Flying through February

Natalie was sick for a couple days earlier this month and had to miss some school.  That did not sit well with Kate!  Natalie always walks Kate to her class in the morning, and Kate was very concerned when Natalie wouldn't be there to do this.  We asked Scott to be a good big brother and fill in.  On the way to school that day, Sad Kate said, "Scott, you have to say 'Have a good day!' when you drop me off because that's what Natalie always says."  :)  I think he obliged, but she was sure happy when Natalie was healthy enough to return to her sisterly duties.

Per a recommendation to Jon from a fellow police officer, Jon set up a tent in the living room to see how Scout would do inside of it.   The plan is to try camping for the first time over spring break...and to bring Scout to sleep in the tent with us!  I'm still trying to decide if I should go along too or not!;)  The poor cats might get lonely here, after all. 

Kate's teacher uses a "Dojo Points" behavior system.  She hasn't lost a Dojo Point yet and is always concerned about the possibility of losing a Dojo.  I hear daily about who lost Dojo Points, why they lost them, and whether or not Kate thinks it was a good call or not based on the offense.  It's big news in kindergarten.  Kate told me one day that a girl lost a Dojo for picking her nose.  I said, "Oh- I didn't know your teacher took Dojo Points away for that."  Kate said,  "Well- it IS germ season, you know."  Good point!

We recently watched a dog show with Scout.

Afterwards, Scott was inspired to teach Scout some new tricks.  They didn't go too well.  Despite coaxing with treats, he couldn't get her to run through the tunnel like the cool dogs did during the competition. 

Ironically, once we put Scout away, Piper emerged from a room and immediately climbed into the tunnel.  "Stupid dog!  Where are MY treats?!"- Piper

The kids and I were talking one day on the way to school about going off to college.  None of them are ready to pack their bags yet (whew!), but I was telling them that I felt the same way at their age and that they will change as they get older.  Fast forward to that weekend, when Natalie went away for her first ever birthday party sleepover.  I then wondered why I was giving the kids pep-talks about going away to college someday.  As I laid awake and worried about her that night, I decided that college is off the table!  They can live with us forever!!!!  (It was a Secret Agent Party with lots of cool activities- as pictured above!  And...despite little sleep for either one of us, Natalie & I both survived.)  

These girls crack me up.  It's not unlike them to "play wedding" but this was the first time one of them was the groom!  They even had a fancy organist (who would probably prefer to go unnamed) play "Here Comes the Bride" for them!   Silly kiddos!

I guess it is February...love is in the air!