The Fighter's

Ava, Kate & Doug had a date to the daddy/daughter dance Saturday night at church.  The girls were SO excited...we went shopping on Friday and I let them each pick out an outfit for the dance.  Ava insisted on purple.  Kate had actually picked out a pink dress but when she got it on, thought it was too "itchy" and decided she'd rather wear a purple dress like Ava.:-)  They were bursting with excitement the entire day...couldn't wait to wear their dresses and they especially couldn't wait to dance with daddy!  You should have seen them as they were getting ready.  My favorite moment...as I was curling Ava's hair, Katelyn stood right in front of her straightening Ava's dress and staring right up at her, touching Ava's cheek with her hand.  Then they kept giving each other hugs and saying..."you're my best sissy ever".  My mind flashed forward 20 years from now...giving me a glimpse of what their wedding days may like.  ...

Olivia and her cousin Jet are 4 months apart...and we're finding they like to explore and get into everything together.  It's funny how they both light up when they see each other...partners in crime.  Below, a few pictures taken for evidence.  Exhibit A: Getting into the craft cupboard... Exhibit B: In Olivia's headquarters, conspiring with farm animals and Dora the Explorer Exhibit C: smuggling crayons under the basement door. Exhibit D: Dropping bombs (aka...filling pants) Exhibit E: The day after - Jet playing innocent and looking at the snow outside with his other two accomplices.  Olivia still asleep after a night full of shenanigans.

Uncle Pat & Lindsay came up to visit this weekend and we decided to head out to the bowling alley for some activity on Saturday.  The girls had never been before and had an absolute ball (no pun intended).  Ava learning how to throw the ball with Grandpa.  Her first bowling ball ever! Doug analyzing the bowling alley and strategizing with the girls... Kate's first bowl with Daddy's help Proud Ava...my bowling mama... Kate taking a break with Grandma Bowling with Uncle Pat... Olivia cheering on the team with Daddy The girls keeping score with Grandpa...love the faces in this first pic:-) Ava showing Kate the ropes.  Miss Independent decided she wanted to bowl herself, without any help.  Love it! Olivia and Ellie still cheering on her sissies... Uncle Rob & Jet showed up to knock down a few pins.  Love the hat Jet-Jet! Kate, so excited that her cousin Jet came!

Wednesday: Ava had school for the first time in a week (because of snow days/president's day, etc.).  Before she left, Ava & Kate were in the basement playing dolls.  I yelled down to Ava that it was time to go and Kate said: "Ava...but I don't want you to go...I will miss you when you're at school."  Ava replied: "I'll be back soon and then we can play again."  Melting!!!!!  Love it:-) Kate to me this morning (we got 6 inches of snow overnight and I made them hot chocolate as part of their breakfast).... "Mommy...I love you because you make me hot chocolate with marshmallows."  :-)  And she said it with such sincerity...I'll take it! TGIF!  We're hunkering down for a day indoors with all this snow...I'm so ready for spring, but it's kind of fun to be "snowed in."  Today we're going to work on sorting/organizing/getting rid of toys. Firewood is stacked...I went to the store yesterday - fajitas ...

Vacation! I love it!! And this trip out to Napa Valley did not disappoint! Four days alone with Doug, great friends, fantastic food, amazing wine, perfect weather and scenery - all about sums up the trip. Terrific! Our friends Danielle and George are Napa valley veterans and mapped out all major stops for us- which meant no decision making. We are so thankful to them for that! Here are some of our stops along the way... Day One: First stop: Paradigm winery Paradigm has been run by the same family since 1976 (remembered that...the year my parents were married:-)). Paradigm is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Not only was this wine one of my favorites of all stops - the vineyard was beautiful and I loved our hostess - she was so down to earth and used words like "lovely" when describing the wines. I like words like "lovely". :-) Here is a picture of the beautiful vineyard and another of the wines we tasted (and bought!). Perfecto and one of my faves...