In two months of skating..

We went from this...


To this!


It truly is amazing how fast they learned. I'm grateful because this experience didn't start out at the top of my list of fav's.

Here's my top ten list of all the things intimidating about taking your kids to ice skating lessons in Minnesota:

10. Dressing them in full winter gear while at least one of them whines, complains, and refuses to wear snow pants because they "don't feel comfortable."

9. Carrying two pairs of skates, two helmets, a diaper bag, and a 20-month old on the long walk into the ice rink (of course a stroller is not an option due to the unplowed parking lot and the several inches of fresh snow).

8. Trying to shove four feet into skates while your toddler is running off and the class is about to start.

7. Making friendly conversation with the mom sitting next to you, only to be embarrassed because of the skating terminology she uses that is not in your vocabulary.

6. Realizing you just put your babies on ice with sharp blades attached to two of their limbs, and then watching them fall, and fall, and fall...

5. Trying to skate with them (as expected by the teacher) and straining to simultaneously hold both of them upright when you barely know how to skate yourself.

4. Watching the other parents literally skate impressive circles around you.

3. Realizing you were the only parent to rent skates because all the other parents seem to have well-worn hockey skates.

2. Listening to your 5-year-old complain that she is by far the oldest and tallest in the beginner class.

1. Not being able to feel warm again until the next day because you freeze in the whipping winds and sub-zero temps on the way into the ice arena, freeze for 60 minutes in the ice arena, freeze on the walk back to the car, freeze on the drive home, and at that point, you officially become an icicle.

I suppose the intimidation, drama, and stress were worth it because look at them go!


And I'll throw in a picture of the mascot for good measure.

Dear Valentine,

I am the luckiest girl in all the world that you chose me to be your valentine!


Nine years ago today, you asked me to marry you!


Our wedding was amazing and I was in love.


But I had no idea that I could love you more and more each day. Through the joys and sorrows of each day of our marriage, our love has been strengthened!


We shared our college graduation day!


You encouraged me to go on adventures that I wasn't sure I wanted. But I grew as a person and we grew as a couple.


You encouraged me to try new foods that I never thought I would enjoy.


We laughed about the "simple" things.


Our faith has grown together, and you have always been a great example to me.


We have spent hours traveling the world and making lasting memories.



And have seen cities I never dreamed of seeing.


Your sense of humor has helped make it joyful-- even in the face of adversity. Facing what life might be like without you, strengthened my love for you, and has made me NEVER take even a day for granted.


I prayed for an extension of your life so I could see you be a silly Daddy. I knew you would be great!


Even though you have yet to have any sons, our girls adore you as much as I do!


You work so hard to advance your education and to support our family. You have kept your smile through your trials.

Together we have seen God's beautiful creations.


And welcomed three of them into our home!


You are my go-to guy. My anchor. My stable force.


My best friend! I love you forever and am so happy to be married to you!! Happy Valentine's Day!

Life with little girls

Music Videos in front of the TV....screaming contests....what's not to love?

Enjoy!

Birthday of all Birthdays

This pretty little girl turned 6 while we were in Disney World, and she had one impressive birthday week. I try to leave spoiling my kids for Birthday and Christmas, but I'm a little worried this b-day went too far!


We wrapped her presents in newspaper, so she could have something to unwrap in the hotel.


When you go to Disney World on your birthday, they give you a button saying it's your birthday and then all the workers tell you "Happy Birthday" all day. Disney also gave her a gift card to spend on merchandise -- totaling the price of admission ($63)!


That would have been plenty of birthday, but because Aubrie's birthday parties mean the world to her (because she LOVES to get together with her friends), and she had already planned this one immediately following her last birthday, I figured I probably better let her carry it out. We did try to keep it low-key, and it's amazing how much fun little girls can have with just a little home-made fun.


Half the group played a basketball game, while the other half were the cheerleaders (then we switched). The girls also had a backpack relay, played mini golf, and freeze dance. They also dressed up and put on glitter makeup and glitter nail polish in preparation for the grand finale.


At the grand finale, they danced and sang to High School Musical songs while watching themselves on TV (with a dance cam that Aubrie has).


And then it was pizza, decorated cupcakes and an impromptu screaming contest! I was laughing so hard! I'm sure our entire neighborhood heard it!


All her friends knew just what she loves.


It's no wonder Aubrie loves her friends so much! They are so fun, cute, and good to Aubrie!

A birthday tribute to Aubrie:
*I am amazed by your talents: You hear a song once, and you remember it. You have a beautiful singing voice. You are a wonderful dancer.
*You are a wonderful student! Your teacher's only concern was your perfectionism! Your reading skills blow me away, and your nose is ALWAYS in a book.
*You are perceptive to other peoples' emotions.
*You LOVE your friends and are energized by being with them. And, when you are away from them for a long time, you are sad.
*I think it's cute that you think math is too easy and you are in Kindergarten! (Who complains about math being too easy? And especially in Kindergarten!).
*You are a great sister and I could never ask for a better daughter

I love you little Aubrie! Happy Birthday!