The F in February is for Fort

Built this a few days ago and the kids have really enjoyed it:



I like how creative Lincoln can be sometimes. He and Anndra made up a game about a monster who wanted to take their favorite things and give them to his monster kids - which meant that they urgently needed to hide them. They hauled all their best toys, most-loved books, stuffed animals, toothbrushes, shoes, the contents of their sock drawers, etc. into the fort to keep it all safe from this sneaky, stealing monster... and had a BALL doing it!

This is Linc's "I'm out-smarting the monster" face:


Even Brooke got in on the game... but I didn't get a picture of it, so here is one from later that day:

More than a doctor

I probably don't say it enough, but I am one lucky gal to be married to this amazing husband of mine. Seriously, where do I even begin? But, this is not a post about everything my sweetheart does wonderfully well - because there isn't enough time or space for that here! - no, this is a post about a little recognition that recently came his way.


Todd received the Outstanding Resident Educator Award this year from UFCOM and I am so proud of him. Here he is coming down the steps after he was called up & given his plaque:


When I explained to the kids that they were going to a baby-sitter's so that I could attend a special ceremony where their Dad would get a teaching award, Lincoln said "Wait a minute... Daddy's a teacher?!?" That's right, kiddo. Your papa is a doctor AND a teacher because he teaches other doctors - I'm pretty sure that idea boggled his mind a bit.

With a co-worker's husband who was also honored that night:


With his director (who nominated him):


I am incredibly grateful to be with a man whose patience, practical knowledge, patience, decision-making, patience, leadership skills, and patience make him a natural & gifted teacher. I love you, Honey!

Triplets

We had a marvelous weekend in Alabama. It's hard to believe it has already been a year since we first visited Jess & her family there last President's Day.


They have an awesome short trampoline, so we enjoyed a lot more of this:




It's always great to have Anndra, Kate, and Addie together - I think of them as "triplets" because their needs and interests are so similar now that they've gotten older. I don't know how parents of multiples do it! Even though each girl is really well-behaved, it can be a bit overwhelming to manage all three together. It was such a relief when we got these busy little two-year-olds down for their naps Saturday afternoon. The house suddenly seemed so calm!

The good thing is that they really do LOVE each other (like sisters!) and like to be together. Here are some pics of Kate and Addie's hugs (I like how Addie says "Hold you!" just like Anndra):



What was Anndra doing during all this hugging? Playing with Jessie's new dog!

She followed her around the yard trying to get her to play tug-of-war with sticks:

Success!


My niece Jane & her sweet dance moves:


The mamas & the papas:


Somehow I only got one picture of my adorable nephew:


And to conclude the post... 2 more trampoline pics - just because.

trampoline hair & more

We had a fabulous week with my sister and her adorable almost-2-year-old, Addie. This girl LOVES the trampoline:

And Lincoln & Anndra were pleased-as-punch to have an extra excuse to go jump on it:

But my favorite part of spending so much time on the tramp was laughing at the girls' hair:



Some of the other favorite activities during Erika & Addie's visit include....

Play-dough:



Going for walks:


Foam crafts:



Library (reading inside & playing outside):



Modeling:

Thanks, Sis, for taking Anndra's 2-year pics! Here's L & A practicing their silly/happy faces while Erika set up for the photo shoot:


Merry-go-round at the park:




And, of course, more playing in the backyard:



Thanks for driving all the way to Florida to see us, Erika. You and Addie were absolutely the highlight of our month!