February 28 - Puppers

Exciting news everyone. We finally have a new fence! Our fence has been in bad shape for years now. It wasn't a big deal with Amelia or Apollo..when we just had Apollo. It became a big issue once Bella was added to the mix. If the dogs were out in the yard together, they would go for a joy run, which usually ended in neighbors capturing them and posting them on the neighborhood website. "Found White and Black Labs!". If they were out by themselves, I didn't have much of an issue with Apollo but Bella would run out and go swimming in the ditch multiple times a day..resulting in bathes around 10am and 3pm daily for months. I finally had enough, quoted some fence companies and pulled the trigger. The fence took two days to complete and I never thought I'd say "Wow, this fence is beautiful" but...I do multiple times a day! The dogs spent the first day going board by board trying to escape..no luck puppers!!

February 25 - Threenager

Well folks, I was recently commenting on how wonderful Jillian has been so far at age 3 and I jinxed myself. She has quickly turned into what I like to call "threenager." She must do everything by herself, including getting dressed, undressed, brushing her own hair and climbing into/out of the car. She attempts to brush her own teeth and bathe herself (don't worry, we don't allow that) and even takes out the recycling. She's a pretty awesome little person..until she doesn't get her way. Case in point. Last week it was time to take her to school. I loaded up her backpack and turned around..the little stinker was on her balance bike and halfway down our road. I told her to turn around and come home. She shouted back that she was going to school..."Luke's school" and she would see me later. She proceeded to keep going. I had to chase her down and tried to convince her to turn around and ride the bike home. No dice. I eventually had to pick up her and the bike and manhandle her into the car. Did it end there? Nope. I drove to preschool while she blood curled screamed. We sat in the parking lot for 45min until she calmed down. I finally brought her into her class and she was exhausted from the long tantrum. 

The next morning..she came down for school dressed in an elaborate, flowing Elsa dress. I told her that was not allowed at school and to please go change. She then came downstairs in her Owlet Halloween costume. Little stinker! I helped her change and wouldn't you know..she snuck the Owlet costume in her backpack and this is what I saw as we were driving to school. Never a dull moment around here!

February 17 - Preschool Friends

Jillian & Mia

Jillian is quite the social butterfly and loves her friends from school. We had a playdate recently at a local park with Mia. The girls played together for over 2 hours! They were so adorable. In addition to the slides and swings, the girls attempted to jump rope and had fun holding hands and running around together. It was simply adorable! 

Yesterday we went to a local swim school for her friend Charlotte's, 4th birthday party. We swam for 90 minutes! Julia came with me and Jillian loved bouncing between me and her big sister. By the end of the swim portion, she was jumping off the side (into our arms) and asked me to dunk her completely under water. Little fish! 

Jillian and Charlotte

I tried to get a picture of the girls posing for a picture...Mia, Amelia and Charlotte all sat down while Jillian tried to pose on the handle LOL

February 10 - Catch Up

Well, the year has started off so busy I've been slacking with blog entries. Here is another catch up!!

Me
Rare Christine picture! After 3 years of being a brunette, I decided to go lighter again. It feels good to make a change. I was in Orlando recently for our Global Sales Meeting and I thought our marketing department did a great job with these stairs. Otherwise, my life revolves around work, shuttling kids around and walking the dogs. 

JD
JD has been extremely busy with work lately, even working full days on the weekends. He's currently in Seattle on a business trip. He's still mentoring the North Pointe Elementary robotics team and they are getting ready for states in a few weeks. 

Julia
Julia attended her first school dance last Friday. In true Julia fashion, she wore jeans (as did her friend Addison). However, she did let me flat iron her hair and didn't put it in a ponytail. She had fun!! She is doing great in school and had a swim meet this weekend where she officially  moved up to the next swim group. She's been running with Bella a few times a week and they are definitely bonding. She is also selling GS cookies, this is always a busy time of year. 

Luke
Luke is doing great in school, almost acing his recent state benchmark tests. I officially withdrew him from wrestling while he swims a few days a week. He's become close with a friend from school, Jacob, and they hang out almost every weekend now. He won a Nintendo Switch Light at the school fair this weekend (our families first win in 7 years) so he was excited. Of course, the last thing we need is another electronics device though, ugh.

Jillian
Jillian is reaching what I like to call the "Threenager" stage. She is very sassy and loves the word "no!" She is doing great at ballet and last week she found out what they are doing for their dance recital..Tinkerbell! They already started working on their routine and it's so adorable. 

Julia & Bella snuggles

Cookie Time

Best cookie helper ever

Until she starts eating the merchandise

Field trip with my favorite little man