February 2016

 February was a good month. Jessica did a fantastic job at her potty training and filled up her sticker chart really fast. We made some delicious peanut butter, chocolate pretzels, Matt and Melanie bought a house in East Mesa. The home is very beautiful and has mature fruit trees in the backyard.  We went to a Super Bowl Party at the Henrick's house.  It was the Broncos playing (which is the Hendrick's team) and they won!! We went to the annual Valentine Party at Copper Ranch and had a lot of fun poising for pictures and eating yummy treats. We had a yummy dinner and an incredible sunset on actual Valentine's Day.  It was so gorgeous we had to take a picture.  We started going to open gym a lot more regularly.  That was our compromise for Rachel not being in gymnastics yet.  I took her once a week to open gym and I worked with her on gymnastic skills.  It was far cheaper and a lot more fun for Rachel because she got to run around and play with all sorts of equipment.  I taught my dance girls a kick ball change and even little Jessica was really good at it.  We spent more days at the park and duck ponds because the weather is so beautiful in February.  We went out to dinner to celebrate Grandma Bentz's birthday.  Andrea had her field day at her school and took first place in 3 events. and third place in the hurdles.  It was a super fun and super hot day.  Andrea really had a blast! On our way to school one morning we passed a hot air balloon that was landing just feet from the road.  It was really neat to see one up so close.  We saw them almost every morning on our way to school for the entire month. We cooked smores outside after dinner one night.  Andrea made a case for her water bottle, Rachel is enjoying preschool, and Rachel and Jessica play really well together, including trying to do each others' hair. Steve started doing Flags with the scouts and our street looks amazing every patriotic holiday.  Jessica got her first haircut and co-op is crazy busy but tons of fun with all the kids and our dance parties.

* Mom helps at Rachel's preschool.  Rachel leaves her stop in line to go to the back and stand by Allie.

* Frank took down his big tree and we had ours professionally trimmed.

* Jessica is completely potty trained.  We are so proud of her!

* Rachel can do the monkey bars all by herself and she rode her bike around the sidewalk at the park.

* Valentine Dance Class with hearts around the room. Each heart told us what activity to do. 

* Rachel gave the scripture in primary.  Mom and Andrea drove in the miata with the top down.

* The girls got Andes mints from mom for Valentine's Day. Andrea got an orchid, Rachel got roses, and mom got roses and sunflowers, and Jessica got a balloon for Valentine's from Dad.

* We went to the Fisher's house and rode bikes.  Rachel did awesome. Mom pulled 4 kids.

* Rachel is doing amazing at riding her bike.  She can now start by herself without any help.

* Andrea and Rachel swam in the pool on February 20th at 63 degrees.  Dad dove to the bottom to get something out of the drain.

* Jessica colored up and down her legs.  We went to Grandpa and Grandmas to watch When Calls the Heart.

* Jessica says, "Frank and Pat."

* Rachel likes to touch people sitting by her while eating.

* The girls played with Bill and MaryAnn this month.

* The girls learned a kick ball change and tour jete.

* Andrea got 1st place in 3 events (50 yard dash, obstacle course, and long jump) and third place in the hurdles at field day.  They also went to Butterfly Wonderland with Grandma Bentz.

* Jessica pushed her lawn mower while mom mowed the lawn. She says, "ok" in the cutest voice.

*Mom taught sharing time about service and gave away service hearts.  Rachel came home and made mom and dads bed and put a service heart on it.

* Ben and Tuesdee moved up to sit by us half way through stake conference and gave the girls snacks and played.