Back to the Doldrums-

After six weeks traveling, we arrived back to Minnesota the same weekend that winter arrived.  Seems some of the tropical weather we had in Florida and the DR had wafted to MN, and they enjoyed an unseasonably warm winter.  January and February didn't treat us too badly either as we settled back into the grind of a schedule.  Following is a conversation I had with Ella smack dab in the middle of sacrament meeting as the speaker commented that they knew Jesus Christ lived:
Ella (leaning over and whispering):  "Mom, how do we know that Jesus Christ really lived?"
Jenn: "Well Ella, that's a good question, and sounds like a great conversation to have when we are finished with church." (standard answer when I need to think about how to respond)
Ella (quiet and contemplative for a few seconds, then leaning over again):   "Ooh, I know, I bet they found the fossils of the wise men."
How could I give a more definitive answer than that.  From now on, I might have to borrow that answer in the future.

In January, we happily celebrated Ryan's birthday.  Madeline and Ella planned activities the whole drive back from Florida, and prepared many presents for him.  We enjoyed thinking about him and planning that special day with him, and of course, everyone enjoyed birthday cake.

Max had to cover Sam's mouth so Sam wouldn't blow out the candles.  Even with that difficult task, he still managed a smile.  

the kids all claiming a candle to lick.

In February, we celebrated Valentine's Day.  Gratefully, Ryan and I went out to dinner the previous Saturday, because V-day itself was rather busy.  We had a candlelight dinner (all 6 of us), something Madeline has been requesting for a year.  By the time I had the food and the table prepared, I was too tired to take any pictures. We all enjoyed the steak dinner, with rolls, potatoes and salad, and complete with Apple-juice/sprite drink, and red velvet cake for dessert.

This is how all the cooking and baking happens in our house.  Two little boys sitting on the counter-tops, helping add salt, cinnamon, and other essentials, touting their toys and costumes.

Sam tries out the Valentine's Day cake

Max enjoys the cake batter

Madeline had her first sleep-over last night (one where parents don't spend the night too).  She has been begging us for this, as she feels it's a right of passage.  Her good friend, Allison, had a sleep-over birthday party, and Madeline and 4 friends survived the night (as did her parents).  The big take away for Madeline was that it was the best time ever, and that she wanted to buy a Nintendo DS, since two of her friends have one, and she played it at the party.

She started doing some research when she got home, and when she discovered they cost between $130-$170.00, she decided to make a paper Nintendo DS until she could afford a real one.  Interestingly, she convinced Ella of the utility of it, and Ella now has a paper Nintendo DS as well.  They have also created a couple of games to play on them.  This project occupied several hours today.

Mad-ella share a candy stick that one of them earned from my treat basket