A short and sweet month with much to report on!
First off... Dane is now 15 and if you're having trouble believing it, like me.... just look at the kid- he's huge! Dane really is the greatest kid on earth. Happy, responsible, kind and funny. He works hard at everything he does and cares deeply for everyone around him. So fun celebrating him this past month; watching the last few JV soccer games- even our neighbors came to cheer him on! And now he's not only playing club soccer but also tried out for the track team, running sprints. In his off time, he loves trying new recipes and playing video games. The kid is busy, but never too busy for social time with his friends. He actually enjoys seminary! So grateful for this special son of mine. For his birthday this year, he chose a hibachi dinner out with all his buddies.
In addition to celebrating Dane's birthday, we traveled a few fun places this month. First off, Blake and I traveled to Nashville, TN with the Rustands. It's been my dream to go to Nashville and it certainly did not disappoint. We loved every minute of our trip. Yummy restaurants, fun live music on every corner, cowboy hats and boots, laughing with the Rustands all day long, bike tour of the city, The Grand Ol Opry, Country Museum Hall of Fame, and The General Jackson! We packed in A LOT for just a few short days. SO grateful to Blake for taking me on this amazing trip and to Beth for planning out all the little details. Also so grateful to Nancy for holding down the fort while we were away. Grant sprained his ankle during a soccer game and poor Nancy had to deal with the aftermath of a sports injury! She drove the kids all over town all weekend and took special care of each one of them . We are so blessed by her willingness to serve us and be with our kids.
Shortly after returning from Nashville, we headed up with the kids to St. George to stay in our new house-- one that we will be renting out and sharing with three other couples, but regardless, it was exciting! Grandma Grandpa and Aunt Stacy came with us and we enjoyed delicious dinners out, movies, comedy clubs, walks around the neighborhood and of course the main event: skiing at Brianhead! It was two days of fabulous snow and sunny weather and the mountain was practically empty! It was the best ski conditions we'd ever experienced and we loved every minute. Stacy and Nancy went up to Zion's on the last day and enjoyed the snowy scenery. It was a really fun weekend and we loved it.
More highlights:
Disneyland days with Grandma and Stacy! Particularly the one where we talked Grandma into riding Guardians of the Galaxy! Ha! At the end of the day we saw a beautiful rainbow and felt so happy to be in the happiest place on earth. So grateful for our passes (Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa)!
SUPER BOWL and finals games for the RAMS.... cheering on our buddy Eric Weddle was a HUGE highlight of the month. They asked him to come out of 2 years of retirement to play with the Rams in the finals games this month. The Rams actually won the Super Bowl! And it was incredible event to be a part of . Almost our entire ward got together to watch. GO RAMS
Valentine's Day at our house was super sweet. The kids all received a small box of sees candy from me. Dad brought home a teddy bear for the girls and a box of chocolates for me. We had a fun little family dinner of French toast and watched the Valentine's episodes of Goldbergs. Evelyn went out on a date with Eli downtown and to the beach. Eli dropped off flowers to me.... so sweet! I made valentines for the primary kids: You make my heart sing with a lollipop whistle attached! Anna, our last in elementary school- came home with Valentines galore and a big brown bag which held written compliments from each of the children in her class. It meant the world to her and she probably read it a million times and was so excited to show Blake and I. Super cute. Evelyn put together a gift basket for Eli-- he liked it. Dane is not into valentining yet. I'm glad. Pretty sweet day overall.
LOVED helping to put on a Bad and Boujee dance for the kids. Maren and I were in charge of decor and we nailed it. Well.... she nailed it. I was just along for the ride, and for blowing up about 5 million balloons. Ha! It was so fun. Loved the theme and the way the kids dressed. Ev had a great time with her buddies and Eli. It was a special night.
Ok... covered the main February events! But can't forget to mention all the little details: teaching seminary for the Sophomore classes was truly terrifying, but also a blast. I presented on living your best life: 4 small secrets to boost your mental health! Anna got her braces off and her teeth look fabulous! Grant protested masks at middle school when the state mandate was lifted.... along with all his friends from school. They were kicked out of class and asked to sit in the outdoor quad for school work. I sure do hope the mask requirement gets removed for our school children soon. It's been two years! Evelyn worked a lot and a lot of people send me pics of her at work which I highly enjoy! Evelyn and Emma went to the church dance and had a blast. Anna watched her friends perform in Seussical the Musical and loved spending the evening with all her old buddies. Ev and I watched all the Poway kids perform in Grease- it was awesome, but the performance was outdoors so that was in a word... cold. Anna is finishing up her basketball season. SO proud of her for trying a new thing! She is an awesome basketball player! Grandpa had a birthday and we found the perfect shirt for him! Haha.
And last but certainly not least.... Jamie has a new foster baby!!!! a sweet little angel named Paxton. I can barely express how proud I am of her and her sacrifices for these babies who have no one in life to turn to. Of course Katie is in heaven and LOVES to take care of little Paxton. And all of us can barely wait to meet him.
And that's February in a nutshell. So many sweet memories. So grateful for all of it.
