Snow day!

Whee!!!!!  We got a big winter storm last night, and today we were iced in!  It was both fun, chaotic, and frustrating trying to take turns getting some work done and watching/playing with the kids.  We tried to go and play outside a few times, but it was too cold for Lily and she was over it in about 5 minutes.  Frank and the kids attempted sledding in our driveway, and Frankie had a blast!!  Lily was not as impressed.  Frankie and I played outside for longer in the afternoon, but for the most part we were snuggled up inside watching movies, playing play doh, painting, and reading books.  It was great to spend some good extra cuddly quality time with the kids!  Sweet Lily woke up 6 times last night, so we are all a little exhausted today.  I hope she is okay and sleeps better tonight!

Here are some more pictures from our one really cold day of Winter 2015:

New swing set!

We have two extremely happy kiddos today, because they got this awesome new swing set!  This has been one of my biggest priorities since we moved into the new house, and I am so excited that it is finally here and put together!  We have an enclosed side yard that is off the driveway/garage (which is gated) and separate from the backyard with the pool, and there is a pretty substantial grassy area back there that was crying out for a big swing set.  Our kids love to swing and slide and go to the park, so I knew they would love this.  The assembly company finished putting it together around 5:30 p.m., and the kids had been watching them most of the day, so they were SO EXCITED to finally get to play.  Lily flies down both slides, which she loves, but it scares us a little bit!  I hope they enjoy this for many years to come.

Frank's first soccer game & Valentines day

Frankie had his first soccer game on Valentine's day, and we were sooooo excited about it.  His team is called the Sharks, and there are three boys and three girls.  Frankie was a little apprehensive about it, but he was pretty excited to get his uniform and equipment.  In his league, the teams start off with about 20 minutes of drills and then play a 30-minute game.  Frankie loved doing the drills, but he was not so sure about playing in the game.  He didn't want to go back in after the half, but I was so proud of him for trying and finishing.  At one point, I had to go out there and hold his hand for a few minutes, but at least he was out there trying!  And there were no tears.  Lily was so excited to be outside and she kept trying to run around and steal all the balls.  Of the two kids, I am betting Lily will be the more sporty one, but I guess you never know.  I am so proud of my handsome, big boy!

Nana and Papa came in town to cheer on Frankie in his first game and to baby sit so that Frank and I could go out for Valentine's day!  We went out for a really nice date night, with dinner, coffee, and a movie.  My sweet valentine also surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of roses and lilies.  I went to the grocery store really early on Saturday and surprised our two littlest valentines with two huge balloons and donuts.  It was a sweet day, and we are so thankful for Nana and Papa coming to visit and babysitting!

Home sweet home

We had wonderful weather this weekend, and we spent a lot of time playing outside.  I love our new house, our new neighborhood, and that Southlake is our home.  I love that our children are going to grow up in a wonderful place, with so much room to run and play.  Frankie drove his jeep all over the front yard as Lily pushed her little fire truck behind him.  We went on family walks, pushed Lily in the swing, and grilled out.  I realized that I have not posted any pictures of our new house on this blog, so I finally got one on here!  I can't wait to watch our children grow up here and to grow old with Frank in this house.

School valentine's day party

Today I worked for a few hours in the office and then went to Frank's school for his big Valentine's day party.  I love that my job is flexible enough so that I am (usually) able to leave for events like this.  I know it means a lot to Frank to have me there, and I love getting to visit his class!  They made fruit loop bird feeders, played valentine's bingo, and ate special brownie treats.  I sure do love spending time with my big boy.

Miss Independent

Liliana Mae is developing into quite the little daredevil.  She wants to be just like her big brother, and she copies EVERYTHING that he does.  She likes to run with the big kids, and it can be a little scary.  This weekend I took both kids to a big park with multiple play areas, and we met up with Astyn, Bennett, and Banks.  I was standing with Astyn and Banks and the other kids were running around playing.  Lily was off running around the ground near the biggest kids playground (about 50 feet away from us) while Frank and Bennett were playing on the medium playground.  I turned away and was not paying as much attention to Lily as I should have been, and all of the sudden I see her sliding down a HUGE slide by herself!  So, obviously, she climbed all the way up to the top by herself and then proceeded to slide down by herself.  Without her mommy or big brother or anyone she knew in sight!  Frankie would have never done this at that age.  He barely does this now.  He always wanted me to be holding on to him at the top of the slide, then at the bottom of the slide to catch him.  And he would never have even thought about climbing up on a playground if I was not right there by his side.  But his sister has no fear, and she is much more independent.  She is going to be a little firecracker!

Love these two!!

I have been really enjoying my time with these two little cuties this month.  We have had some unseasonably warm weather this winter, and we have been spending a lot of time outside.  We just ordered a big swingset for the kids, and I am so excited for it to arrive so that they can enjoy it!  Lily still loves spending time in her swing, and both kids adore being outside.  On the few really cold days, we have enjoyed doing art projects and staying snuggled up on the couch watching movies.  Here are a few pictures from the last few weeks: