Happy Valentine's Day!

Alison didn't have school on Friday, so her class had their Valentine's party on Thursday. She made the cutest little Valentine holder. She said her day was great... they had stations to make cookies, make cards, and pass out their valentines. Merilyn also had a little party at her daycare and she got to pass out her own valentines. Too cute!


Last night I had my staff vs. students basketball game. Although, it was a very fun night... I was sooo tired. Surprise! Travis & the girls let me sleep in! Yea! But, that wasn't all... they surprised me in bed with flowers, coffee, & breakfast. It was such a great treat.

I tried to find an earlier picture of Alison... but she was born before we had a digital camera! She was so excited for her big day. I was able to surprise her at school with a bunch of balloons.
From there we went to JJ Jump {again} for her birthday party. She had so much fun there last year, we couldn't talk her into anything else! She said it was "so, so fun & I liked it when my daddy chased me, & when Ryan & Luke were so funny." After lots of running & playing we had pizza & cupcakes. It was a great night with family & friends.

After we got home Ali found a few more presents waiting for her on the kitchen table. She was very surprised... but happy, because she wasn't quite ready for her night to end.

Preparations

Tomorrow is Alison's 6th birthday. {Can you believe it?!?} She is so excited... & so ready. The invitations have been sent out, the cupcakes are made, and Grandma took her shopping after school for some birthday clothes. We tried on several different outfits trying to find the right thing to wear... and the "winner" is waiting for tomorrow... right down to the socks & underwear.

Who Stole the Cookies?

Natalie & Ali made Valentine cookies during their sleep over. While they were waiting for them to cool I noticed a little someone helping herself...

I also noticed that she was missing her clothes. ?!?!

Sleep Over

Alison invited Natalie over for a sleep over this weekend. She was very excited! We had a big talk about making sure that she included Merilyn & didn't leave her out if she wanted to play. Ali said she understood & that would not be a problem. And, the girls were great about including Meri. When she wasn't the "monster" that they ran from, she was right there with them in their games and activities. They were being so gracious & kind that I was very surprised to find this sign on the bedroom door!

I noticed it after Ali & Natalie had gone to bed {or pretended to go to bed} so I'm not sure when they hung it up! They stayed up until past 11:00pm... I could hear them giggling & talking as I headed off to bed.
It was a very busy sleep over... "roller coasters", coloring, puppet shows, movies... Alison said, "I loved it! We had giggles in the night & that made me happy!"

Sun!

The groundhog saw his shadow, and according to legend, that means we'll be having 6 more weeks of winter. {Based on the crazy weather we've had the last few months, I'm not really surprised!} However, I am truly enjoying the sun that we've been having! It's crazy... I scrape ice off my car every morning, and by the time I come home I have to wear my sunglasses!

It's still a little chilly - but we love getting outside again!

Playhouse Disney

My mom gave all of the granddaughters tickets to Playhouse Disney for Christmas. Casey and I had taken the girls last year, and they loved it! I wasn't sure of Ali might be too old? but I knew Merilyn would enjoy it. And, she definitely did. She rocked out! Meri danced, sang, clapped... all through the first half. At intermission Daddy bought popcorn, so the second half's focus was more on that... but she did stop now & then to dance and sing! {Ali also had a good time. She was just so excited to have Daddy with her!}