These pictures of Millie perfectly summarize how I felt about January...it was exhausting and one of the LONGEST months EVER. I was sick for over two weeks...then Silas got an ear infection and the other kids took their turns being sick as well.
On New Years Day our kids woke up to find a "snowboard" and sled waiting for them. Phin had asked Santa for a snowboard...and we felt pretty guilty that there wasn't one under the tree before we went to Phoenix.
Phin got to test out his "snowboard" and sled a few times in January.
We attended the traditional family New Years Day party. Seth got to play games with some cousins.
Millie played with blocks...
Phin watched a movie with cousins...
and Silas taste tested various objects.
We extended cousin time and had Seth's cousin Cody and his family over to our house after the party for a few more games. Millie loved playing with Autumn.
Phin loved showing off the arcade.
Millie LOVES books. She can often be found carrying one around and would love if we would read her book after book after book. She is pretty good at retelling stories from books too...in the picture below she is telling the story of The Three Little Pigs.
We made a visit to the Children's museum and were delighted to find that the Honey Climber wall was finally open.
Sarah, Kate, Harvey and Rachel were visiting from Idaho and we loved playing at the museum with them.
The kids went to one of the classes and got to pretend to order, make and pay for ice cream.
Seth's work had their company party at Hotel Monaco. Phin and Millie even got to have a sleepover with cousins at Nona's this night.
My kids finally have our morning routine down. Woohoo! It only took half of the school year. Something that has really helped is having pancakes in the freezer ready to be heated up in the toaster. I found a yummy recipe with Greek Yogurt so we made a huge batch for the freezer. Making Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches ahead of time has also made our mornings go more smoothly.
I finally bit the bullet and ordered my first ThredUP box. I have found great deals on blazers, designer jeans and button-up shirts. I love that everything is shipped right to my door so that I can try it on in the comfort of my own home.
Love this picture of the kids cuddling up to watch a show.
They also also becoming master fort builders.
The New Beginnings Program for the Young Women that I work with was held in January. We did a Let's Go to the Movies Theme. I was tasked with changing all of the words to the Annie song "Let's go to the Movies" to fit the YW theme. It was fun to see the girls bring the song to life as they performed.
I also helped out with the soda and popcorn bar.
Here are the amazing women that I am blessed to serve with.
We made a Valentine's garland with all of our Christmas card. I got the idea from Everyday Reading and this may become an annual tradition.
Seth always finds willing tongues to lick envelopes...
We had Martin Luther King Day off from school and it snowed most of the day. We kept warm inside with a painting project.
Then we got outside to play in the snow.
I love the snow when it is fresh on the trees. This is the view from my office window the day after the big storm.
I was able to make it to Temple night in January. The sunset as I walked in was spectacular!
Seth's work purchased an old grocery store with plans to tear it down and develop it into new homes. Prior to it being torn down Seth spent quite a bit of time playing paintball in the store. He and a couple of co--workers also got permission to sell many of the grocery fixtures. Seth and Phin spent an entire Saturday over at the store as people came and bought random shelving, toilets, sinks, etc.
Our kids have been LOVING family night. Their favorite game to play is currently Ramses II. It is basically a mummy themed memory game.
Phin had parent teacher conferences in January. We loved his Frog Prince painting.
Phin and Millie have been playing very well together...but they sure do make a mess when they are being creative.
We had a few warmer days near the end of the month so we went on long walks to the park.
We celebrated January finally being over with $1.50 scoops on January 31st.
