{iPhone Rewind} :: January

Maddie made us a "New Year" sign

Enjoying chocolate covered pretzels leftover from our Community Group New Year's Eve party :)

Our friend C had a birthday party at Pinot's Palette, and we got to enjoy a morning of painting!

We had McCullough Christmas over Zoom, and all the cousins got to open presents while wearing matching sweatshirts that Aunt Lindsay made them!

Aiden got an orb for Christmas, and it has been zooming around our house {and getting stuck on the tops of bookshelves} all throughout the month.

We have started some computer adventures! Eli and Madde are learning to type, starting with the basics.

These are the days...

Granny brought some fun Bible books, and Aiden spent hours working on them :)

I had the opportunity to talk to our MOLO ministry about what it looks like to stay committed to spiritual disciplines as a busy mom. They were so gracious toward my lack of speaking skills, but I pray that I was able to share my heart and encourage the young moms in their pursuit of Jesus.

Miss Scarlett went on a mission trip to Jamaica and brought back some Jamaican money for the kids!

Waiting for fresh-baked cookies!

We got a little snow teaser early in the month

We had just finished reading about how Joseph had experienced repeated bad things in his life. Our next subject was cursive handwriting, and Aiden said that "this was the baddest thing he had experienced in his life." Haha. Tough life as a 2nd grader.

We also got a cold temp teaser...

Our church had a family game night, and the kids had a blast!

I will never get tired of this view...

Working hard :)

A little chess on a cold day

And some pretty flowers on a cold day :)

Snow Days 2026!

We got our first big snow of the year! We had a couple of days of snow earlier in the season {in December and January}, but nothing has actually stuck. So when we heard that this weather system was coming, we were excited that we might get some good snow days.

On Sunday, we woke up to a few inches of snow, and it continued all day long. But we knew we needed to enjoy it early, because the snow quickly turned to sleet. But also not too early...we had to hold the kids back so the neighbors could sleep haha!

The snow plow came pretty early too, and the kids LOVE that it dumps the cul-de-sac snow right in front of our house. It just means more snow to play in! We spent the morning sledding in the front yard, shoveling it {for fun}, and trying to stay warm.

Proof that Mommy played in the snow for a little bit too ;)

It was fun to have neighbors come over and play, too!

Mike took the kids out sledding at a bigger hill later in the afternoon, so they had their fill of snow for the day. And is tradition, we were able to warm up inside with hot chocolate and a warm fire :)

On Monday, the snow and sleet had stopped, so the kids were able to play out in the snow again! But it also meant we had to spend the day shoveling {the not so fun part of snow}. We are so thankful for our neighbors, as it became a whole cul-de-sac effort to clear driveways and dig out cars. 

The temperatures are not supposed to get above freezing until next week sometime, and they are even talking about the possibility of more snow this coming weekend. So this snow/ice is going to stick around for awhile. The kids certainly don't mind...they have been out every day this week, and it is giving them just a little extra motivation to get their schoolwork done, so they can go out and play!

{iPhone Rewind} :: February

We got to celebrate Chinese New Year with our church members!

Maddie and Daddy :)

Maddie's drawing of Mrs. Amy C haha.

Geography time!

We had a genuine ice day!

Aiden: is that what you are going to wear?

Me: umm...yes...? I was planning on it. Is this not ok?

Aiden: well, maybe you could pick something else.

Apparently my fashion choices are not 6-year-old approved.

My football-loving boy enjoying the Super Bowl!

We got some more snow days too. I was sick in bed, but the kids got to play in it a little before it melted.

Brothers at the library :)

Maddie drama at the library haha

These ranunculus made me so happy :)

Celebrating Valentine's Day with a few little treats :)

Learning the Fruits of the Spirit!

Drawing the planets for Science

The kids have been making and playing "hideout" haha

We are taking advantage of the glimpses of warmer weather, wishing for Spring to come!!

They wanted to surprise us by decorating the dinner table :)

Haha!

Comparing the Imperial system to the metric system

Me: most countries in the world, the military, and most scientists use the metric system

Eli: so then why don't we use it?

Me: that's a GREAT question, buddy! ;)

Spring Break with Grandma

We spent the last week enjoying a fun Spring Break with Grandma here! When she is here, ALL the books get read, and ALL the toys take on a new life...basically everything is more fun with Grandma :)

We had a few days of good weather, so we took advantage and headed to the National Zoo! It wasn't crowded, and we got to see a lot of the animals, so it was a great morning. 

The lion was doing a lot of roaring and Aiden thought he was a bit too loud

This kid wants to know ALL the details about ALL the things :)

Following the elephant trail

Before Grandma had even come into town, Eli had sent her a message, asking her if she wanted to go to the Air & Space Museum {Udvar-Hazy} with him. So we had to be sure we found a time to visit! And of course, when Grandma is involved, it usually includes a trip to the souvenir shop :)

Happy kiddos with their fighter jets!

We got our last snow of the season {a respectable 4 inches}, so we got to play in the snow one last time! It lasted a day and then melted, but it was a good last hoorah to winter. And I actually remembered to save some it so we could make snow ice cream!

After the snow melted, we got some more beautiful weather days, so we spent it going on walks and playing at the park. 

We tried to get a good photo and it just wasn't happening...but we sure did have LOTS of fun with grandma here! We were sad to say goodbye, but look forward to seeing her again soon :)