{weekend in omaha}

I have been looking forward to this weekend, for quite some time now. We had planned on going to the temple together for awhile--and finally we were able to make it happen. The Winter Quarter's temple is about 2 hrs away from where we live, so it definitely poses a challenge--to make arrangements to attend on a regular basis. But this weekend, we were able to work it out and go, and it was really a wonderful experience. Living outside of Utah, has really made me come to recognize and appreciate how fortunate and blessed we are, to have temples so close by. I believe that Utah is now up to 15 temples (announced or fully operating)-- that is truly unbelievable! So, besides the Winter Quarter's temple that is located in Nebraska, the next closest temple from us is over 3 hrs away in Nauvoo, Illinois. Since living in Iowa, I have definitely grown to have a much greater love and reverence for temples and the dedication of faithful saints who attend regularly.

It had just started to snow, as we headed in for the session.

And by the time we came out, everything was covered in snow. The temple looked so beautiful against the snowy nightfall.

We were able to meet up with our good friends' the Spjut's, and planned it so that each of us could do a session with our spouses', while the other took turns with watching the kids' back at the hotel room. It worked out perfectly! I have gotta say, with 6 kiddos running around in one hotel room for over 7 hrs--they all did awesome.

It helps that they are all such good friends, and a bit silly too I might add!

We made candy bracelets out of pull and peel licorice, fruit loops and gummy lifesavers.

The finished product!

The next morning after breakfast, we all went swimming at the hotel pool.

Hunter and Tanner with their M&M backpacks.

These two boys crack me up. They absolutely love, and I do mean love staying at hotels. They have been so excited all week long, and were especially excited to pack their "over night backpacks" for the trip. We are planning on taking them to Mall of America next month over Spring Break--and Hunter already told me he can't wait until he gets to stay over night in another hotel.

{family bowling}

Recently, I heard about dollar bowling at Warrior Lanes on Wednesday nights. I really wished that I would have known about it much sooner. Every Wednesday, it is dollar bowling. For our entire family, it cost us a whopping 8 dollars to bowl (including the rental shoes.) Now that is what I am talking about! I haven't been bowling in years....and it was so much fun. We met up with some of our good friends--the Ray's, and had a great family night out.

I think it is quite possible-- that the adults had more fun bowling than the kids did!

{valentines}

Happy Valentine's Day

{I just love these two little sweethearts of mine}

This February has been a lot of fun so far. We had a great time making our annual heart shaped sugar cookies this month, and decorating them too.

I had a good time using mod podge for the very first time in my life, and made these special containers for each of the kids to put their Valentines in.

This year, I was able to help out at both Hunter and Tanner's school Valentine parties.

Which made me quickly realize-- that I am not cut out to be a Kindergarten or preschool teacher! It is exhausting work and all of the kids have way too much energy. Props to awesome teachers, who do a great job!

And lastly.... although my Valentine gets to work a 30 hr shift today/tomorrow-- he is definitely on my mind today. I can't believe that it was 9 years ago, that Steve proposed to me on Valentine's Day. I will never forget that special night when he asked me to be his wife.

{here is a pic the night he proposed}


I hope that everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day, and that you get to spend it with the one(s) you love.

{robot valentines}

Robot Valentines

I asked Hunter what he wanted to make for his Valentines this year, and he said: Robots!

I found these super cool robots {here.} I changed the background colors on a few of them, and then printed them off.

I saw this clever idea {here} and thought it would be fun to make some of our own. (I used photoshop to write directly on the photo.)

I printed wallet sized photos at Costco. (You get 4 wallets for 39 cents)

We glued one side of the sweethearts box with our robots, and the other side has Hunter's pic. (We are making Tanner's Valentines next week for his preschool party.)

Topped off with one giant Smartie, and done!

One happy Kindergartner!

{thirty}

Steve celebrated his 30th birthday yesterday!

It was wonderful.

We were lucky enough to have Steve's mom fly out to celebrate with us.

And celebrate is just what we did.

We made homemade pizzas yesterday for dinner.

And Steve's birthday cake this year-- was a slice of Linda's chocolate fudge cake, courtesy of the Cheesecake Factory!

We really have had a great time this past weekend! It has been so much fun with grandma Morris here. (I will have to post later about some of the fun things we did this weekend.)

But for now, I just want to wish Steve a very Happy 30th birthday this year! And let him know how much the boys and I love him.

I have to admit, Steve makes turning 30 look pretty darn good!