Cute video of Avery

January

It's hard to believe that the month of January is almost over. Jeff was out of town for 2 weeks this month, which is never fun- but we survived :-)

Jade at dance class

 Brooke started taking art classes this month:

She was a little nervous when I dropped her off the first week.

 While Brooke was at her class, I took Jade and Avery out to dinner and we met up with some friends.

When I picked Brooke up from class, she was all smiles. She really enjoyed herself!

Brooke went to a birthday party one of the weekends while Jeff was away. My friend Valerie took Brooke to the party and dropped her daughter, Payton, off to play with us girls. Payton is 3, like Avery. 

We made a pretty cool fort upstairs

A day isn't complete without at least 20 costume changes for Avery (and I am NOT exaggerating)

 Brooke was super excited about the Science Fair at school. They had a chance to tour the fair on a Monday and make a list of everything they wanted and the prices. She came home and I helped her count out the correct amount of money from her piggy bank. That night, before bed, she told me how she wasn't going to be able to sleep, that she was just so excited about spending her money at the Science Fair.

Dancing Monkey

Chatter Teeth

Gem/Stone ring

seashell

Hopping chick

 Daddy got home last Friday, woohoo! Brooke had art class, so the rest of us grabbed dinner at Mellow Mushroom, always a favorite choice for all of us.

Then we walked to "Goodies" which is a cute little store downtown - here is a picture of Avery, she was moving so fast, dancing and running around, that I couldn't get the photo in focus.

Avery went to a friends birthday party on Saturday

 And on Monday, we went for a walk, fed some ducks, and went to see a movie! Monday was a fun day!!

We saw Big Hero 6 and it was such a cute movie! Everyone was laughing and enjoyed it!!!

Wrapping up Christmas Break

Brooke got a few "How to Draw" books for Christmas. We've spent a lot of time drawing and coloring over the break. 

we made Rice Krispie cut outs...

met up with friends at a Trampoline Park...

and rung in the New Year...

Yesterday, we went to the mall after church. We went to the food court for lunch and then rode the Carousel, followed by a trip to Build a Bear. 

 Aunt Tracy sent the girls gift cards to Build a Bear for Christmas. They have been eyeing up the Palace Pets there and often ask about going. Brooke, Jade, and Avery were thrilled to get these gift cards and were super excited when we told them we were going after church yesterday. 

Despite them thinking they wanted the palace pets, they all picked something different. Avery saw an Elsa bear/Frozen and she just had to have it! Brooke saw the horse and didn't need to look anymore. Jade couldn't decide. She really liked the monkey but ended up also going with a horse.

They stuffed them, washed them, and picked out clothes. Avery picked an Elsa dress for her bear and Frozen underwear. Brooke and Jade each got a frozen t-shirt for their horses, frozen slippers, and a frozen pillow and blanket for their horse. 

Such a fun gift, thank you so much Auntie Tracy!!! 

I can't believe the kids go back to school tomorrow. I wish we had a few more days of relaxation before we are back to our usual routines!