family photos.

We managed to squeeze in a family photo session right before we moved. My friend (and talented photographer) Danelle (MP Photography) did an amazing job with the photos and capturing the kids' personalities. I had considered a different location this year, possibly some iconic D.C. spot before we moved, but we ended up at Fort Washington again. I just love all the possibilities and the gorgeous textures and backgrounds. Lots of fun memories there. It was so nice to have someone else take the photos this year instead of attempting to do it myself again. Thanks for the great shots Danelle!

The girls were cooperative. Elsa had an endless supply of poses and Amelia got away from her fake smile a bit. Oliver was Oliver and gave us some great grumpy shots. Simon, who normally smiles all the time, was not acting very happy. Then he threw up towards the end of the shoot and we realized the poor guy was not feeling well. But he still managed a few smiles for us.

Our "farewell Virginia" shot. Sniff sniff.

Valentine Tea

Each year around Valentine's Day I surprise the girls with a little tea party. I had invitations waiting for them in the morning letting them know the tea party would be after school. They were so excited. They ran off the bus after school and changed into fancy tea party clothes. It was fun to have some time together and hear all about their day over cookies and pink lemonade while Ben kept the boys occupied elsewhere.

 At least our fireplace serves some sort of purpose.

I threw together some pennant banners using paint swatches. Super easy and free.

 The girls discussed proper tea party etiquette.

valentines.

I let the girls browse class Valentine ideas on Pinterest and then choose one to make. Elsa was torn between many ideas but eventually settled on the twinkie minions. (She had never had a twinkie before and was pretty fascinated. And she kept calling them squinkies.) Amelia immediately liked the space-themed valentine.

I think this was the first year that Amelia was able to make her Valentines entirely on her own. She loved making all of the stars using gold and silver markers. She attached a bouncy ball and Hershey kiss to each one.

random february.

Every once in a while this cute baby falls asleep in my arms. He seems to be on the move all day so these moments are especially sweet.

 Shopping with these boys is always an adventure.

We attended a Chick-fil-A dinner/bingo night at the girls' school. Elsa showed us some artwork she has hanging in the hall.

I had a fun date with these girls to see Frozen. They loved it. Elsa thinks it's pretty cool that there's an Elsa in the movie. (I'm not as thrilled. I've always liked that we don't know another Elsa. That will likely change now.)

Dear Santa.

Amelia drafted several letters to Santa this past Christmas and I just found this one while cleaning out some drawers. She wrote this right before we moved. I don't have her actual list of things she wanted. It started small and continued to grow throughout the month.

And Elsa's letter to Santa:

Translation:
Dear Santa, I have been good this year a little bit. Love Elsa.
This year is going to be great. You're the best. Please come this year. Love Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. And please please give me the present I want. I love you.

Schooled by Amelia.

The kids did a pretty good job of keeping busy during their four snow days. They must have been missing school by the fourth day because Amelia and Elsa spent all morning playing school. Amelia was the teacher and put together several lessons for Elsa, followed by a test in each subject. Amelia's ideas are always quite involved. Elsa has since tried to play school using Oliver as the student. He has not been quite as cooperative and she usually has to dismiss for recess frequently.

Elsa only got a 90% in P.E. because her nose didn't touch the ground on her push-ups.

little monkey.

(Check out this post of Oliver wearing the same hat at 3 months old.)