February 2020

 REAR ENDED

The month got off to a rough start when I was rear ended during rush hour traffic on the 101. Our car is probably totaled, but we are very thankful that all of us are okay. I got a slight concussion, and I'm still recovering from the emotions of getting hit with all my kids in the car. The moment when I was hurt and they all started screaming and crying was one of the worst moments of my life. Luckily the girls suffered no physical injuries, although Brooklyn is still upset emotionally. She is mad at the "bad guys" who "broke our car." When we get in to drive she tells me, "Mom, no bang head." I think it really scared her when my head whip lashed.  

 Brooklyn at the library with her friend Lucy.

 Brooklyn likes "practicing" the piano

 

 Brooklyn had her evaluation for developmental preschool this month and she showed remarkable progress with her speech and other issues. We are proud of how much she has improved. The therapists determined that she doesn't have autism. She does have a speech delay due to her ear infections as a child, and she has some social issues that they think stem from not being understood. She also has sensory processing problems. She is excited to start developmental preschool next month when she turns 3. They will give her speech therapy and occupational therapy (for her sensory processing issues) during school.


Brooklyn with a paper hat and boat.

Yes, this picture was taken in Arizona. The spring flowers are absolutely beautiful.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

 The girls had fun decorating Valentine's cookies at the park.

 

 

 





The kids with their Valentine's boxes. It makes me a little sad that Abby was "too old" to make one this year.

PRESIDENT'S DAY

 

On President's day we drove up to Anthem Community Park for a picnic and playtime. It was a lot of fun, but super crowded. Due to homeschooling we are accustomed to not having to share the playground equipment.  

Family Reunion/Grandpa's 70th Birthday

SWIMMING IN THE COLD

After promising everyone great weather, everyone from Utah, Yuma, and California showed up here to the rainiest, coldest weather we've ever had in AZ. That didn't stop the kids and a few of the adults from enjoying the nice, heated pool in the backyard of the VRBO.

MAKING CARDS FOR GRANDPA

All the grandkids had fun making cards at our house.

BIRTHDAY HIKE

The rain stopped, but it was still cold for Grandpa's birthday hike. The kids did awesome on the hike, and everyone got some nice views of the valley.

GRANDPA'S 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

We reserved the church and we all had fun playing board games or playing soccer in the gym.

Ruth made a delicious Hawaiian haystack dinner for all of us to enjoy.

Grandpa got to blow out his 70 candles (which he rearranged to "07") on his pecan pie.

SLIDESHOW

That night we all gathered at our house to watch a nice slideshow that Rachel worked really hard to put together for Dad's birthday.

It was fun to watch and remember so many good times.

Grandpa gave us a nice speech.

Mom and Dad with the grandkids (minus the Cranneys).

Mom and Dad with the with kids and in-laws (minus Rachel and Stephen in DC).

GRANDPA CUDDLES

Emily and Audrey cuddling Grandpa.

MCDOWELL SONORAN PRESERVE

We had fun doing the nature walk and learning about all the different cacti, plants, and animals in the area.

MCCORMICK STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK

Audrey and Gracie had fun riding the carousel together.

Nathan and Ryan on their horses.

There was a large indoor model train display that the kids really enjoyed. Brooklyn especially liked the train filled with characters from the movie Frozen.

Audrey in a train car

Audrey and Brooklyn went on a mini train ride that they really enjoyed.

The park had a fun playground too!

HOLE IN THE ROCK/PAPAGO PARK

NEW YEAR'S EVE HIKE

Dad and I enjoyed a nice hike to the top of Thunderbird mountain.  He was a good sport despite the  hike being much harder than I remembered it.

DANE'S HAIRCUT

Dane agreed to let Jared cut his shaggy hair. The whole crew turned out to watch this main event.

CELEBRATING THE NEW DECADE

At midnight we all came out to scream, bang pots and pans, and watch fireworks.

GOOD-BYES

Kids in front of the VRBO with Grandma and Grandpa right before everyone left to head home.