February

February happenings:   Lauren's homeschool is still going well.  We're both to the point where we're really comfortable with things and it's going smoothly.  The first picture below is of us enjoying a treat at Dunkin' Donuts.  Each month we have a spotlight author and if she reads at least 4 of their novels (of course, she usually reads more) then we'll go out to eat at a place that ties into one of their books and discuss the author's writing and biography.  The month of January was centered on Kate DiCamillo and coincidentally it was announced at the end of the month that she'd won the Newbery Award for "Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures."  Talk about a perfect coincidence!  If you've read that book (we both love and recommend it) then you'll understand why we chose a donut shop to discuss her works. :)  The picture following that beautiful girl is a copy of her new Thursday schedule.  Starting this month, we signed her up for an options day (electives) at a charter school in Riverdale.

This month was Keller Williams Year-End Awards Gala.  My cutie patootie husband dressed up super fancy and was the MC for the night.  I probably should've been in black tie attire on his arm, but instead I spent the night with those crazy ladies.  Yes, there was obviously a lack of communication between us about our schedules, but we both had a good night at our respective venues.

 Lauren's officially a teenager!!  A lot of you asked if she ever got back her DS case with all her games... I called the resort every day after we got off the cruise ship.  About a week later I received a voice mail that the case had been discovered and turned in!  By the time they mailed it back to us it was close to her birthday and we decided to surprise her with it (that's all she wanted anyway - replacement games).  The pictures below are her reaction to opening the package.

Owen turned 6!!!  This year he had a party at Chuck-E-Cheese with his buddies and we all had a fabulous time.  They throw a great, no-stress birthday party.

Bradley went to Vegas on another hockey tournament.  Matt was out of town for work and the younger kids had activities going on so Matt asked his parents if they'd take Bradley - he loved this time with Nana and Papa!  I don't have any pictures but I got these texts while he was gone.  If you want to hear all of Matt's "stories" from childhood you may have to schedule a Vegas trip with his parents as well.

And that's it for February!  Have a fabulously springy March!!