A Valentine Treasure

For Valentines this year, Mark and I wanted to do something fun for our kids so we sent them on a treasure hunt. They were so excited. Olivia kept saying that it was a mystery. They started at home with the first clue.

They found the second clue in the mail box. Which led them to...

The fire hydrant just outside our house. Then our super detectives were off to the back yard were they found the next clue on the...

Trampoline. They were so good at figuring out the clues. If we make this a tradition, Mark and I will have to get really good at writing clues.

The treasure was waiting for them in the bathtub. I have two disclaimers for this picture. First, Mark dressed Olivia and he let her pick out her own outfit. Second, I have yet to find toy storage for the bathtub that I like so the toys are everywhere. Oh well, at least my kids are clean and happy!!!

The treasure consisted of new sunglasses for my cool kids, flip flops because it is warm enough for flip flops every third day, a Bakugan for Luke and Princess figurines for Olivia. We love our kids. Happy Valentines Day!!!

Dancing with Prince Charming

Olivia has had a special attachement to Mark since she was born. When she was 4 months old she would coo and nuzzle her head in his chest and she still calls him her sweetie.

Dancing with her daddy one morning put her on cloud nine. For a two year old little girl, life doesn't get much better than twirling around the front room with her "Sweetie" and her Barbie jammies.

Thanks for being a good sport Mark. I know how much you love to dance. Just remember you are her boyfriend for the next 16 years, so you better be a good one :)

Surprise!! Happy Birthday Mark

I threw Mark a surprise birthday party this year. I thought that he deserved a party. I don't think he has ever let me throw him a party before. He is so humble, he doesn't like to be the center of attention. That is one of the many things i love about him.

Mark turned 34. I was on the back side of the cake so it looks like 43. This was not intentional trick photography. Yes we had two kinds of cake. Boston cream pie(Mark's favorite) and "perfectly chocolate chocolate cake" mmmmmm.

Some of our friends who came to help us celebrate. Clay and Tamara, Bo and Monique and Ethan and Teressa. Lee and Ginger were also there but not in the picture.

And of course, games were played. Marks favorite thing in the world, next to me :)

Ode the the Trampoline

I love our trampoline. It is the most used toy that we have. I'd love to say that we have gotten our money's worth but we inherited it from some friends that were moving and didn't have room for it in their moving truck, thanks Mark and Sandi Roberts. My after school kids play on it every day. It provides exercise and limitless games. I am amazed at some of the games those kids come up with. I think all kids should have a trampoline.

I grew up with a trampoline and my parents put one in their new house for the grandkids. It is a childhood staple. Some Doctors, who will remain anonymous, think they are too dangerous. I say kids can break a bone on any toy. I've got Luke as proof. Besides, as my mom says, it's good for business :)

Pink Make-Up

Olivia got princess make-up for Christmas. She LOVES it. She is so cute when she gets all painted up, I just can't help but snap a few photos. I'm sure these will come in handy in the future. Hee Hee Hee

Olivia the Gymnist

What a Pro!!

A little unsure about her first time.

Olivia and I went to J&R gymnastics for the open play day. They open the gym for an hour and a half so the little kids can run around and try out the beams, trampolines, mats etc. I think she was mostly excited to wear her leotard that Anna handed down to her. Thanks Anna!!