My mother informed us that Gary Thomas was coming to Sugarcreek, Ohio for a Marriage Conference. Gary wrote the book, Sacred Marriage so we JUMPED at the chance to go!! My parents watched the kids and we made a nice long weekend trip to Sugarcreek! Here's the Carlisle Inn...so wonderful!
...these crazy cats joined us. a. riot.
welcome
da man.
My lovely date for the weekend
Valentine's Day this year has been the best!! It started off with an early morning visit to the Dentist for Caleb. I was dreading this appointment since it was made. However, Caleb was unbelievable! He sat in the chair with his hand resting on his head as if he were in a LazyBoy! He opened his mouth and stayed completely still...I kept pinching myself! He had the whole office cracking up with his 'animal knowledge!' Then it was off to Howard Haven Nursing Home. We had made valentines and went to deliver them to the residents there. I had been praying for ways to teach the boys compassion and we came up with this idea. Again, I was apprehensive about how the boys might respond to the residents but THEY LOVED IT. They bravely entered each room, distributed their valentines and treats and then shouted "Happy Valentine's Day!" Then it was off to lunch and the Dollar Store for a special V-Day treat! The evening ended with a family candlelight meal of Spaghetti followed by dancing to Frank Sinatra in the Living Room. So overwhelmed with love for this family the Lord has given me! :)
Micah's Dream Day at the Fire Station!
We made a Fire Truck...here it is parked in the garage!
Ta Daaaa
We hosted our first Valentine partaaa at our new house. It was a great night of "The Newlywed Game," food, fun, and laughter! So blessed to have a great group of friends!
Some of the lovely ladies
Gamin'
Nolen Vent [a former Bridges student] came and serenaded us for the party! He was the highlight of the night! So lovely!
Micah went to the fire station...he was in heaven!
The Paolone Crew packed up and headed east for the weekend to complete some house projects for us! Here is Papa Paolone hard at work, attempted to add wainscoting to very unlevel walls!
In the back you can see project #2, adding more counter and cabinets in our laundry room.
My sis finishing up the Kitchen!
Grammy was in charge of Childcare for the weekend. She was great, reading, teaching new games, and entertaining these guys!
You deserve it Dad! 
This technique was used to keep Caleb's hands out of strange places...
Micah and Daddy worked all afternoon and built a bulldozer!
He's a natural with the saw...taking after his papa P!
When we first found out that we were having a boy, I think Travis dreamt of this day when his boys would cuddle up and watch some Sunday afternoon ball his him. Finally, after 4.5 years of waiting, that day has arrived. I think it was everything he dreamed it would be! Pure Bliss!
Travis makes the BEST forts!
Micah had a joint Birthday party with some friends of his who all have winter Birthdays! Here is Elijah, Rylan, and Micah getting ready to blow out their candles!
Happy Birthday to US!
The Cousins Came!
We rented this.....and they bounced their little hearts out!
Although we have been experiencing ABOVE average weather here in the Hoosier State for this time of year, we have still been finding it easier to stay-in since I've been having extra kiddo's at the house. Here is Micah hard at work on some sock-puppets. Was really hoping that at least one of my boys would follow after their mother and be a left-handed creative-type...but not such luck ;)
Easel Play
Truly gifted!
