Valentine's Day

Ashton enjoying his candy

Happy teenager and tweenager

Chocolate covered oreo pops and strawberries!

 We had a nice and sugary Valentine's Day here with lots of chocolate and cheesecakes!  The boys each got a pack of candy and a personal note from us and then I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We got a nice 4 day weekend to recover from our sugar comas.  :)

Cameron added some candy to his cinnamon roll

Can you see the heart in the tree branches?

Bowling

Where's my bowling ball?

Ethan winding up

Cameron keeping score

A frequent face in my photos

We took the gang bowling last weekend!  Very fun!

Busy homework week.....

Hedgehog report - we created pom-pom hedgehogs for decoration

He made Grandma Bonnie's recipe

 We had such a crazy week for school work!  Ashton had a animal report that included six pages of information and Ethan needed to do some cooking for his class at school.  Thankfully, Cameron had a lighter week, homework-wise!  Ashton and I headed out for ice cream to celebrate his hard work, and we all enjoyed Ethan's meatballs!

Phew!  Shamrock shake was well earned

Visit to Apple Valley

 Last weekend, we headed to Apple Valley to spend time with Mom and Dad, as well as Aunt Sonja from KC and Cousin Wilma from Minnesota.  We spent time around the table listening to lots of stories, taking it all in.  At one point, Ethan showed Aunt Sonja how to create music with the ipad!

Bike Ride

The weather has been so nice here.  It's hard to know if we're in winter or not.  The boys were encourage to take advantage of it so Cameron and Ashton headed out for a quick ride. 

Soccer seasons ends

After two games, Cameron was worn out

 We have attended 28 games over the last 4 months between the two soccer boys.  Cameron's playoff season ended last weekend after a loss to a Valencia team.  It was bittersweet for all of us!
We'll start it all again in March when the Spring season starts. :)

While cute, I think both of them were worried if this riding arrangement was going to work.  :)

Our trusty wagon puller for the last 4 months

 We had one more celebration for Ashton with the grandparents to end the weekend.

Moustache day at school!

Cameron and Ashton sporting moustaches for school!

Ashton turns 8!

 Still wrapping my mind around the fact that he's eight!  He had a great birthday with chocolate chip pancakes, presents (including a new scooter!), and a trip to Scooters Jungle.  He's pretty amazing!

We're almost home.....

The hardest part is the trip back.  Lots of driving and tired passengers!  Here are some highlights.....

 Studying our shadows here......

Another rest stop?

Ashton made a little video with my phone. :)

Musical Instrument Museum

The MIM gang

Ashton's ready to go!

Mom, do you have to take pictures of everything?

 Danielle had been sick most of our trip so it was lovely to spend the day with her and Suzanne at the MIM on our last day in AZ.  Lots of things to look at - lots to take in!  Very well done!

A-hiking we will go!

 Suzanne and J.J. took Ethan, Cameron and I on a hike!  An excellent workout and a great memory, for sure!