Alice, Soundtrack, Pickle, Fairy Garden, Boppy

We headed to Dickinson this past weekend. The main purpose was for Ains's 1 year photoshoot. It's hard to believe we are knocking on her first birthday. The best byproduct was spending some time and the night at Rick and Shantelle's. We haven't seen them for ages and even longer to actually have a good conversation. The kids played relatively well. We were a bit adventurous thinking the girls could sleep in the same room yet but they'll get there someday.

Grady and Ains loved Alice's toys. Alice had a carving set and Ains thought the cleaver knife was the cat's meow. She carried it all over the house. Now Grady was so impressed with Alice's organization - which he wrecked - and her full kitchen. He served pizza with condiments up to everyone multiple times. I felt a bit bad for Alice as I know that my three tornados in her space may have been a bit hard - I don't blame her, sometimes I wish they'd keep their grubby paws off my stuff too!

We also had a big breakthrough for our eldest daughter. Long ago she was "blessed" with an alarm clock from someone very special and we "thank" them mentally for this gift (#youknowwhoyouare). On said alarm clock is Anna and Elsa and when you push the button on the back 30 solid seconds of Frozen plays. The same 30 seconds - no matter how many times you push the button. She continues to push the button over and over and over again. It begged a question from Matt and the serious discussion of whether or not to get a music subscription so we at least can hear the rest of the song. We did and she was mystified. She sat for 25 minutes straight and listened to the Frozen soundtrack. I believe I may have been given World's Best Mom award for that hour.

 Over the past week, we've been counting down days until they could decorate their valentine's day boxes. We headed out to the farm and after dinner, G made his pickle box and E made her flower and butterfly garden. They did pretty well and were so proud of what they did!

Meanwhile, Ainsley has found a new space in the kitchen. Grady brought out the boppy - a u-shaped pillow that we used when she was a baby. He did it for her... and she's taken it over as her little seat in the kitchen. She lounges in the pillow, brings her things there, sits in it, stands by it. It's her little place in the world.

Driving home
EER: Mom, we decorate our valentine's day boxes tonight? Miss Heather put up read hearts and said it's going to be Valetine's Day soon and we need to have our boxes ready.
GRR: Valentine's Day!
ALR: We can't decorate yet, we will decorate with Grandma and Grandpa. We will do that this weekend. We have to go to bed and have five sleeps.
EER: Five snores?
ALR: Ha, yes, five snores.