By excellent coincidence, there was snow for the winter festival this year! It isn't anything huge; just a fun neighborhood type gathering. Colin pretty much only went for the hot chocolate.
We did manage to get out sledding a few times this month - always so much fun and really wears the kids out.
During one excursion, Blair was headed downhill and for whatever reason, Colin jumped in front of her to hug her and the top of his head went straight into her eye. She immediately swelled and bruised up and had a sold shiner for over a week! Brothers I tell you...
We headed downtown to decorate some Valentine's Day cards for residents in nursing homes - it wasn't as engaging as I hoped, but they did a good deed, and we had enough time to go to the museum afterwards!
Each night this month I put hearts on the kids' bedroom doors, each with something I love about them. It seems really awful but I had a hard time writing 10+ different things that I love about each kid! Maybe I'll have to reuse some hearts for next year!
Then, Valentine's Day. The kids got some little surprises in the morning, then Colin had his school party. They decorated Valentine boxes and Colin's is quite...Colin-y. You could certainly tell who had parents help on their boxes, and who didn't!
Grandma Karen & Grandpa Doug came to visit on Valentine's Day for the long weekend. They were able to see Colin's basketball skills, and afterwards we headed to the Air Zoo to enjoy the rides and some hands on science. They also watched the kids so Chris and I could head to dinner - definitely waited for mom & dad to leave before they made Rice Krispie Treats!
Colin had mid-winter break at the end of the month, so we headed on an adventure! A kids museum about an hour away had free admission for Air Zoo members this month so we shaped up and shipped out. The kids had a blast, but it was hard for me to keep an eye on them both, and sadly, I think Colin was a bit shortchanged. He just listens better and Blair is in flight mode these days, so I'm constantly telling him to go wherever she goes so he may not get to experience all the exhibits as much as he'd like. Still, at least I was brave enough to take them solo!
Colin also had his Special Day at school this month. It is such an amazing experience for the students and parents. The students are encouraged to share something with the class that they enjoy at home, and Colin chose to tell his friends about a game he & Chris play called Plants vs Zombies. We made a board and Colin told the class what each plant & each zombie's powers were. Then the teachers shared what they loved about Colin (which, ugly cry) and the kids ask him questions (what's your favorite show, favorite ice cream, etc). It is such a great day for the whole family.
Had to paint his nails to match the PvZ colors
Now, the kids.
COLIN!
Such a smart cookie! We have been dipping our toes into sounding out and recognizing words (Hop on Pop is where it is AT) and he is very proud and excited when he gets a word correct. Colin wrote all his friends' names on his Valentines, and his favorite words to write are "mom" "dad" and "no" (funny how they are also a baby's first words too!). He has also been loving drawing things he sees - for example, we have an old phone jack in our bedroom with the backing exposed, and he drew the inside of it so he could "figure out how it works." I hope he uses his powers for good!
Colin's school also had a "dress for success" day this month, and they were supposed to dress for the job they want in the future. I have been rewatching episodes of "Bones" and he has taken an interest in the show. He really likes a character on the show that they refer to as the "bug & slime guy" and that is who Colin chose to be for his future career. It made my whole day, and my heart soared when I saw pictures his teacher uploaded telling the class about his desired career path.
On one warm weekend this month, I decided to scope out Marketplace for a bike, and found the perfect fit! Right size, with training wheels, hand and pedal brakes and a kickstand - not to mention it was a Schwinn and $60! What a steal. Colin has been working on gaining confidence and is really coming along. The neighborhood won't be the same once he fully gets the hang of it.
BLAIR!
This girl is getting wild, independent, and so big! Blair is adventurous and funny and has excellent comedic timing. She is talking more and more everyday, and her favorite thing to do is sit in her chair in her room and "read" her books. Second favorite is scooting around the neighborhood on her trike with her furry BFF. Blair has a very loud & proud singing voice as well, and sure isn't afraid to use it no matter where she is - she seems to like it best at the grocery store, as it tends to echo more. Blair's independence is showing in her desires to put pants, socks & shoes on and off. She will tear her room apart trying on all pants, socks, underwear and shoes - yesterday she had two legs in one pantleg and was very upset when Blair discovered she couldn't walk! My girl.
We are working on potty-training and she's doing really well for how young she is. At this point she mainly goes on the small, training toilet BUT she does go pee & poop in it - pooping in the toilet was a months-long test of patience with Colin so the fact that she is cool with it is huge. We have had accidents in the carseat and I'm doing laundry what seems like every day, but she is so proud when she does go! We will keep at it.
They are calling for the earliest Spring in Michigan in 124 years, so we will be busy with gardening and outside fun very soon. Until next month!
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