happy day.

between the baby's bout with pneumonia, launching lilapops, 

and our bit too busy of a schedule. 

(we skipped our own anniversary!)

I'm happier than a pig in mud to have an extra day this year.

happy happy leap year.

not so bored books.

trent has become quite the little author & illustrator. 

a perk to being stuck inside for 2 weeks with a sick baby sister.

he lives for new markers. blank board books. and endless free time.

creating tons of little books for friends. family. 

and this one, for his teacher.

First, he brainstorms. Things his teacher loves. (certainly my favorite part) 

"there's parties..."

"oh and she loves preschool."

"and she really likes America."

"and her family of course." 

(with her two granddaughters in matching plaid dresses)

"And I love Mrs. Shoaf" 

the perfect ending.

the most magical place.

a few weeks ago we went to disney, the most magical place on earth.

we hade the kids scour the park map prior and pick just a few of their fave rides.

then we arrived when the park opened to ride them,

when the sun is low, and the lines are none.

and then spend much of the rest of the day discovering the quieter side of disney,

like this, the most incredible cinderella mosaic, inside the castle.

 keeps disney the most magical place. rather than maniacal.

love.

love is patient.

love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil.

but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects. always trusts. always hopes.

always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

family beach date.

we received the best valentines day present ever.

we're not the pearls. perfume. or platinum type crew mind you.

the hubs played hookie and took us all for a family beach date.

we like family dates for zillions of reasons.

the hubs and I think it's important to have times of serious. focused. love and fun.

and are pretty sure the little ones agree.

we talk and talk. and listen.

and spend quality time snuggling and giggling.

oh, and there's lots of kissing on family dates too.

dear valentines, you make my heart shine like the sun.

thanks for a great family beach date.

xoxo

valentine days.

valentines day has turned into valentine days.

which is perfectly fine with me.

for I am positively certain,  I have the best valentines.

and stuffing love into one little day, will simply not suffice.

it started a week ago, with post office field trips.

some walked.

some rode.

but every little made and mailed a valentine to mom & dad.

even the big kids played cupid at the post.

then little miss celebrated with two parties.

two year olds + valentines = too cute

and on the big day, the four year olds partied.

praying together.

they know the secret to love already.

and playing together.

the other secret.

it was perfectly plain to see, love was everywhere.

in cards.

and hearts.

and homemade valentines.

in blue.

and pink.

and all shapes and sizes.

and filled with love.

especially the valentine trent left on my bed, 

 a handdrawn picture of kelly ripa with a heart.

the best valentine days ever.