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. 

Leah's Big 2024 Adventure

How did I never post about Leah's epic trip to North Carolina to visit her bestie Sarah?! Core memory, finally recorded on the blog. 

This isn't even a fraction of the fun these girls had together, but it was a great glimpse into the strengthening of their lifelong friendship! 

Sarah Came to Visit!

 The absolute highlight of Christmas break was a long-anticipated visit from Leah's best friend Sarah!

These three girls have been counting down the minutes until their reunion ever since we said goodbye last June. It was so fun having her here with us for a few days over the break!

Emma made this sign, and 'welcome home' felt just right.  Sarah is just like family!

The girls had a long list of to-do's while Sarah was here- movies to watch, nails to paint, pages to color, letters to wax, treats to bake, a stake dance and Leah's 16th birthday celebrations!

One exceptionally nice day we headed over to the arboretum for some fresh air and fun. 

We even got to walk on the ice!

So much to catch up on!

Sarah introduced Leah and Emma to Pride and Prejudice, and they were immediately smitten. 

Sarah gave us the most ridiculous and perfect Christmas gifts- a Shrek mask and a Donkey mask!  

They have been the source of much laughter, squeals and a few tears. 

On the last morning together, we headed downtown for some window shopping and brunch!

So many tears because our brunch restaurant of choice was closed for the holidays. 

And some real tears because eventually it was time to get Sarah to their airport. 

Leah did a good job of holding her tears in while they said goodbye but was sobbing before Sarah was through security.  A best friend is a hard and wonderful thing to find!

Day 2- Views of Seattle!

At some point during our Pikes Market visit, Daddy met up with Auntie Michelle, who lives near Seattle and had a van that we borrowed for the trip.  We didn't really need it until the next day, but it did come in handy when we wanted to take 9 tired kids, 4 adults and a jogging stroller across town.  Don't tell anyone how we all got there! Jason drove very, very carefully and I'm guessing the kids will remember this adventure even without the blog nod.  

Our first stop was Kerry Park, and it was 100% worth the stop (thanks Tesla driver for the recommendation!)

What an incredible view!

At the bottom of the hill we found a playground not a "park" that the kids were so happy to play on.  Emma was especially enamored by this little guy, and was such a good helper to him.

And even more exciting, puppies! Boy it would have been awesome to take one home with us!

Then we hiked up the hill, past the gorgeous multimillion dollar homes and their incredibly manicured  hillside landscaping- 

for some delicious ice cream!

And then back down the hill, back in the car, and over to the absolute highlight of the day!