London Trip

When my mom is here we alway do a trip together for a little get-away. This time since the Hammers are in Spain, Julie joined us! It was so much fun to explore the city together and spend some girl time away. Since I am behind on my posts here are just a few to show. I'll post more later when I get pictures together.

I loved seeing Westminster Abbey again. What a beautiful place to explore and learn more about!

On Valentine's night we saw "Billy Elliot" on broadway. I haven't seen a show in years so it was fun to do it again. The show was fantastic and funny. We all had a little issue with understanding their accents at times, but for the most part we loved it.

The Tower Bridge view during our walk along the Thames.

What?!?

Jackson came home from school today and said, "Mom, I asked a girl to be my Valentine." My mind was screaming with what?! this can't be happening, but with a calm voice I asked who the girl was.
He then proceeded to tell me it was Mia who we also go to church with. Jackson said he was going to pick out a special present to give her since she is now his Valentine and soon after came downstairs with a panda stuffed animal.
My mom and I talked about it and couldn't believe Jackson is "at that point." He said that he beat another boy who also wanted to ask Mia to be his Valentine.
I don't think he knows the extent of what all of this Valentine's stuff means, but it's cute to see him try to figure it all out.

Valentine's with Gaga

Now that my mom is here the kids are long the time with her. She busted out her crafty side to help them with their Valentine's gifts.

Gaga's Here...Surprise!

For many months we have been keeping this secret from the kids. Last time my mom came we thought it would be fun for her to surprise them.

We had it all planned out, but in the end thought it would be best to just have her open the door for the kids when they got back from a walk with Jason and Austin.

The video is not the best quality, but at least you get to see and hear their surprised faces.

We are so excited and thankful for the next month that we get to spend with her!

Snow Fun

This winter we have had so much more snow than last year. The kids have loved being able to get outside and play in the snow. It's amazing to me to see them out there (in the freezing cold) playing for hours with each other making snow piles, having snow ball fights and sledding down our street. I love that they have this experience.

The kids were off school for Super Bowl Monday. I know it sounds crazy, but being that the Super Bowl comes on in the middle of the night here, the military just makes it a late start for the parents, which in turn the kids get off from school for "parent-teacher conferences."

It was a great day for us to get out and take a walk in the snow, as well as go sledding. The views from our village are breathtaking. I still get chills when taking walks around here...no matter the weather.

Hockey in Mannheim

Jason and Jackson went to a hockey game in Mannheim after church. It was a great time for the two of them to spend together. Being that is was jacksons first he will have that memory for a long time. They are looking forward to making this a tradition for years to come.