February So Far!

February has been busy! Here is part one of what we've been up to! 

Rowan: 

Middle School comes with a lot of fun projects! This statistics project was a favorite. Rowan chose to analyze the top speeds of various sports cars. 

Philospher Cereal Box

Rowan went to his first boy/girl mixed party this month. It was an interesting experience for him, I think. The theme of the evening was a murder mystery party which he said was SO much fun. He totally loved it. He said that afterwards a lot of the kids wanted to sit and play on their phones (which he doesn't have). He was honestly disappointed and couldn't understand why that's what everyone wanted to do. I'm thankful that he can see that there are much better ways to spend time. I'm so thankful for him. He has his emotional ups and downs but he's truly such a fun and reliable kid.

Cruz: 

I could watch this determined little kid hit all day. He has worked so hard at his weekly batting lessons and has seen his work pay off. He has doubled his record hit distance and increased velocity as well! His hitting coach is seriously the best. 

Cruz worked hard at school project this month too! This is one of my favorite fourth grade projects. Cruz researched Rhode Island and designed this float (with some help from daddy). Cruz was adamant that his lighthouse light up and that his float be driven on a remote control car- both of which, he was able to achieve. 

Cruz finished the basketball season strong with his first three pointer! 

Cora:

It is just crazy to me how grown up this girl is getting. Sunday is the one day she'll still dress up in a dress, fancy socks and a bow. The rest of the days she changes out of her uniform into dancewear, leggings and sweatshirts. Cora is working hard on being a kind friend who NOTICES others needs without being reminded. I'm so proud of how hard she tries when its not something that comes naturally to her.

We had one pretty decent snow day this year and Cora got to spend it playing with Claire! 

The snow was melting pretty quickly by early afternoon so the girls decided just to make a "melted snowman" to begin with! 

The morning started out with a decent amount (for TN). 

Valentine's Day:

We had a fun Valentine's Day. The kids got a couple books and some cruise cash. They also got sweet treats from all their grandparents too! Rowan was at his murder mystery party in the evening so Rog & I got some sweet time with the C's. We had Chipotle and watched a movie together.

I got to spend time with both Cruz and Cora at their Valentine's Day parties too! Sixth graders do not get to have a party anymore. 

Grandma, Uncle Randy, Aunt Nicole & Emmett: 

We had a super fun weekend hosting Grandma, Uncle Randy, Aunt Nicole and Emmett this month. We had lots of good quality time and even got to celebrate Uncle Randy's birthday a little bit early. We missed time with Cruz who had a low fever and cough during their visit so he had to stay quarantined. Thanks so much for making the trek to see us! 

I stole this picture from Randy but I love Emmett with the Emmett socks we got Randy as a birthday gift. 

Dads & Donuts: 

Nothing is better than time with daddy, devotions and donuts! All four of these guys were super excited for this special morning at school. I am grateful to Roger for arranging his schedule so that he could be there... he hustled straight to the airport afterwards for a late morning flight. These kiddos never doubt that they a priority for their dad! 

Wrapping Up January!

NYE 2019:


We spent New Year's Eve with our friends the Green Family. We had a great time eating, playing Twister & Pie Face, and celebrating an early New Year with sparkling grape juice. We are truly thankful to have these friends in our lives.



School Talent Show: 

Cora and Claire performed a slightly rearranged version of one of their Diamonique dance numbers for the school talent show. They used their costumes and accessories and made the dance work for the two of them. 

Love these sweet girls! 

Basketball: 

Cruz has been improving so much at basketball this season. He's gaining skill and confidence. My favorite part is watching him have so much fun with his friends. He even got to have Grammy come to a game. 

He missed basketball pictures due to baseball practice so we took one our own!


Just a quick video of our #5. He missed the shot but got the assist.

My Birthday:

I had a wonderful birthday celebration! It started out with two days of shopping, chatting and favorite meals with Mom. Then, she kept the kids for us while Roger and I did an overnight in downtown Nashville. We stayed at my favorite hotel, had a fun dinner at House of Cards, went shopping and saw Ford v. Ferrari. We returned home to a fabulous scavenger hunt put together by the kids to lead me to their gifts. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.

First Dance Competition: 

Cora competed in her first dance competition last weekend! She did such a fabulous job. We are so so proud of her and all of her hard work. 

Rowan is 11.5:

This sweet boy is eleven and a half already! We are just so proud of him. He continues to be responsible and organized, managing all his school tasks on his own. He is creative and has lately been wowing us with his drawing skills. He has worked so hard at his pitching lessons at baseball and can now throw four good pitches. I love that I can count on him for staying home with Cruz and Cora and even putting Cora to bed! He's so dependable, responsible and a great friend. Rowan has so many good answers to faith related questions and soaks up everything. He's been enjoying reading this year and is over halfway through the sixth grade's forty book challenge! He gives great piggy back rides, is almost five feet tall (4'11") and about 85 lbs. We are so so grateful for him.

Cruz & Cora Orthodontist: 

We are now the proud recipients of a sibling discount at the orthodontist! Both Cruz and Cora got their palate expanders in at the end of the month. They both have large teeth and a narrow palate, plus a cross bite (thanks Daddy). The expander will correct both of those things. They should have them in for about six months. 

The fact that they are doing this together is so fun (if that's the right word, lol). Both of them were very nervous but they held hands as they walked down the hall. We absolutely love our orthodontist and the ladies were sweet enough to do one kid at a time so that the other one could hold their hand. Cruz asked a lot of questions and had to tell about five different people that they weren't twins (not his favorite question as one could imagine). I love the way they're supporting each other and have bonded over this new experience. 

February... here we come!