cabin fever

I have been wanting to go camping just the 4 of us for a while now. I had visions of a relaxing weekend laying around a cabin, building campfires, trudging through the woods and just enjoying each other's company. Well, you know what they say about expectations...the weather got the best of us and it rained the entire time but even as I think back, we managed to do everything I listed above. The cabin was great (minus the fact that it was a duplex and we spent a lot of time telling the kids to stop screaming so as not to disturb our neighbors). We built fires inside the cabin to warm ourselves by. We trudged through the mud and the muck to see the iconic waterfall at its finest. And for the most part, we enjoyed each other's company. I have so many fond memories of camping when I was growing up so hopefully it can be something we get to do as a family too, rain or shine.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

I took this picture because it sums up Presley pretty well...adventurous, a leader and a blazer of her own trail.

a quick 6

During all the snow and ice, a certain little girl had a birthday. Presley is 6! I can't believe it. Two hands are now required to display her age.

By Friday afternoon, most of the snow and ice was gone so we had Presley's birthday celebration as planned. Presley wanted to have a sleepover but we all agreed she and her friends weren't truly ready for an all night kid of sleepover. Instead we had "Presley's Almost Sleepover".
I picked up two of her friends and we headed to the mall to hit the candy shop to pick out some sugary treats. Then it was back to our house for playtime, pizza, pajamas and a movie. The girls had a blast and the parents arrived around 8:30 so that each girl could sleep soundly in her own bed.

This will say 16 before we know it!
 

Jon, Landon and Winston stayed over at Jon's parents house so it was donut holes in bed for the girls.

snow more

Looks like I should have kept my mouth shut about all the snow because Mother Nature decided to serve up another heaping of snow and ice. This round started with about 2 inches of icy sleet and then another several inches of powder on top of the ice. I think we are up to 6, maybe 7, make up days for school!

 

Our hill somewhat resembles a ski run.

 

Getting creative with Jell-O.
 

Caught him playing with Presley's Barbie's.
 

Ironically, during all the winter weather, Landon started swim lessons.

snow way

On Saturday, February 14, the temps reached the low 70's and we took off to Hot Springs, AR to enjoy a beautiful day at Oaklawn Park Race Track. Little did we know that we would spend the next two weeks battling inclement weather. Over the last 8 week days, the kids have gone to school 2 days! We've had ice, sleet, freezing rain and big puffy snow. It's been fun (sort of) but I think almost every parent in town is ready for spring. The kids missed a total of 5 days of school which means they will be in school until at least June 11th! It's all fun in the snow until it comes time to make up all those days. Here are some pictures of all our snow day adventures.

At the races.

 At least we had left over Valentine's candy to keep us happy.

Fun with magnets.  

 When life gives you fluffy snow, make snow cones.

Snow day #5 has these 2 little monkeys jumping on the bed

picture post

How you like them posts?!? 3 in one week! Now I am totally off the hook for the rest of the month, right?

I've been skipping the gym lately and have been opting to get my cardio by hiking up Pinnacle Mountain. The view is so much better than a TV screen.

 Jon & I at the Florida Georgia Line concert.

 An epic fort and a daddy who wanted to watch the Razorback game on TV.

 We went on a double date and it was the girls pick to go to a batting cage. I think my form is very similar to Jon's, don't you?

 Presley's Girl Scout troop on their visit to the fire station.

The Father/Daughter dance at school.

 That white thing in the corner of the yard is Winston working on his tummy tan.

 It's valentine time.

lots and lots (and lots) of the same picture

I had to get a picture of my kids for something (announcement coming soon - and just so no one gets the wrong idea, we are NOT having another baby!). The theme was standing at the door waving and acting out a "friendly "hey y'all''"" (is that punctuation correct?!?) I have never appreciated professional photographers more as I desperately tried to get one decent shot.