Valentine's Day Party with the Larsons

My friend Katy is incredibly creative, so when she invited Eliza and the twins over for a Valentine's Day party, I knew we were all in for a treat. She did not disappoint! From heart shaped sandwiches to flower lollipops and delicious red velvet/cream cheese apple spread, the party was a success.

 The white chocolate covered Chex cereal was probably my favorite thing. We had such a good time and we still have another party tomorrow!

Valentine's Preschool Party

I love being able to volunteer to help with parties at Eliza's preschool. Growing up, my mom worked full time and was never able to be the class mom, attend field trips, or come to any parties. I was always so jealous of those boys and girls who had parents that came to various functions. Fortunately for us, Nathan attends evening classes and is able to work from home. This means I am able to leave the twins with him some days and that I can be involved with Eliza's preschool.

When I got to the party today, Eliza was so happy to see me! It definitely made me feel loved to hear her proudly introducing me as her mom. As always, the party was great! Miss Kristie really knows how to throw a party for preschoolers. The kids loved playing bingo, throwing bean bags, pinning the arrow onto the heart, and singing songs.

Eliza was excited to hand out her Frozen invitations and couldn't wait to get home so she could go through all of her Valentines.

She also requested that some pictures be taken of her wearing her "heart dress" and star glasses. I love her poses!

 We have TWO more Valentine's Day parties this week! Eliza and I can't wait!

The Last Week in Photos

Nothing too exciting happened the past week, but I thought I would share several of my favorite pictures from the last few days.

 Ezra and Elliott got into the Super Bowl spirit. I seriously couldn't stop laughing when I saw this.

 Cuddles with Haleigh and Brandon!

 Elliott giving Nathan kisses. 

 Eliza's expression when I told her Landon enjoyed playing with her. I think she was a little flattered and excited.

 Eliza rocking some of her new eye patches. She loves them!

 The delicious fried okra Kyle brought to our Super Bowl party. 

 Elliott cuddling with his new snow suit. He insisted on sleeping with it.

 Eliza excitedly holding a platter full of cookies from the Larsons (they spoil us with treats!). 

 Trains at the library!

 Elliott loves to put shoes on Nathan's feet. :)

 Eliza drew the two of us playing, and it is basically the greatest drawing I have ever seen. We don't have arms, but we are smiling and love each other.

 Afternoons in Springville.

 Elliott insists on looking at me while I push the stroller. I'm not going to lie--it's pretty flattering :)

 Eliza looking beautiful and so grown up!

The boys cuddling with Nathan (I love Ezra's extra cheesey smile).

As you can see, the last few days have been pretty great. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing family. 

Best Gift Ever

When I was a little girl, I always wanted an American Girl Doll. I eventually received a Bitty Baby for Christmas (which I have saved for Eliza), but I never did get an American Girl Doll. My parents bought me an Attic Treasure Doll, which looked a lot like an American Girl, but I knew it was an imposter and was a little disappointed. Overall, my doll Megan was pretty great, though. I loved her clothes and particularly remember dressing her carefully in an ice skating outfit.

 Naturally, most of us want for our children what we wanted for ourselves. For me, this includes an American Girl Doll. With this in mind,  just imagine my absolute joy last week when Haleigh texted me a picture of Kirsten and asked me if Eliza would be interested in having it. At first, I thought she was joking! But no, she was serious. Apparently, the little girl Haleigh is a nanny for decided she no longer wanted her American Girl Doll and its accompanying accessories and was planning on donating all of the items to Goodwill. Haleigh luckily thought of Eliza and saved the doll and its clothes for her.

This morning, Haleigh arrived with the doll and a whole bag of other goodies. It felt like Christmas for Eliza and me!

Eliza has played with her new doll all afternoon!

Tonight, she told Haleigh and me that she wanted to call the doll Adeline. She put on the doll's pajamas and tucked her into bed. Eliza still can't believe that she keeps to keep the doll. We're both pretty excited about it :) So, thank you, Haleigh, for helping me realize my childhood dream of having an American Girl Doll. I think I will live vicariously through Eliza.

And, in unrelated news, I love the new shirt Eliza wore today. I found it at Old Navy on clearance for $1.50--can't beat that!

Tumbling and Dance Classes

Eliza started her dance and tumbling classes today. It was snowing, but the boys really wanted to "walk" to the class. By walk, I mean they wanted to have me push them in their stroller which can be extremely tricky to move when there is slushy snow on the ground. I bundled them up, and we walked the two blocks to class.

Once we got there, Ezra and Elliott couldn't take their eyes off of Eliza and Landon as they learned new stretches and basic tumbling moves.

 Eliza is excited for Ruby to come home from California and join the class next week. I'm excited for her to have another activity to keep her busy. She loves to constantly be going so hopefully preschool combined with dance, swimming, and tumbling will keep her a happy little girl.

Eliza Recently

Eliza seems so grown up these days. She is great about helping me corral the babies and enjoys being given chores and responsibilities. She has been doing a fantastic job going to sleep since we implemented the "sticker system" and looks forward to earning her sticker every day.

This week, she was able to cash in her stickers and go on an ice cream date to our favorite ice cream parlor in Springville. She had a great time and loved the window paintings and bubblegum ice cream.

She loves playing dress up still and loves to make up stories with Ruby. I hear them pretending to be mermaids and princesses while they play with dolls, and I love that they are constantly using their imaginations.

Eliza still enjoys ballet and can't wait for her next recital. Due to Nathan's school schedule, she will only be taking one class this winter, but I think that is fine with her. She is also going to start a tumbling and dance class taught by a girl in our neighborhood, so she will be plenty busy!

And lastly, Eliza is still obsessed with a certain movie. Here's a hint as to what it is:

Hoodies for Days

My three favorite guys.