February comes to an end

Just a few random pictures as February comes to an end:

The kids have decided perler beads are where it's at and have enjoyed making some creations. Jude designed and created this sword:

Pretty sweet.


My good friend Heather (left) is going through some tough times right now, so it was nice one Sunday at church to just sit and chat with her and Sara. Some much needed "fellowshipping" for all of us!

Jude and Cole started soccer! Jude has practice on Tuesday evenings at his school, so the kids love to come and play on the park while he practices. This little girls LOVES the swings! She looks so grown-up here.

I'm looking forward to the time change and more light at night!

Happy 6th Birthday, Cole!

Because brothers are awesome and big brothers are even awesomer, Cole elected to have his Birthday party at JUMP just like Jude.

He also wanted the same cake.

I didn't get too many pictures of the kids jumping (they turn into a blur anyway), but it was a great turn-out! Most of the kids from his Kindergarten class came, as did several of his friends from church. We had about 27 kiddos all together! Tyler brought his boys, too!

Pizza time!

"Happy Birthday to Cole!"

It was a great party! I loved talking to my friends and the other moms from his class and its amazing that set-up and clean-up are essentially done for you! Cole had a blast and felt loved by so many friends and family.

And of course he loved his gifts!

Happiest Birthday, Cole! We love your smile and your unique look on life. We are proud of you every day! We love you!

Happy Chinese New Year!

February 17th we drove up to Northern Virginia to celebrate Chinese New Year with the Glass family. We went to our usual Buffet place in Maryland to meet up with all the Aunts and Uncles. (On the way there, Cole managed to throw up all over his clothes and seat in the car twice, prompting a quick trip to the Ross that was next door to the restaurant. Jude also managed to vomit AT the restaurant by coughing too hard. These kids...)

While we were there, it snowed! Not much, but some is better than the none we've had up to this point. The kids were all excited to play in it!

Cole insisted on building a snowman and did a great job with the little bit of snow he had!

Super cute!

We discovered a new app that ages you 100 years! The kids all thought this was hysterical!

On a more serious note, George got splashed in the eye at work when putting a needle into a sharp-box. He rinsed it and didn't think much of it, but the next day he could barely open his eye and noticed something growing on the iris!! He saw the eye doctor and ran by employee health who all suggested he start the HIV prophylactic. Poor guy. Six weeks of medication. But better safe than sorry! 

While prepping for Cole's Birthday party, I discovered something I feel like I should have known. Never use styrofoam as a base for sculpy clay you have to bake. It melts. I found this out the hard way after staying up all night working on a cake and this little cat creation he wanted to have as decoration.

Oops!

Butts, wrinkles, and Valentines cats

Right across the street from the gym we go to is this really neat place called IX. It has a collection of unique restaurants, stores, and public art. Lily was particularly taken with this one:

And yes, that is in fact a huge butt made out of concrete. 

Jude went on a field trip at school to Wintergreen Ski Resort and George got to chaperone! Jude was so excited to have his dad there! They went on a scavenger hunt and did snow tubing.

On the 100th day of school, Cole's teacher took all the kids' pictures using an app that ages you 100 years. Cole was having a rough day and didn't want his picture taken. George and I think this picture is hysterical!

We downloaded the app at home and tried it out.

 I love Lexi's the most (she's the cutest grandma!) and I also love that George still looks young!

For Valentine's Day, Cole was supposed to bring in a box so his classmates could pass out the cards and such. He wanted a cat box so I made this:

Its basically a box I covered in foam and faux fur, then shaped a head from foam and sewed it on. He loved it!

Jude liked it too, but his class wasn't doing boxes this year (he was pretty bummed).

Here's the picture Cole's teacher emailed us from that day!

So cute!