February

We kept busy this last month so it wasn't surprising when it went by so quickly. 

Eliza and Vivi had a lot of fun decorating Valentines boxes for two different parties they went to. 

They really enjoyed the slime they made at one party...

Chet and Austin had lots of archery. Austin has improved so much his first year, even getting a first place at one of the tournaments. They have spent a lot of time working on the house too. They learned a lot about roofing and feel confident they could roof a house now.

Our contractors paid them each one hundred dollars in dollar bills. They were pretty excited about that. They used some of their hard earned money to buy a 3D printer from a friend. They've kept that thing busy mainly making toys for their younger siblings. 

 

Vivi enjoyed making cookies with me one day. 

Chet finished up his basketball season. It was really fun to see how much the boys improved over the season. 

The oldest four had another concert with SEISO and in his hurry Austin grabbed two right shoes, different sizes. It didn't really phase him though. Mariah and Eliza had solos and it was another great concert. 

Asa and Vivi were much better this time around. I think Asa's nap on the way there really helped. 

We had a Valentines Day party with the cousins and Evan. The kids worked all week long on their cards and did an amazing job. Here's a few of my favorites:

I had a hankering for a chocolate raspberry cake and it exceeded my expectations. 

Chet and Austin went to a skate park in Des Moines with friends and had a blast. 

All the kids are officially downstairs right now because the upstairs bedrooms are gone...Eliza, Vivi, and Asa were so excited about their new bedroom. Mariah...not so much. But we will survive this stage of renovations. At least thats what I keep telling myself. 

Eliza decided to wear Chet's boots to feed the chickens...

Mariah went with Tanner and I to babysit during an adult activity at the church. Chet watched his younger siblings and even made dinner for them. This is the picture he sent to us of his extra runny mac and cheese. But he kept the kids alive and happy so we're calling it a success. 

My friend got this picture of me helping my girls at an activity. I still have to stick my tongue out when I'm concentrating on something. I'm just like Michael Jordan. 

Asa and Ryann had a good time too. 

Asa is getting nicer to Skippy and Josie and they are beginning to trust him more. This is the most chill cat I've ever seen. 

And an angelic sleeping shot just because. 

Chet had his last basketball tournament at the big sports complex in Ottumwa so we felt brave enough to bring all the kids. Asa got pegged hard in the head twice with a soccer ball...yet he still wanted to be running around with all the big kids. I took the youngest three to the skate park while the older three ran errands with Tanner. That evening Chet and Austin had their last archery tournament and both did really well. 

We went bowling and Dad and Asa tied for first. It was fun to do something together as a family.