February Fun

We have had a whirlwind February so far!

Dave and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on Groundhog's Day. We had a trip coming up, so we took the kids out to eat. Dave had been wanting me to try out this burger place in Charlotte for a while, and it was great to try it out with the kids too. Lincoln took this picture of us.

I took this picture of Lincoln and Drake. It cracks me up that they copied our couple photo.

Dorothy enjoyed every morsel of her meal. She wasn't finished when we had to leave, so we got a box to go. As we were getting ready to go, she kept staring at the box and pointing to it. She was so worried that we were going to leave it!

Mama and Papa Shinsel surprised the kids with a visit. They had a trade show  in New Orleans, so they drove out some equipment and then drove to our house.lincoln didn't know what to do when he answered the door and saw them. He just stood there! Meanwhile, Drake can see them from the stairs and is jumping up and down like crazy. After a few moments, Lincoln finally responded and give them some hugs!

Poor Dave felt good for the first hour they were at the house. All of a sudden he came down with a high fever. We should have taken him to the doctor earlier, because when we finally did, he had a severe case of strep.

While Dave was sleeping, we hit up McDonalds. I love this picture of Papa and Dorothy!

This was a sweet moment...

...and then Drake happened.

Yep, he licked Grandma!

We also went to the park one afternoon.

Grandma is so good to play tag with the boys!

It was pretty chilly outside, so we did a lot of playing inside. Grandma made Dorothy this adorable play house for her birthday.

I can't believe Lincoln didn't notice Dorothy was using him as a pillow.

Mom and Dad stopped by for a quick visit before our visitors left.

After they left, Dave started feeling better. Boo!!

I'm so glad no one else got his cooties, because Dave and I had been planning an anniversary trip for a while. Mom and Dad were such troopers to stay with the kids for 3 days! Dave and I went to one of our favorite cities, Savannah. 

We have been before, and did all the touristy things. This time we got to go out to eat, walk around, shop and just enjoy time together. 

We bought some candy and sat on a bench by the water. The people watching was fantastic!

This was the view from our room, St. John's Cathedral.

Dave and I both thought the house would be trashed and that my parents would be ready to go as soon as we rolled in. We were pleasantly surprised! Everyone did well. Maybe we won't wait another 10 years to take a trip!!

January Wrap-up

When Dave was traveling for work, Mim came down to spend some time with the kids and me. She treated us to Sky High, a trampoline center!

Later that week, the kids were thrilled when we got some freezing rain and sleet. Drake ran outside right away to get some of the first drops in his mouth.

Even though they had fun sledding and throwing ice at each other, the boys were disappointed the cousin sleepover had to be cancelled. Dave made a blanket fort to help with the disappointment.

The sky was so beautiful after the "storm."

Cleve went through an experimental treatment for his chronic pain condition. There had to be a family member with him 24/7, so all the adults took shifts. The kids were out of school because of the snow, so I got to watch Penny and Carson. 

We busted out the geotracks from the attic. It kept them busy for a good hour!

 

We made play dough...that was another hour.

I got some great looks when I brought all 5 into Chick-fil-a for lunch! I thought it would be good to let them burn off some energy before Dorothy's nap. 

After naps, we had Lego time and made some treats. 

The kids played really well together, and I'm glad I get to spend more time with them. We have to catch up on some major lost time!!

January Birthdays

The kids made cards for Dave and Lincoln made some superhero watch out of cardboard. Dave requested ice cream sundaes, which the kids were totally fine with.

Soon after this pigtail picture was taken, my sweet little girl got that terrible virus Lincoln had.

 Got NOTHING during those 5 days! There was just a ton of snuggling.

She was feeling a little better on her birthday, so family came down to help celebrate. Dave made her the Minnie Mouse cake.

Dorothy is trying to say more. She still is only saying things when she wants to and not when we try to prompt her! She is such a big helper. The other day I was cleaning the floor with a rag, and she came over with baby wipes. She got right on her hands and knees with me to clean up. I cannot believe my baby girl is 2 already!

Happy New Year

By New Years Eve, every Lego set had been put together. 

Gigi came to visit!! The kids love spending time with her. Dorothy got attached really quickly, once she realized Gigi always has headbands, jewelry and purses. 

Cleve and his family met up with us at Monkey Joes. 

Later that day, Lincoln complained that he was tired. I felt his forward and he was burning up. His fever lasted on and off for 5 days. 

On New Years Eve, Lincoln was still pretty pitiful. He did manage to eat some finger foods and watch a movie (our tradition). This year we watched Inside Out, which we all really enjoyed!

Dave worked on Dorothy's birthday present. Our sweet neighbor Sue gave us this antique rocking horse. She bought it for her grandkids, but they are past that stage. The spindles were broken but she knew Dave could fix it up.

Christmas is Here

It was the 5 of us at home opening presents. Surprisingly the boys didn't get up too early. We waited for Dorothy to wake up around 7:30, before we started opening. It was a major Star Wars Christmas for the boys. Grandma made the SW blankets; they got SW Lego from Santa; light sabers, Lego SW game, SW jammies, and a Yoda backpack from us.

Dorothy got quite a few Minnie Mouse things and baby doll items.

After lunch, all the family in Hickory came to us. Dave made a delicious Indian dinner and the kids played outside for a long time. It was warm enough outside that I actually got bug bites!

Later that night, we had a birthday party for me. Dave made a combo of two of my favorite cakes: a carrot coconut.

It was a wonderful day!