Remembering Dad

It was four years ago this weekend that dad passed. I don't want to dwell on his passing as Dad was ready to go relax with his maker (and had no question about where he was going!). With that said, it is good to celebrate our loved ones and hold up those of us still here! My mom is so strong and happy - and she makes the rest of us that way too!

Nola, Brenner, and I headed up to Grandma Val's on Saturday to hang out. We were glad to visit with Aunt Lynnie and Uncle Chris too! We played the game "Chameleon" (play Brenner - he stinks at it!).

Val and the girls! 

One of my favorite pictures of dad - this is totally him. We miss you, Dad! 

We broke from the games so that a dance party could happen. Brenner's moves are memorable. There is a video but I promised not to post! 

Sunday was ice skating with our church family. Brenner was sick and Nola wanted to ride with a friend so Matt and I didn't see the need to drive 45 minutes solo to skate (we got some garden work done instead!). Nola had a great time!

Nola didn't fall down at all and was impressed with the Zamboni! 

The last time Nola ice skated was on our Alaska cruise (2017!). She has grown a bit!

 

Roller coaster weather

Is anyone else ready for spring?! We had sleet and snow on Thursday followed by a weekend of 50+ degrees. It was nice to have the snow melt because I am definitely ready for spring! 

A cold blustery snow day. The kids had no interest in going outside! They were home on Friday as well for a teacher work day. 

Matt hurt his neck a bit but always has a buddy while doing his stretches. 

Brenner studying for his confirmation class meeting with Dr. Bob. 

Some of Nola's school work. We have had some really good conversations related to Black History Month. 

Nola has been braiding her hair at night to get curls in the morning. 

Snow days allow time for pondering and apparently contract writing! Nola still had Christmas money so we agreed to her terms and allowed her to order the Nintendo Switch. 

The boys headed to the cabin. On Saturday, Nola and I drove into watch the Ravens Futsal Melee even though Brenner's team didn't have a bracket. She didn't want to go but I said I hadn't been out (except for walks) since Tuesday! 

Brenner was put to work at the cabin splitting wood. 

Grandma Val joined us for the Mizzou women's basketball game on Sunday afternoon. We were glad they won!

President's Day was gorgeous so we spent some time outside. Brenner didn't mind taking a picture with me since I am shrinking. 

A nice surprise - my daffodils are coming up! 
 

Basketball anyone?

Another busy week for us - and a tummy bug infiltrated our house wrecking havoc on Nola (mostly)! All were better by the end of the week! Not many pictures of Brenner (he is 14 after all) but he has been busy with school (doing awesome!), futsal, and was excited that the track meeting happened this week. Stay tuned for the speedy white rabbit!

Pretty winter sky over the house as I walked back from the bus stop. 

Nola got a signed picture from Hayley Troup (Mizzou player and her pen pal). Thanks to Vonda Cordes for sending this to us!

February 11 was International Day for Women and Girls in Science. The USGS Youth and Education in Science program invited us to send in pictures - I was glad to see so many participants (yes that is me with the bowl on my head!). 

Nola is rocking it at school as well. I found the cell phone responses humorous. Neither Brenner or Nola have a phone - we are so mean I know! 

Saturday morning was spent working on a couple of songs. Nola wants to earn her next belt! Great work, girl!

Saturday night we headed to Fayette for a 5th grade tournament. The team was younger so our girls used the time to work on plays. Coach Gary did a nice job of keeping the girls grounded. 

The Defenders had two more games on Sunday morning. Here are your starting 5 - Penny, Ella, Morgan, Brooklyn, and Nola. 

The girls won both games on Sunday going 3-0 in the tournament. Nola had some amazing passes - so many assist that I lost track. I was so proud of her. The second two games she also had some nice shots and beautiful free throws (which is amazing because the refs barely blew their whistles so few fouls were called).

Your Defender Champions! They did an awesome -we are so proud of how they have grown! 

Grandma Val was at the games -  she LOVES her basketball!  Nola picked celebratory pizza after the tournament. This picture also serves as a Brenner sighting ;) 
 

Snow days and Happy Birthday Grammy!

We had a major storm blow through Wednesday into Thursday so Matt and the kids were home most of the week. The kids had virtual learning on Wednesday and Thursday and an actual snow day on Friday. Oh how times have changed! They used to immediately want to go out and play in the snow but not anymore. That makes me a bit sad! We were thankful that the weather warmed up a bit over the weekend so that we could help Grammy Vo celebrate her birthday!

The wind blew a lot but we got 8-9 inches of snow. 

The cedar trees were really pretty laden with snow. 

Nola doing virtual school - think that she is relaxed!? She wouldn't come on a walk with me...

Brenner relaxing with Wren. He wouldn't come on a walk with me........

So Baylee decided to go on a walk with me.....

Their hair needed attention......so I sent them to get haircuts! 

Finally we had a family walk! 

They did get along for the most part! 

Once back at the house, Nola wanted to ride toboggans down the driveway. 

Love that smile! 

Matt got in on the action too - steady, babe! 

Saturday lunch celebration at Grammy's house! (Doesn't Matt's hair look nice!)

Lauren, Vash, Matt, Theresa, Susie, Janet, Nola, and Grammy. How great for Grammy to have all her kids and grandkids to celebrate! (Brenner was laying down - teenager)

I was told that I needed to be in the picture too!

Judi and her kids!

The kids got a little snow time at Grammy's too!

The pond dam was nice and steep but a little rough (poor Aunt Janet hurt her back)!

Grammy had these pictures on her fridge - see the resemblance? 

The kids went with Aunt Theresa and Uncle Chuck after the part so that Matt and I could go have margaritas at our favorite restaurant - cheers! 
 

Routines

We are settled into our weekly routine and chugging along! This is normally okay with me but I did get a little antsy this past week. Thank goodness the weather cooperated a little bit so we could get outside (although there was some really cold mornings walking to the bus stop)!

Wren getting some tummy time. 

Arcade game from Cousin Colten and Elly was a hit!

Absolutely gorgeous sunrise on Saturday morning! 

We went to the Guns and Hoses (Police vs Firefighters) Saturday night to support the Superfinn Autism Foundation. Finn's dad is a policeman and helps coach the Defenders so we were glad to support. It was a fun time. Plus the community raised over $15,000 to support the Boonville School District Special Education Program!!!

Little YMCA music kept the energy alive!

KC Wolf showed up too - the girls had to grab a pic! Brenner declined to get a pic lol! Honestly, KC Wolf was a little creepy dancing and going into the stand!