February

I was so excited for this February because for months I have been anxiously anticipating a trip to my sister's house. It did not disappoint.  

It was so wonderful to meet sweet little Irie and spend time with her big brothers. 

The boys love the book What Would Danny Do and they asked if I knew how to make chocolate chip pancakes, their mom has made them before but they couldn't remember what they tasted like. I was thrilled that something so simple could make them so happy. So we had to have them two mornings. I was able to get them to school each morning so Tiff could sleep in a little and it was so fun to see their awesome personalities. 

Tiff took me to her in laws one day to see all of the farm animals and it just reminded me how much I love animals...now if there wasn't any work involved I would be completely sold. This nanny goat was my best friend. There were sheep, goats, cows, chickens and even a puppy. We also got to see the horses so it was a good day. 

I took the boys out for a spin on this thing...you can have a controller and drive the car remotely and I realized that I am horrible at that. But the boys survived and were happy at the end...success!

It was so fun to go to a new mom's house and be able to help her. I loved all the baby time I got. I am so grateful for all of the help that I have received with my five children and it felt so good to do that for someone else. I loved spending so much time with Tiffany talking, laughing 'til we cried, and just being together. I also loved the time with my nephews. They are just amazing boys and I wish I could get that kind of time with all my nieces and nephews. I will treasure that week forever. Thanks Cameron for putting up with me for a week. 

And it wouldn't have happened without Tanner's amazing support and Natalie coming out to watch the kids while Tanner was at work. Brittany and Baydon ended up going to a conference that week so Grandma Crossley came up with the Hilton cousins too and it was a party all week long. I don't think my kids even missed me because they were having so much fun with the cousins. There was lots of hockey played, science experiments, and mario kart tournaments. I am so grateful there are people who love my children so much and supported me in going to my sister's. 

Every night when I would Facetime with the kids Vivi would yell, "Hi mom!" over and over with the biggest smile. 

No get together is complete without a tea party. 

I got home just in time for a snow storm. We haven't had much snow this winter so we were all excited for how much we got. 

The kids made a fort with the neighbors

Despite icicle fingers, Vivi lasted quite a while out in the snow. 

Once the girls went inside the boys had a snowball fight

Brittany and Baydon came back down to spend some time with Natalie before she left and I got this great picture of them both in Grandpa Warner's sweaters. They didn't even plan it! 

Valentine's day wasn't a big deal this year, but I made the kids some Valentines and we had chocolate waffles for breakfast and they were happy.

Mariah wanted Josie to dress up for the holiday

We got another snowstorm with even more snow and all had fun shoveling outside. 

One day the boys went to the racquetball court with Tanner, so Eliza and Mariah asked if they could paint my nails. I decided toenails would be best and they went to town. Each foot is very different, a perfect reflection of their personalities. Mariah did polka dots because "Easter bunnies would be too hard on nails". Eliza suggested that they could be Easter Eggs. And she decided to paint every toenail on her side a different color followed up with lots of sparkles. They are pretty exciting. 

We said goodbye to my parents over Zoom as they left on a two year mission to Botswana. We will still be able to communicate with them online and I'm already planning a trip there...now if only I can convince Tanner. 

It was a wonderful month spent with so many people that I love so much. Seems fitting for the month of love.