Our Tremendous Tiger!

Brooke's been enjoying kindergarten thus far and while I have some communication with the teacher, we don't get a ton of updates and I'd just assumed that no news was good news.

It turns out it was great news. The week before we left for St. Louis, we got a letter from Brooke's principal congratulating her on being selected for a "Tremendous Tiger" award. It went on to explain that each teacher picked one student and that the students were selected for exemplifying the values of the school and academic achievement.

We weren't sure how often this happened, so while we were very proud of her, we didn't think a lot of it. (And I'll be honest, Brooke has her fair share of meltdowns at home and there are several things that we're really trying to work with her on, so we weren't completely confident that school was going that much more smoothly.) There was a breakfast reception the next week and the principal explained a little more about the award. It turns out that this is only done once per trimester, meaning that Brooke is the second of only three kids in her class this year to get the award. Each student's name was called and they were applauded and shook the principal's hand.

They also got their picture taken to be hung on the bulletin board later.

When we talked to Brooke's teacher, Mrs. Bicker, after the ceremony, she told us (and Brooke) how deserving she was to receive the award. She said that she is always kind to everyone and that she knows that Brooke can work well and cooperate with anyone she pairs her with. She said that she's a hard worker. She also complemented her academics and said, "She's basically the perfect kindergartner." As you can imagine, I got more than a little emotional several times that morning. I'm so proud of my big girl - of her hard work and cooperation, but most of all, her kindness. I pray, pray, pray that continues to be one of the main attributes used to describe her.

She's setting the bar high for these two. They were just happy to get cinnamon rolls afterward.

Keep up the good work, Brookie! We are SO proud of you!

Soccer, Valentines, Etc...

I don't have a whole lot of random pictures from the last week or so as the stomach flu wreaked havoc on our house. Brooke was the sole survivor (God-willing). It started on our drive back from St. Louis when we had to make three stops due to poor Paige's vomiting. This was her the next day. No fun - although I didn't mind the cuddles.

She was back to her trouble-making self by the next day.

This was after a recent venture into my closet. I'm kind of hoping her fashionista tendencies continue.

She just turned 22 months and is officially walking all the time. It makes her seem so much older. She's also saying more words. I can tell that it's hard and frustrating for her, but she's really trying and is so proud when something comes out clearly. She's a lot of work (i.e.,  multiple ventures getting things out of the toilet, full-on tantrum anytime I pick her up to put her in her carseat) but also a really goofball and a ton of fun. It's fun to see her becoming a little toddler.

These two had fun going through the Valentines for a few days. I had fun throwing them out.

To cap off our week o' fun, we lost power for about 8 hours on Friday, the day after I'd been sick, and the night that Matt had concert tickets. We had takeout dinner by candlelight and then a little slumber party.

Thankfully, the power came back on in time for the big kids to sleep in their own beds.

Miles still seems to really be enjoying soccer - at least the drills part of it. He got bonked in the head two scrimmages in a row and I think it shook him up a little. We're hoping he gets a little aggression back. I know that I do nothing to dissuade his Momma's Boy tendencies.

For instance, I think it's adorable that he likes to drink hot tea and encourage the habit. March is just around the corner and I am not ready for him to turn 4.

St. Louis Valentine's

Because President's Day and Valentine's Day were on the same weekend this year (maybe it's that way every year?), we took advantage of the kids' extra day off school and headed to St. Louis on Friday. We were all pretty wiped after the drive down, so we set the kids up with a movie.

Tim is remodeling our room in their basement, so we all slept on the same floor this time. The boys tried a slumber party a couple of times, to no avail.

The girls did a pretty good job sleeping together, though.

Cousin selfie.

These two are starting to interact more. As soon as Paige hears us talk about St. Louis or "Luke, Lexi, and Grace," her face lights up and she nods her head emphatically.

Tim has their old school Nintendo out. The kids spent at least an hour one day watching him play Super Mario 3. The boys tried their hand at it, too.

Cousin cuddles.

On Valentine's Day morning, we went over to my parents' and my dad made breakfast for everyone.

The kids also did some crafts with Grandma.

That afternoon, this girl was quiet for too long. She came out like this - she had decked herself out in most of the jewelry from my travel jewelry case. Reason #58 why I don't have expensive jewelry.

My parents came over that afternoon and the kids played some games.

We usually enjoy the warmer temperatures when we head down to St. Louis anytime but summer. Unfortunately, this visit was on a cold, snowy weekend. The kids took the opportunity to do some sledding in the backyard. It was pretty entertaining and kept them busy for almost an hour.

On Monday morning, we headed over to see my Grandparents. I'm really sad that I didn't get any pictures of them with the kids on this visit.

Have I mentioned that Paige loves her accessories?

The whole family met for lunch at this great deli before we got on the road back to Wheaton.

It was a great visit (minus the stomach flu that we left with Krissi). Can't wait to see you all again soon!

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Brooke's school does a Daddy/Daughter Dance in early February every year. Matt was away on a work trip, so his dad kindly agreed to take Brooke. She was excited leading up to it and even got a manicure with two friends a couple of days before. She asked to have her hair in braids, and I obliged. Thank goodness she likes the one hairstyle that I can do.

I let her put on blush and lip gloss. Miles brought his chapstick in to join the fun.

My beautiful girl. We had originally planned for her to wear her Christmas dress, but then I remembered her flower girl dress. Dress for the dance was "party wear," and this was probably a little fancy, but why not rock a sweet dress if you've got it? Especially when you're in kindergarten?!?

She's getting too big, too fast.

Photo bomb courtesy of Miles.

Showing off her "heels." She asked if she can wear them again when we go out to dinner.

Showing off her nails.

I even connected her braids with a flower barrette. Take that, Pintrest!

She had a special dinner before the dance at Grammie Deb's and Grandpa's (they surprised her with sushi).

She was excited about her corsage. She may not ever let me throw it away.

She got a little case of cold feet before heading out to the dance, and we figured out that it was because she didn't really know what to expect. I think she was picture more of a recital than a wedding. When I explained what would happen and invoked a little peer pressure ("all your friends will be talking about this on Monday..."), she had a change of heart and she and Grandpa had a great time. In fact, she was so excited when she got home that it was almost eleven before she fell asleep.

Brooke and Kali at the dance.

Don't forget about these two! I let Miles pick a special dinner that night, too. He chose McDonald's.

We capped off the night at Yogli Mogli. Paige was super-excited to sit in her own seat with her own bowl.

(This is her version of a thumbs up.)

The night had a few hiccups, but all's well that ends well and I think we'll all look back on her first dance fondly.