rolos, I used Hershey's Nuggets.

Later, Tyler and Aubrey enjoyed Leprechaun Floats.

What a fun day, and a fun way to kick off Spring Break!

The Hole

About a week ago, we set some limits on TV time. I know, we're a little late to the party. Anyway, this nicely coincided with some lovely weather. Aubrey just loves doing anything outside, but Tyler needs a little more nudging. That changed this week when he decided to dig a hole. He spent several evenings this week working on it. Aubrey found her way to him on Friday evening and Wayne snuck in a few shots of the two of them.

Oops! Spotted by our camera-averse child!

We were rockin' our KU shirts Friday as they played (and won)! that evening. :)

Weather craziness

Our winter has been exceptionally mild this year. Tuesday evening, Tyler had soccer practice and it was was windy, but he could still wear shorts and be comfortable. So, we were a little surprised to wake up to snow on Wednesday morning.

We got another slushy layer on Thursday morning. But, Friday and Saturday the sun was back and we enjoyed time outside.

Yesterday for lunch, Tyler and Aubrey had a little picnic on the deck. (Tyler is such a big fan of having his picture taken, as you can see).

Last night, Aubrey and Tyler played outside as long as they could...

Aubs

I found some pictures of Aubrey from the last month...

She has perfected the furrowed brow.

02-18-2012

Burying her face when she's frustrated.

02-18-2012

Climbing in...taking a rest.

02-28-2012

Relaxing



03-08-2012



03-08-2012