the rest of february

Jason is in a bowling league on Thursday nights and the kids enjoying going to watch him.  They also are a bit jealous that they can't play so Jason has been taking them some in their free time.  Both boys now have their own ball.

We had a snow/ice day and it was SO relaxing.  I read and napped and Emmy built forts!

We celebrated the 100th day of school. 

A friend from church invited me to go to the Casting Crowns concert last week and when we got to our seats, a group of ladies from our church happened to be sitting in the row in front of us!  We had a yummy dinner before and then enjoyed a great concert.  

I enjoy Casting Crowns music but I was most excited about Zach Williams opening for them!

This week is Read Across America/Dr. Seuss week at our school.  Monday was pajama day and you may have seen the kids in their pajamas in Bryce's birthday pictures.  Wednesday was twin day.  Emmy and her friend Stevie recycled these outfits they wore last year!

Bryce and his friend Landon realized they had matching shirts back at Christmas so they planned their outfits for the occasion.

Today was crazy sock day and there was an awards assembly at school.  Bryce received an award for the virtue of responsibility.

He always knows to stop and smile at me when he's on stage.  I love it!

I'm glad his teacher and classmates think he's a responsible young man because we sure do!

Way to go Bryce.  You make us proud everyday!

double digits

Sunday night Bryce went to bed as a nine year old one last time!

And today he's 10!  Double digits!  How did that happen?!?

My friend does these cool yard cards so we surprised Bryce with one when we got back from Massanutten.  The perks of knowing the owner of the company means you get to keep the sign a few extra days if she doesn't need the letters.  Thanks Beth!

I made sure to include all of his favorite things. 

Donuts!

Baseball

And of course, Virginia Tech!

He was up in time to open his presents from us before school.

Bryce is essentially the "star student" this week for his birthday so he had to make a spotlight poster to take to school.  (Today was pajama day for Dr. Seuss week)

Jason was the Watch Dog at school today!  He got to help in each of their classes as well as eat lunch with them and join them for their recess.

All students get to pick a book for their birthday!

Waffle House has been an annual tradition for about 5 years now.  Bryce opted to go for dinner instead of breakfast this year.

We finished the evening with ice cream at Gelati Celesti.  

We celebrated with family on Sunday and had lunch at Sports Page.  He was thrilled about his huge donut cake.

He was even more thrilled he got a hover board for his birthday!  Thanks Nana!

From birth to age 10 (minus age 8 because there weren't enough squares).

Stats

Weight: 63 pounds  (25th percentile)

Height: 52 inches (16th percentile)

Blood Pressure: 102/57

massanutten

I find February to be stressful with both kids' birthdays.  Last year I had the great of idea of not having a party this year and going on a trip instead.  The kids weren't real sold on it, but I must have said something this year that made it sound great because they were all in!

We told them we'd take them to Massanutten Resort to snow tube and go to the water park and Chase and Taylor could come!

We left Friday right after school and got there in time to check things out and have dinner before hitting the slopes.

It was even more fun because we got to tube at night!

The lights changed and music played while we tubed!

They enjoyed going down in groups.  Here are all four of them on their first run.

And this was our last run!  

Jason and I raced down beside them on the last run!

This morning we headed to the water park after breakfast.

They all enjoyed the lazy river.

The air inside the place was very warm when we got there in our street clothes.  But it didn't feel so hot after getting out of that cold water.

It really was a fun weekend away and a great way to celebrate birthdays with low stress!

monograms and mimosas

My best friend, Katy is getting married at the end of March.

I hosted a bridal shower yesterday with the help of her sister and one of our friends.

The venue where the shower was held was recently renovated and didn't need much decorating to make it wedding ready.

We had a large guest list so we didn't want to spend a lot of time on games (who really likes games anyway).  Instead we set up a few stations for people to do things on their own.  Here was a kiss guessing game.

We played the old "you can't say bride or wedding game" or you get your ring stolen.  

In the entryway we had a table set up for guests to address their own thank you note so Katy wouldn't have to.

The theme of the shower was monograms and mimosas.  Audrey did a great job with the mimosa bar.  I found the fun balloon at Target.

The food was so good!

We had ham and swiss sliders and quiche.

We also had chicken salad in phyllo cups and cucumber sandwiches.  

Next up was crab dip, fruit, a cheese ball and veggies.  

Audrey did an amazing job with the couples monogram in the fruit!

I had a local bakery make custom sugar cookies to fit the theme and included her monogram and the wedding date.

We have a young girl at church who has a baking business so I had her make funfetti cupcakes and I topped them with fun toppers I found on Etsy.

This was the first time I've ever used water bottle labels.  Jason was so kind to cut and stick all 75 of them!

I had flower arrangements made for the tables and then sent them home with the bride and the moms!

This was her only shower and it included friends and family.  I think it's safe to say she was spoiled!

Congrats to Katy and Chris as their big day approaches!