The End of Basketball Season

Boomer has had several out-of-town work trips over the past month, and we have sure missed him. His most recent trip was this past Sunday through Wednesday, which meant three whole days and nights of Mommying solo. Monday was a Teacher Workday for the kids, so even though I still had to be at school with students, I scheduled their dentist appointments for 8AM that morning and took a half-day. It was Eli's first visit to the dentist, and he was very cooperative. He laid back in the chair and opened his mouth wide. He was especially excited to use a gold coin in the prize machine. Emmy did great as well. She had a cleaning and X-rays. Unfortunately her "groovy" teeth continue to be susceptible to staining and cavities...so she has an appointment to return in April for a cavity and sealants on her remaining baby teeth. She is such a rule follower and has been doing all the things that we've been told to do: rinse with water after meals, floss, and no gummies or other sticky sugary foods. Hopefully we will see a difference with her permanent teeth. After leaving the dentist, I took the kids to my parents' house. Emmy and Eli were both very excited to spend a day at Grammy and Grandpa's. They built a fort, read lots of books, painted with water colors, and played outside. It was hard to convince them to go back to school on Tuesday! :)

We were so glad to have Daddy home again on Wednesday. On Thursday evening, Emmy's basketball team had a pizza party to celebrate the end of the season. As the coach, Boomer planned the whole thing. He ordered the pizza, picked up the paper products, and printed certificates for each of the players. We are a little sad that the season has come to an end. At the last game on Saturday, Emmy had a season high of 10 points and several rebounds. She was all over the court and in the action. It has been so fun seeing Emmy improve each week. Although she continues to say that she wants to be a cheerleader next year, we are hoping that we can convince her to keep playing. Go Little Pumas!

Sadly I missed Emmy's last game, but I had a fun weekend with my girlfriends. We hung out Friday night at Carrie's, and then on Saturday, we did a winery tour called the Yadkin Winter Reds. It was the same tour that Boomer and I have done in the past, with stops at multiple wineries with a sample of wine and a small food dish. We had the best time being together. It is always so special to spend time with these six best friends!

Be My Valentine

It's probably no secret that I love my traditions. But this one I especially cherish. Each year Emmy poses with the same sign to ask Boomer to be her Valentine. It is so special looking back at the pictures from previous years. One thing is for sure, Emmy has gotten more cooperative! This year's photo shoot was so speedy, and she smiled and sat still with very little coaxing. I suppose there will come a time that she is uncooperative again...but for now, I love that she wants her Daddy to be her Valentine. 

Boomer and Emmy went to the Daddy Daughter Dance hosted by the Town of Kernersville this past Saturday. The event was at Legacy Stables, where there was food, dancing, professional photos, and goodie bags for the daddies and the daughters. I loved getting the videos from Boomer as Emmy let loose on the dance floor. Boomer declared it the most successful Daddy Daughter date yet. (We all remember the time Emmy spit up her chocolate milk!...or when she cried because she thought she was taking Daddy to her dance class!) There were several friends at the dance; it seems that a lot of unsuspecting husbands were signed up by their wives (haha!) While Boomer and Emmy were at the dance, Eli and I enjoyed a night at home with leftover pizza and Blippi. It is special to have the one-on-one time with the kids. 

Yesterday on Valentine's Day, there was extra excitement in the morning as Emmy and Eli got treats from Mommy and Daddy and $5 each from Grammy and Grandpa. It cracked me up when Emmy said "Hey Eli, I can keep your $5 in my wallet." Mommy got a Valentine surprise too - 11 roses (minus 1 that was given to Emmy), Crunch and Munch, and Airheads. At school, there were parties for both kiddos. When I picked them up, they were loaded down with candy, trinkets, and other goodies. We hustled off to dance class, where Eli and I had a picnic outside. At the end of class, Emmy got to try on her recital costume. We missed Daddy while he was at his class, but it was a full and fun day. Happy Valentine's Day!

Busy February

February has been a month already! There have been a lot of competing responsibilities, and we are doing our best to keep all the plates spinning. During the first weekend, Boomer went up to Virginia for the funeral for his grandfather. At the same time, my parents and sister went down to Florida for the funeral for my grandfather. Torn between making the trip north or the trip south, I stayed here in Kernersville with the kiddos since that seemed like the best plan. For Tall Man (Randy), there was a graveside service, followed by a gathering at the fire hall. There were several other meals and family events throughout the weekend. Boomer said a few words at the service, and he shared them with me beforehand. He always is so good at putting things into words, and it was a very special tribute to his grandfather. For my Grandpa Bill, the service was on Friday, and then the family had a potluck lunch at the church afterwards. Later that evening, my family, including my aunt and cousins, helped my grandmother with some things around her home and had a bonfire, just generally enjoyed the time together. After all, it is not often that our family is together, given the miles that separate us. My parents and Megan returned on Saturday, and then Boomer came home on Sunday. After being solo for the weekend, I was very thankful to have everyone back in Kernersville. The kids and I kept to our usual routine of movie night and basketball. Emmy had two baskets at her game, one that was a buzzer beater. It was very exciting!

 On February 3rd, Boomer and I went to Emmy's school for our first parent teacher conference. Just a routine, mid-year conference, and it was a great report. Emmy has been doing well academically and socially. Like on the very first day of school, I snapped this picture of Daddy and Emmy walking down the hall. It always melts my heart to see the two of them holding hands. Boomer, Grammy, and Grandpa went back to Emmy's school this past Wednesday for Awards Day. Emmy was recognized for Honor Roll and for completing the most lessons on DreamBox. Unfortunately I was not able to go to the ceremony, but Aunt Megan had a great spot in the front to snap a few photos. 

This evening we went over to Mom and Dad's house to watch the Super Bowl. As usual, there was a yummy spread of food, and we watched the first half together before Boomer and I took our crew home for bedtimes. We'd gladly sign the petition to move Super Bowl to a Saturday :)

We've also been counting down to Valentine's Day. The kids have enjoyed adding hearts to their calendars and getting sweet messages from Grammy each morning. I have to laugh as I read the pairs of hearts. It is very evident the differences between a girl and boy! But I wouldn't have it any other way <3