Lizard Catcher/Whisperer

Rachel helped me catch a lizard in our house this morning and put it back outside. The lizard was quite trusting by letting Rachel pet him. He wasn't exactly super anxious to go back to the wild.

PetSmart

We went to Hobby Lobby today and right next door is PetSmart. I promised the girls that if they were good, we'd go check out the pets at the store. I had no idea what a bonus this would be for Ian. He LOVED being in the store. I caught 2 pictures of him looking at the fish, but he loved everything else as well. It's a lot closer and cheaper than the zoo, so it was great! Later this year I'm going to get a zoo membership so Ian and I can go to the zoo. I don't think I've actually ever taken him...Third Child Syndrome. :)

 

Rodeo Day

Here's the cutest 5 year-old cowgirl around ready for her Rodeo Day at school:

Audrey was so excited to go to school today and participate in the activities planned. We're so grateful for her preschool and how much she enjoys it!

Busy Boy

Ian is one busy boy! He definitely keeps me on my toes. Below are a few pictures of him caught doing something busy in the month of February. You'll notice that some days he was quite busy (hence, the same outfit in several pictures).

Busy in Daddy's closet messing with the electronic recyclables:

 WHY WON'T YOU LET ME CLEAN THE TOILET!?!?!?!

Helping Daddy with his work:

While I was taking a shower one morning he climbed from our jetted tub, across one sink, across the counter, and then up to the high sink where he could get into stuff:

Just chilling in the rain (nails and measuring tape behind him):

Undoing the sheet on the pack n' play while he should be napping:

Into Rachel's lip gloss:

Busy being a helper:

 

Trying on Mommy's nylons:

  

And then there's preparing for a nap. Yay! My saving grace. I can get through the day with this busy toddler as long as he gets a nap each day. A good break for the both of us!

Giving "fishy kisses":

It is so much fun when they are learning and exploring (and exhausting). I'm so grateful I get to spend my days with this busy boy.

Big Sister

Here's Rachel trying to comfort Ian earlier this morning. I wouldn't allow him to bring a small tree limb into the house. He was upset and Rachel tried her best to comfort him. Rachel quite often says I'm mean to Ian. It's a good thing he has his older sisters to look out for him. :)

Introducing Harry S. Truman...

Here's Rachel with her Harry S. Truman bust:

This is the first time we've had a school project that has required quite a bit of parent help. Although, to give Rachel credit, she did a lot on her own. She drew the eyes and lips and cut them out. She LOVED doing the paper mache and painting his face. She drew and cut the tie out all one her own. I was very impressed with her involvement. She also has to do an oral report on Harry S. Truman. She has a little note card she's prepared and I'm sure she'll do a fantastic job!

Sweet Note

Sweet note written by Audrey during Sacrament today:

Shoulder Rides

When Daddy is home it's tradition to get a shoulder ride from him on the way to bed. Imagine how proud Rachel was when she realized she was strong enough to give Audrey a shoulder ride:

Valentine's Day

I got to help out with the Valentine parties for both of the girls. Audrey's was on Thursday, since she doesn't go to school on Fridays. She was so excited to have me come help. We fed the kids some yummy snacks and played a few games.

 

Audrey was so excited to come home and go through her bag of valentines: 

She got a package of skittles and knows how much her daddy likes them, so she wrapped them up for him:

On Valentine's Day the kids woke up to a small box of chocolates and a little trinket or two, at their place setting for breakfast. While I was busy getting Rachel out the door for school, Ian helped himself to his chocolates:

That afternoon I got to go to Rachel's class to help with her party. I love that my girls love when I help in their classrooms. The kids decorated cookies and we played a few games. 

 

Natalie had come over to watch Audrey and Ian while I went to Rachel's party. When I came home these cute kiddos were playing outside:

We had a fun afternoon playing with the Mackays. For dinner I made pink heart-shaped pancakes. They were a hit! Andy and I don't go out until the 15th, because February 15th was actually when we went on out first date back in 2000.  The next night we got a babysitter and enjoyed a night out. We did something a bit different and went to watch some horse races. It was a lot of fun!

Playing Dress Up

Ian had us all giggling tonight as he proudly danced around as a dragon fairy?!?!? It's moments like this that I wish Andy was home at a more decent hour every night. He missed it... I sent him a picture, but it's definitely not the same.