Heavenly Brilliance

I'm sure there were plenty of gray days, but winter this year seemed relatively manageable with an abundance of incredible sunrises and sunsets. 

I often remind the kids that not everyone gets to see these views on their way to and from school every day. I'm not sure that they're convinced it's better than living in a neighborhood with sidewalks and playgrounds and lots of friends nearby, but I think it's a pretty fair trade. 

Lots to Love in February

 The month of love was such a fun on this year! 

So much music in February, and we love it! 

I started spending more time at the school in February. 

Adorable overachiever- 

The very best part of February was the annual visit from Auntie Al! 

She brightens up our winter in all the best ways. 

She helped me put on the show choir celebration!

Pause for a delightful snow day adventure in the woods.

We loved Leah a lot from a distance in February- 

Archery and donuts and sunshine and Allison- a perfect February day! 

Friends make February better for everyone! 

I love sisters doing puzzles in sunlight too. 

Another Lovely Smile

A huge milestone for Emma happened in February- the braces came off! 

A moment for the before- 

Such big changes in two years!

Emma suffered through months of relentless canker sores with her braces, but she survived! And the payoff is absolutely worth it. So far she has done a fantastic job of wearing her retainers, but that's an easy sell compared to the misery of braces. I love this beautiful smile!

Flipping Thru February

When I was in elementary school, a lactose-intolerant classmate told me he ate his cereal with orange juice. 30 years later it is some of my kids favorite breakfast treat. 

The romantic Valentine's Dinner date tradition continues!

These three gave us a wonderful, delicious evening- 

Complete with a beatboxing edition of everyone's favorite poem, "Consider Love". 

These kids never get tired of running down long hallways.

We had to get our wiggles out before the symphony!

We went to the Winter Quarters temple in February!

Always a sacrifice, always worth it. 

Noah and I went to the Science Center with his friend Jayden because none of the sibs were available- 

All the concerts all year long. These pictures are from the Sweetheart Shows, which Adam performed in at least 10 different acts. 

Emma performed "Everything Has Changed" with her friend Leah and Mr. Cravero- 

Another visit to another unit in the stake- Newton! 

And another in Ankeny!

The boys have a new chess buddy-

February is FULL of show choir, and we love it!

Hello star of the show! 

Somewhere a few mountains away, Leah's February was looking like this- 

Hard days require popcorn and pup snuggles. 

Or a nap.

"I'm cooked." (she wasn't)

A perfect afternoon- 

Date night! 

I did not love the movie, but the loveseat chairs were comfy.