Jones Family Blog

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leah's 4th Birthday

Leah received a lot of nice gifts. She now has new spring/summer wardrobe and an Easter dress. She got lots of Hello Kitty paraphenalia and a double stroller with twins. She had fun wearing her H.K. doll backpack and pushing her babies around Vicki and Keith's house. The kids also played lots of Kinect and Wii. Thank you everyone for making Leah's 4th birthday so special!

My parents came for the day. They enjoyed seeing Brian's family and we loved having them there!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Presidents' Day Weekend

Our vacation friends, the Schasslers, met up with us at the Discovery Center and then took us out to dinner at TGIFridays in the Miller Stadium. It was great to see them!

On Monday, we went tubing with Kylie and Dylan at a small ski resort. The kids enjoyed this winter activity and spending time with their cousins. We haven't had much snow this winter, so this was a treat.

Milwaukee Museums

This past Sunday, we took the kids up to Milwaukee for the day and checked out a Children's Museum and a science and aquatics Discovery Center. The kids loved exploring and I enjoyed the beautiful views of the buildings, boardwalks, and lake.

Jadon enjoyed answering the bike safety questions and peddling a ball up to the top using this bike.

This was a neat statue of children honoring the flag.

We loved this part of the aquarium and even spotted a huge puffer fish.

Our brave one laid on a bed of nails!

February Happenings

We had a nice visit with Brian's grandma, Betty, and Jim at their home on a Sunday afternoon.

I ran a 4 mile race in Clinton, the B-rrry Scurry. I am front and center, posing with some of the ladies in our running club.

We celebrated Claire's 8th birthday at my parent's house, the day before they left for DisneyWorld. The kids enjoyed playing Super Mario Brothers.

Here is Leah at Kiddie Kampus on Valentines Day.

In the afternoon on V-day, my Momtime group delivered valentines in 2 nursing homes.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Sophie in January

Sophie continues to be a real focal point in our household. The kids love to play with her and shower her with selfish love. Sophie likes to come snooping around the bathtub and has fallen in a number of times. Jadon and Leah like to build traps and forts for Sophie. She's actually a really good sport and goes along with it most of the time.

Where's Sophie? This is not a mere pile of junk. It is a carefully constructed and guarded fort for kitty.

Family Time

Last Sunday, Brian stayed back with the kids while I went to Gurnee and spent the day with my parents. I wanted to spend some time with my dad to celebrate his 65th birthday. He and my mom and I went out for lunch and had a nice talk. Then, dad headed home to watch the bitter end of the Packers' season while my mom and I shopped and got pedicures. I thoroughly enjoyed the one-on-one time with my parents.

Then on Monday, M.L.King day, Amie, Kylie, and Dylan came out to Sterling. It was a lot of fun, especially playing in the snow.

This picture was taken on another occassion at Amie's house. Dylan got this drum set for Christmas and he and Leah were having a jam session.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

New Year's Eve Bash

About a year ago, some friends and I came up with a crazy idea to try and have a big New Year's Dance. Throughout the year we researched and reserved our venue, Arnie's Happy Spot Ballroom, and our DJ, Andy Cruse. We planned our evening, advertised, and decorated. The whole process was really fun, until the last month when I started to stress out about getting people to actually come. In the end, we had 45 people. It was hard for me to relax and enjoy it because I was in charge and worrying if others were having fun. It was fun to dress up, play the games, dance, and hang out with good friends. I don't think I'll undertake anything like this again, but we all have to live and learn. I'm excited about 2012 and wish everyone a Happy New Year!