^^ What a better way to start the month than an "I love you" from Judah! ^^
^^ The Winders stopped in for a night on their epic cross country road-trip and we were feeling pretty lucky that it lined up with Stephen's research week VA weekend so we were able to spend some quality time all together - we continue to be so blessed by their influence in our lives! ^^
^^ Stephen had a one week vacation block and we (sorta) boringly spent most of it getting caught up on doctor's appointments, DMV visits and home stuff. All slow and necessary but it left a lot of room for snuggles and Lego play :) We did take a few days to escape to the woods, though, and it was loved by all! We rented a cabin north of San Francisco and spent a rainy few days all alone in the camp ground. Our first night away we spent hiking through the redwoods and throwing rocks in the river! ^^
^^ The kids loved the one room cabin and they all slept amazingly well! ^^
^^ We were surprised with a sunny day perfect for the beach! A little like Oregon, it was cold and windy but oh so beautiful! We built sand castles, searched for treasure, had a picnic lunch and chased the birds! Ice cream to follow :) ^^
^^ When we first moved to Palo Alto, Stephen went on a solo hike while the kids and I were back in Idaho visiting family - he'd been wanting to take us ever since! It's called the Steep Ravine trail and was just as the name promised! We were all shocked and impressed with Ezra's determination on this hike! She lead the charge up and down the entire trail and loved every minute - not more than Stephen did, though! It was beautiful and truly such a perfect day! ^^
^^ Those doctor's appointments mentioned ;) Six years old and 15 months big. Love my boys! ^^
^^ The kids took swimming lessons twice a week in the month of February. Uriah has been swimming since he was 3.5, but his stroke needs some perfecting, and Ezra had never learned to do anything with her love of the water, so in they jumped! They were able to take semi-private lessons, the two of them with one instructor, and they both really enjoyed themselves! ^^
^^ Bedtime snuggles! The three of them share a room when guests come to town, and Sherri was able to come for a few days, so Judah takes his turn in their beds while we sing songs and he loves the attention and snuggles from his big siblings! ^^
^^ My six year old looking like a teenager... NO BIG DEAL! ^^
^^ Judah at a birthday party winning best dressed and cutest and most likely to be a supermodel and whatever other awards are handed out to seniors in the year book that basically mean he's a piece of candy I could snack on all day and love so very much...! ^^
^^ Another weekend off for Stephen meant a trip to Palo Alto for a special double birthday party for two handsome five year old boys! I will always, always miss our community from Palo Alto and long to recreate it for my children - it just can't be done! The unicorn of communities I guess - rare and beautiful and amazingly special. Getting back together is such a gift, but a hard reminder that my kids won't get to grow up with these sweet friends... Mostly, just beyond blessed for the friendships created and the memories made. ^^
^^ I got to take this handsome boy out for a date at the end of the month to see How to Train Your Dragon, The Hidden World. It was way past bedtime but my purse was full of candy and his excitement was high. Love special moments like this! ^^
