"Sweetwater River Crossing"

Kaylee and I participated in a "Sweetwater River Crossing" to help us think of and appreciate the Martin Handcart company and their rescuers. 

We had a decent turnout of YW from our ward but the boys were pretty pathetic and not many would participate. These girls were pretty awesome!

We walked 100 yards down the Boise River and it was so cold it hurt. My heart was pounding and I was gripping Lisa's hand pretty hard. 

Once we were about halfway through our legs were numb and it became much more bearable. 

It was pretty intense but I'm glad Kaylee and I did it. We got a small taste of what it was like for our ancestors crossing the plains. I admire their courage, determination, and faith. I can't imagine walking through a frozen river, walking through 18 inches of snow with howling winds all while starving.  It helps me remember I can do hard things/1

Valentines

.Emma and I made some Valentine sugar cookies. I think I need to work on my frosting skills.

I did pretty well on Emma's heart hair though. She requested this for her preschool party.

The kids woke up to heart attacks on their walls in their rooms with things we love about them, the dining area was also decorated, and they had a few treats in their mailboxes.

We had a romantic candlelight family dinner in between piano lessons and tumbling. 

Kaylee brought home a rose that some random boy gave her.

January had pretty ideal winter weather. It was 40-50 degrees most days. On the last Sunday of the month we took advantage of the warmer weather and shorter church by going for a walk along the greenbelt.

This is my kids favorite place- they call it the "rope swing place" and ask to go there all the time.

We have been making treats each Sunday after our at home gospel study. Each week one of us gets to chose and make the treat. Emma wanted a cake with cupcakes on top with sprinkles. I helped her pull off her dream cake. Last week Jake made black bean brownies which were definitely healthier but not very delicious. 

MeDynn and I took the Beehives rock climbing for our activity one week.

Kaylee is a really good climber. She made it look easy and was tireless. 

Pretty rainbows after an winter rain storm...

The beautiful January weather has turned into winter February weather. Ever since the groundhog predicted an early spring winter has returned...

We worked together as a family to build this snowman only to have some kids knock it down a few hours later. :(

Ballet

Emma had ballet pictures and a recital in January.

She and the other girls were so cute in their costumes I could't stop taking pictures.

They danced to Everybody Wants To Be a Cat. Their dance wasn't looking much like a dance until the week of their recital. I was really impressed with how well they did. Emma loved being on stage and dancing!

We were lucky enough to have both sets of grandparents here to watch.

I bought Emma flowers but Grandma got credit for them... she also gave Emma the teddy bear.

It was so fun watching her dance and I'm so glad she loved it.

Winter Break

We made it back home for New Year's Eve. We did not let the kids stay up until midnight but we did let them do sparklers. The kids actually asked to go to bed. They were worn out from Utah.

New Years Day we went to the Boise Aquarium. The favorite activity is feeding the reef fish and sting rays.

Later we did our family paint night. We followed a tutorial from YouTube. 

The first picture is the one we were trying to paint and we did our best. Brooke wanted to paint something else so she didn't participate.

On the last day of winter break I took Kaylee and Brooke to get their ears pierced. They've wanted it done for a while and we finally got around to it.

The Rest of the Week

The day after Christmas was free zoo day at Hogle Zoo.  We were afraid it was going to be really bust but I think the snow scared people off - at least for the first little bit. Kelli joined us for our day of fun. 

The animals were actually really active and we were able to see almost everything.

The red pandas were especially playful. 

After a couple hours it was starting to get really busy but we'd seem our fill.

After the zoo we went to Temple Square. It was really pretty with the snow.

I think most people were confused and wondering if Jake had 2 wives or six children. Someone asked if we were all his kids and I'm sure others were afraid to say anything.

I was really happy we got to go to the Giving Machine. There had been really long lines but we only waited about 5 minutes. We bought 2 chickens for charity.

It was a fun outing. We also went in the Church History Museum and Joseph Smith Building.

Later that night we had a group date night. Instead of buying each other presents this year we just had dinner and played games while Grandma and Grandpa watched the kids.

We had delicious Thai food and laughed all night playing games. 

The next day we went and saw Ralph Breaks the Internet. It was pretty good.

Friday we went to the Air Force Museum. 

We played lots of games with cousins and were able to visit old friends.

We met up with Patrick and Jennie for lunch.

There was no where close by to hang out after lunch except the grocery store.

We had a great week with family but I think we were all ready to have our own space back.