I'm Back.....

I haven't posted FOREVER so I decided I would try to catch up on the last month. So much has happened, where should I start? After my fabulous trip to Florida, I came home and got back to "normal" life, at least as normal as it gets around here.

February was really fun, always so much going on. We had the kids Valentine's parties at school, I can't believe it was Adeline's last Valentines in elementary school. Now that the end of the school year is in sight I can't stop thinking that she'll be in MIDDLE SCHOOL next year! It just doesn't seem possible!! For Miles class I brought in the chocolate fountain and sparkling cider with glass flutes. The kids loved it and the parents loved giving me a hard time about what kind of drinks we were serving in 1st grade! We had a fun Valentine's night at home with the kids and friends, made heart shaped pizzas and chocolates. Thad surprised me with a new can opener. Yes! A can opener that actually works! The kids took the old one outside and smashed it all over the driveway. I hated that one so much! We have the curse of the can opener...I don't think we've ever had a good one our whole marriage!

Mom and Dad came to visit and we had a lot of fun with them. The kids want them to move here of course! We always appreciate the time we spend with family since it doesn't happen too often! They helped out with the kids and Dad even fixed things around the house...just something to expect when you visit the Balkmans!

This year we decided to have Adeline's Daddy Daughter dance after Valentines and it turned out great! We all agreed it was the best one yet, and Adeline said she's excited to do it next year! I wonder if I can talk her into it when she's in high school! :) We've done it every year since she was 3! We went to Lexi's baptism that afternoon and got back just in time to get the punch ready and open the front door. Zoe was still in her dress so she even got to go for a few minutes! Poor Lexi was super sick with strep so David brought Rylie and that girl can PARTY! She was so cute and danced all night and didn't want to leave!

I know there was more going on in February...I always think I won't forget and then I can't remember anything! Adeline is still taking piano and is doing great! She played a song at the mall last weekend. She had it memorized, something I could never do! Jackson is learning new songs on his guitar and in rock clinic. Right now I think my favorite is Born to be Wild (it just fits him--ha ha). He has been singing and has a concert on Friday March 13 at Brothers at 7:30! I can't wait to hear him! After this their "singer" is back so Jackson will be giving up the mic. He's not too happy about that, but I think it'll be great since he's starting baseball and doesn't have too much time to practice! Yes! Baseball is starting already, luckily Miles doesn't start for a while and Adeline decided not to play softball like she had planned. Thank you! Harrison started swimming lessons and is doing great! All the kids are little fishies in the water! I usually go and water walk while he's taking his lesson. I've also been working out most mornings on the eliptical and lifting some weights at the YMCA. I can't believe how much I actually enjoy going! Adeline has activity days and Jackson LOVES cub scouts! He spent his b-day money on a BB gun and loves going outside to shoot whenever he can. Miles has started reading with Maureen and totally loves it! I can already see some improvement in him and it hasn't even been a week. Maureen, what are we going to do when you move??!!!??? We're planning Harrison's horsey b-day and I can't believe I filled out the registration card for Pre-K for him!! I actually don't want to send him...what am I going to do without him?? :) Thad's been in town lately and that is always GREAT! And of course Zoe is still the cutest!