Happy March!

February has come and gone, and WOW what an adventure.

We started out our February (2nd-5th) in St. George where Aaron was a recruiter for the American Band College. It was a wonderful time for us to spend with family while Aaron worked. I loved seeing my children interact with grandparents, and my children LOVED this time as well. Alexis and McKenzie also had the chance to have a sleepover with their cousin M—a night with NO sleep and LOTS of play made for wonderful memories.

We went from St. George directly to Boise so Aaron could fulfill his duties in the ANG band. They had rehearsal most of the morning, followed by a performance the night of February 6th. It was a short trip to Boise, but in the process we picked up lumber for our basement framing project, and drove all night to get Aaron back for school Tuesday morning.

February 16-18th Aaron was back in Boise with his HS Pep band at Girls Basketball State. Games were Thursday, Friday and the championship game on Saturday—Congrats to The Marsh Valley Girls BB Team for winning State and an UNDEFEATED season!—Aaron got home late Saturday night, just in time to start another week.

February 23-25th Aaron was back on the road, only this time with his Jazz Band. They traveled to Moscow to participate in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. This was a great experience for Aaron’s students to see different jazz performers from across the nation, not to mention a great chance to see the beautiful University of Idaho campus. Many had never been, and it is an experience they will never forget.

And that was our February!

When Aaron is gone I do my best to keep down the fort. With lots of prayers and a little bit of luck, I keep the kids on schedule, and then stay up all night, either unable or unwilling to go to sleep on time without Aaron :). I have been able to complete some projects on my “to-do” list including a clock for Aaron’s parents, and re-organizing my house hold file box. Mostly I just try to keep my head above water, keep on top of daily chores, and somewhere in between find time to play with and teach my wonderful angels.

Alexis had her first Piano recital the end of January. She also started taking Tap Dance in January as well. She LOVES both and I am amazed everyday at both the natural talent and how hard she works to accomplish the tasks required with mastering these arts.

McKenzie entered primary in January and LOVES going to the big room. She is a HUGE helper around the house, she is quick to volunteer and slow to complain. She is a wonderful big sister to Elliott and loves to help him, which doesn't always turn out the best. She is mastering the fine motor skills associated with writing her letters, and enjoys dancing in the living room to whatever music is playing.

Elliott is getting to be such a big boy. He is my little singer. He LOVES to sing and makes up his own songs at night when we are getting ready for bed. He is also focusing on his independence and loves to do everything by himself and is quick to say ME!, MINE!, and NO! to anyone who even thinks about trying to help. His vocabulary is also growing leaps and bounds and there is very little that he says that I don’t understand. He likes to explore and loves to climb. Animals and their noises are at the top of his list of favorite activities. He is 100% boy, as long as his sisters aren’t doing their hair :).

March has already proved to be MUCH more relaxing as far as traveling is concerned. We are turning our focus back to our basement. Aaron has enlisted the help from wonderful friends in the neighborhood who have already taught him so many new skills related to construction work. Expect great news as the year progresses.

--Looking forward, no time to look back--