Summer Bucket List

via

I don't think I'm biased when I say we live near {one of} the coolest cities in the country. I'm a big fan. This is our family's currently evolving bucket list {in no particular order} of to-do's before we break out the sweaters.


1) National Zoo (did I mention it's free? see, told you).
2) Drive-in group date with our besties.
3) Volcano Island. Season-pass-worthiness is still out on debate.
4) Hike Shenandoah.
5) Go camping.
6) Spend 4th of July Nation's-capital-style.
7) Spend an afternoon kayaking/tubing/paddling down the Potomac with my baby (read: husband).
8) Family bike rides on the W&OD.
9) Rent a bike for a day in the city for $7.
10) Go on a real life treasure hunt.
11) Spend a day on a boat.
12) Set up an impromptu lemonade stand on the W&OD.
13) Weekly BBQ.
14) Go strawberry picking. And raspberries and blackberries here.
15) Survive 4 hour flight with children.
16) Spend a week beach-side in Wildwoods with no plans but building a sandcastle.
17) Run for a good cause.
18) Watch a concert in a park.
19) Sunday afternoon picnics.
20) Group date to The Adventure Park in Maryland. Zip lines and obstacle courses? Take me there.
21) Vegas + Kanab = family reunion baby!
22) 5 year anniversary trip to Hawaii, sans children (thank you, Lorene!), with some of our best friends. That's a wholeeee 'nother bucket list in itself, my friends.

norah's preschool "class"

{emma, 3; norah, 3; jonathan, 4; aidan, 4}

here are the cute little kids who have been coming to our house twice a week for preschool since september. i wish i would have taken more pictures or at least one in september so i can compare them. they have each grown so much in these short six months! they have learned a lot but most importantly they have formed some really cute little friendships. i love these kiddos! {ivan is also included in our preschool time, but didn't want to be in the picture}

Parkin' It

we have had a super mild winter here in northern virginia. no snow (yet) and temperatures reaching the mid 60's in january! it's kinda crazy, but i'm not complaining. it makes for some nice trips to the park and lots of outside time for us which is a rrrreally good thing since this momma needs the sun.

Winter Sensory Bin

i put together this simple winter sensory bin for the kids a few months ago and am just getting around to blog about it. contents: cotton balls, plastic snowflake confetti, tiny presents, bows, plastic ornament balls, scoops and bowls. norah spent lots of time sorting, counting, dumping, pretending. ivan preferred playing "in and out" and discovering the texture of the cotton balls.

Resolutions

the first day of a new year feels like the first day of school. always exciting, high hopes and expectations of myself. here are ten things that i have resolved to accomplish this year..

1. develop a closer relationship with my Savior. read. study. pray.

2. spend at least 30 minutes of disconnected (no phones, computers, tv) time with my husband each night.

3. play. play outside with my kids every day. for at least 15 minutes.

4. put that gym membership to good use. exercise. at least 3 times a week.

5. gain weight. 10 pounds. eat like a 300 pound man.

6. minimize and simplify my house. purge. focus on one room per week.

7. read a good book every month. from start to finish. starting with a few on my wish list.

8. be a finisher. finish what i start; from a sewing project to a preschool art project. finish it.

9. find creative ways to increase our income. sell our junk.

10. live. live in the moment. then document it.