Hallie

February phone photo download of my Hallie-o!

Making valentine kites at Shelli's house

 Hallie is so creative and smart. She honestly blows me away with the things she comes up with. She used my wallet and created santa's sleigh with reindeer using her paw patrol figurines. 

 She has really been into making forts lately. The last few days she has only wanted to eat lunch in this fort. She will pick food items that aren't too messy so that she can eat them in the fort. And look at how beautiful she is!

Brooks- 13 months

Brooks is just perfect! He is the sweetest little boy and I just love him to pieces. This month, he learned how to clap, wave bye bye, got another tooth, can stand on his own, and is starting to take steps! He is also figuring out his emotions and gets frustrated pretty easy when he doesn't get his way. I sense some rage/temper coming out of him, which makes me a little nervous for his toddler years. But, for now, I'm still his favorite and he loves to snuggle me and I'll just continue to love on that!

He really is so happy most of the time! I love to listen to him laugh!

 Clapping!

 He loves to empty the dishwasher. Actually, he loves to empty every drawer/cupboard/bin we have! He is the messiest kid!!! He is a one man wrecking crew. If I start to clean up his messes, he immediately comes over and messes whatever item(s) I am trying to clean up!

 His snuggles are the best! I will be SO sad when he gets too big for them!

 This kid and his binky and burp cloth. To say he loves these 2 things would be an understatement!

 He loves to "help" clean. If he is fussy, we just get out the vacuum and let him play with it, and it makes him happy right away!

 Still loves to put anything and everything in his mouth!

 Russ has restless legs and he shakes his legs while sitting. Brooks was tired during church and he used Russ and I as a bed. Russ's legs gently shook him to sleep and he stayed asleep the entire lesson. 

Airborne

Today we went to Airborne with my cute neighbor and her little boy, Jack. We are so grateful they moved into our neighborhood last summer. We have become really good friends with them! Hallie, Jack, and, surprisingly, Brooks had a blast at Airborne! It was fun to watch them smile and jump around!

Grandpa Tate's Birthday

Tonight we celebrated Grandpa Tate turning 90 years old! We had a family birthday party for him and it was fun to celebrate with family.

 One of the games the kids played at the party. It was a relay race where the kids had to dress up in Grandpa's clothes and then run up and down the court! 

 Cute little Hallie

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was perfect this year. Russ made me feel special, Hallie loved celebrating the holiday, Brooks enjoyed being along for the ride, and I loved being with the ones I love most!

I decorated everyone's door the night before. 

Hallie's door

 "I love your memory," "You are loved," "Your smile lights up the room."

 "You are smart," "You are sweet," "I love your laugh," "You are mommy's best helper."

 Russ's door. I could have written one hundred hearts for him but stopped when I ran out of hearts to write on. :)

 "I love making plans with you," "I'll love you forever and ever," "I am your biggest fan," "I look up to you," "I love how people describe you as happy."

 "I love how you research things," "I love you," "You are so smart," "You are so handsome," "I love how you support me," "I love hearing you laugh."

 Brooks' door. He doesn't have many hearts. Not because I don't love him as much, but because he doesn't get it yet and I figured I would use the hearts I made on the other two in the family that would get it.

 "I love your snuggles," "I love you," "I love your crooked tooth, dimple smile."

Hallie LOVED the hearts so much that she wanted to give me one too. "To Kylee, From Hallie. I love you!"

 Presents laid out for everyone to wake up to

Russ surprised Hallie with a sweet card and his very own valentine gift for her. I loved that he did this! I think it is so important for fathers to be involved in the holidays and gift giving. I love that he personally picked out something for her with a handwritten card! 

 He gave her this book with a collection of princess stories. The first thing she said to me this morning was, "Mom! Look what dad got for me!" I think she felt pretty special, as she should!

Russ gave me new water bottles and a sweet card

 I love that he made a homemade card. Means way more than just buying it at the store.

After all the card giving, Hallie wanted to make a card as well. She made one for her daddy.

She did and spelled this all on her own. "I love Russell." I was quite impressed!

Russ also had flowers delivered (the center one). 

Brooks got a race track with cars and he is loving it so far!

Hallie running to our neighbors house delivering a valentine to her cute friend, Jack! She was so excited!

I sure love my kiddos!

For dinner, we had a candlelight spaghetti dinner!

Hallie got a new art kit from Russ and I. She loves to paint and draw and has used this thing everyday since!

I gave Russ a "Meathead" book that is all about smoking meat!

After dinner, we decorated cookies!