February 25 - I Want to be Nastia

Julia has been taking recreational gymnastics classes at a local gym for the last several years. She's always had fun but never expressed any major interest in the sport. That is....until recently. One night last week she asked me who the best gymnast in the world is. I told her that would be the amazing back to back world champion, Simone Biles. After watching a few videos, Julia asked to watch some other gymnasts. I pulled up 2008 Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liuken and explained how I watched her perform while Julia was in my belly. After watching Nastia perform a few different events, Julia said quietly "I want to be Nastia." I chuckled and said she would need to work on a lot of things, most importantly her flexibility. Lo and behold...she has become a cartwheeling machine (she cartwheels everywhere, including all the way home from school today) and practices her splits and bridges several times a day. She even convinced all the girls in her class to practice with her during recess. This was going well until her friend fell and hurt her arm the other day (not sure what the exact injury is) trying to do a handstand. So now, their teacher doesn't allow any  more gymnastics and Julia came home devastated "How am I supposed to work on my flexibility and skills? That was prime practice time!" 

We'll see how long this new obsession lasts. We even went to the library this past weekend and she asked the librarian for help picking out books about gymnastics. She found 6 she's been reading non-stop. 

February 20 - So Many Options

"Luke, what do you want to be when you grow up?" - Julia

"I want to be a train engineer or a policeman. What about you?" - Luke

"I really want to be a ninja, but you know, I don't know how I would make money doing that. I have a few other ideas, you know there are just so many options. I'm thinking about being a marine biologist, dolphin trainer, nurse, doctor, school teacher, veterinarian or the President of the United States. Or a ninja, did I mention that one already?" - Julia, speaking with completely sincerity  

February 16 - Serious Business

Thank you for all of the wonderful birthday messages last week, it was a wonderful day! We celebrated with the kids Wednesday evening and then JD and I went out for a nice dinner. The gorgeous weather is still in play and this is the first birthday in awhile where we weren't driving in freezing rain. 

Later in the week, the kids and I went to a local bakery to decorate Valentine cookies. As you can see, they take their cookie decorating very seriously! They each made a cookie for their teachers and themselves. Mmmmm. 

Happy Monday everyone!

February 9 - Gorgeous February

I never thought I'd use the words 'gorgeous' and 'February' in the same sentence but I found myself saying repeatedly this weekend 'Wow, what gorgeous weather.' Even though we aren't buried in snow like the north east, February is still usually pretty yucky here with cold temperatures and freezing rain. But this weekend? Absolute perfect with clear skies and temperatures in the high 60s/low 70s. Other than gymnastics Saturday morning, we spent the entire weekend outdoors taking walk, riding bikes, playing with the dogs and having fun in the cul-de-sac with neighbors. Oh-and let's not forget the lemonade and brownie stand! Julia even put a small bowl of water out for Winnie who hung up with us for a few hours. Amazing weekend all around!

Adorable!

Can you spot our little monkey?

February 6 - My Babies

Between Julia and Luke, Luke has always shown more affection for the dogs. However, in Julia's quest to get a puppy, she has become the most loving big sister of Amelia and Karma Brown Bear ever. She showers them with hugs and kisses several times a day and calls them 'my babies.' I don't know how long this will last but I'm loving it-and so are the dogs!

This has been a crazy week. In addition to all the kid activities (soccer, girl scouts, dance, gymnastics, swim lessons), JD is out of town, I've been working until after 1am every night and I completely lost my voice (bad head cold). Needless to say, the weekend cannot get here soon enough!

Julia and Kendall - they walk home together every day after school #bff

He can't stay away from the dirt

Cutest little swimmer ever

Like mother..l

like daughter

Julia reading to Luke..while the dogs chill in comfort

He is such a little snuggler

February 2 - Mr. Mohawk

Julia won this amazing wig a few months ago during a school fundraiser and Luke has decided to wear it to bed the last few nights. Hilarious! Without further ado...introducing Mr. Mohawk!