Happy Valentine's Day!!

The girls both had Valentine's parties at school on Friday. And for some reason I thought it would be a good idea to sign up for cut out cookies for Addy's class. And for some reason I didn't purchase them. And then I got crunched for time. So I enlisted these cute little helpers!

They may have not been beautiful but they were completely edible and made with Lots of Love!

We busted out the Valentine outfits for their parties! 

And they both had a wonderful day! They were all sugared up and so giddy when they got home. We had tons of fun going through their Valentines and indulging in a little more candy. 

The next morning Nana and Jojo picked them up for a special heart day breakfast! 

They came home and we snuggled for the afternoon. And then they headed to Aunt Tammy's for a fun girls night while Mommy and Daddy headed out for a yummy Valentine's dinner with friends. 

Another fabulous day of love in the books!

Hanging out with Emmett

Friday night I asked Emmett's mommy and daddy if the girls could come and play at their house for awhile. We had friends coming over and wanted to enjoy some time with them without the crazy girls for a bit. We are so appreciative and I know the girls had a great time! They were still talking about it the next day! Thanks so much!

And while they were having fun, we were also having fun with these awesome folks!

John went to school with Greg and Lloyd and us wives sit around and listen to their stories. And wow! There are some stories!

Cousin Fun at Hero's!

Thursday night my cousin Lisa and I signed up our girlies for a fun class at Hero's. It was a 2 hour session with combined play and a painting class.

The girls had a blast playing 

And then it was time to paint. They asked the parents to stay out of the room. I had an hour to myself?? What, what? I grabbed my work computer and caught up me email. And the girls? Check out their masterpieces!

Panda's holding a heart. I know when you look at Addy's that is the first thing you thought!

Finding The Playroom

I have had a project on my radar for many, many months. The playroom. It was out of control and the girls couldn't keep it clean. They had so much junk, it was impossible. So on Saturday I spent 6 hours of cleaning and organizing. And we were so happy with the end result. The girls have done a great job of keeping it clean, too! We eliminated a toy box, 6 bags of garbage, and some extra storage bins. 

Before Kids

I did some major cleaning last weekend and found an old memory card...

Before kids
Before sleepless nights
Before dark circles

Fresh and tan...when our social life consisted of dinners out and drinks with friends. But now I'm a mommy and I love my life. But I can still look at these pictures and wish I could pull off this look again. Ha!

Reminiscing with Ava Kate

So, Ava has been asking quite a bit about her adoption, birth mom, and the whole process. You know the heart wrenching, cut deeply questions? Yea, those. We have been honest with her about almost everything. The details surrounding her "finding" are still safely tucked away in my heart that I will share with her someday. We brought out the tub of stuff that I had saved (man, I saved everything!) to reminisce. Oh, my heart was so warm and the tears were flowing...So many happy memories.

Her SWI made her a book of pictures of her time there

This picture is so Ava. Every time I see it, I get tears in my eyes and I just have to hold her. 

She was so excited!

Her very first shoes we bought her

She was wearing this shirt when we got her. I told her this is how I knew it was meant to be. Since I adore koala bears

And we ended the night trying on her new traditional Chinese wear for Chinese New Year next week. She asked if she could wear it to school. I'm so proud of this kid!

#houghtalinggirls

Northwest Ohio is being plummeted with snow. We are on the track for 14 inches. We've been in pajamas all day but accomplished quite a bit around the house. And it looks like it will be a little of the same tomorrow. And then I'm going to have to do laundry. Ha!

For being cold and winter, we still have lots of fun and it's never a dull moment...

Ava has started a basketball clinic at our local school. She loves it! I haven't taken pictures yet. But I found this one Addy took. She's in the back of the row in the black shirt. 

Addy joined me at work for a little bit. She jumped right in and was ready to go!

The girls received a little late Christmas gift. I think I was more excited!! Ha!

Adalyn perfected her pouty face

We celebrated Addy's one year referral call! What a difference!

Addy was released to soft foods! And we went to El Camino for rice and beans. She was so happy!

Daddy held a mani/pedi night

John and I snuck away for a much needed date night

Addy and Daddy spent a day at Imagination Station

We worked on Ava's Paw Patrol Valentine box for school

Perfected the Chinese New Year crafts for their respective classes

I had some of the cutest cooks make me dinner

And we spent a day at the library for some science fun

I told you we have fun!!!