Oh, oh, it's magic!

I took Evie to the Magic House on Friday after preschool. She was very excited to go. She always has to visit the babies in the nursery.

Doing a little grocery shopping.

Ben had the day off, so when he was done with lunch, he came and met us at the new China exhibit. Evie was very excited about it because she had just celebrated Chinese New Year at school.

She knew Kiersten would be jealous of all this panda love, so that made her enjoy it all the more.

She was too short to use the presidential podium very well.

But she did make a pretty great judge. It was a fun fun afternoon.

It has been really cold the last few weeks.  It's hard to believe that it was in the high 60's just a few weeks ago. The girls are getting pretty sick of getting all bundled up every morning.

This morning Kara got up early for her big math equations competition. Her team was the "Mad Mathers". She was really excited to go. She had to miss the first half of school to be able to go, but her teacher said she didn't really have anything to make up.

She was very proud of her shirt she made, and disappointed her team didn't win best costume. After the competition I picked her up and took her to school for the 2nd half of the day, and then she stayed after with Kiersten for their magic class.

Today was the last day for magic, so at 4:30 the parents were invited to attend a magic show performed by the kids. They were so cute doing their tricks. Kiersten's card trick was really good, and I honestly am not quite sure how she did it.

Kara's card trick was pretty good as well. And her outfit from the math competition fit in nicely with the magic show. The teacher even thanked her for dressing up.

Evie did kinda steal the show as a serial volunteer. I think she was the assistant for at least 6 or 7 tricks. With her funny comments, and joyful laugh, she was a very entertaining helper.

They also did a couple of funny skits.

After they each performed 2 tricks, they were awarded with their magic wands.

Since Kiersten was taking her second magic class, she got a special green one. She felt very proud, and has already asked several times tonight if she can take the summer class to improve her skills.

All in all, a pretty magical week.

Sledding

It snowed last weekend, and I was glad to have Ben home on Monday so he could take the girls out to sled down the back hill. They had a great time and stayed out there for a long time.

Really not a whole lot to point out. They climb the hill, they slide down the hill. Then they repeat.

Evie was excited to wear her new red apple hat. She's been requesting it for weeks, and I finally made it happen.

They all love doing snow angels.

Be Mine 2015

Kara earned her AR medallion a while ago, but she's usually gone to her math class when the AR parents come in. She was finally there this week, and was able to receive her medallion. She was glad to get it.

For Valentine's day I decided to send Kara and Kiersten a fun heart lunch.

This is a yoohoo box covered in construction paper. Kiersten was way more happy about it than Kara.

I also put in a Valentine from Ben and me with some treats.

Kara was embarrassed that we signed "Mommy and Daddy". All the more reason to do the same thing next year.

Before school, Evie randomly tied her shoe. I  called Ben to ask if he had taught her, but he hadn't.

It wasn't perfect, but I was impressed that she had figured it out. I did have to tighten and double knot it for her, but she was very proud of herself. I guess it's a sign that I should be working with her on this.

I felt a little badly that I hadn't made a special lunch for Evie, so at the last minute I made her a heart sandwich and heart strawberries. About half way through eating, I had her yoohoo ready. I made a donut and wrote, "Donut forget I love you". I wanted to show Ben, but she threw it away. Good thing I got this picture.

I saw this printable on pinterest, and used it on actual Valentine's Day Saturday. Ben was confused why I was so anxious to get lunch on the table. I was just dorkily excited for them to have the sodas.

I made these brownies, and cut them into heart shapes. Then I made some whipped cream with grenadine to make it pink. I mixed in some fresh raspberries, which got mixed reviews from the girls. I thought they were good, but I accidentally used way too much powdered sugar, so they were on the sweet side.

After lunch we gave them their valentines. They were pretty happy. Kara got some lego friends, Evie got a palace pet stuffed animal, and Kiersten got a Barbie movie.

I also made them these amigurumi hearts. They turned out pretty cute. Kara named hers LeBron James.

Evie named hers Lovie.

I forget what Kiersten named hers. But she was excited for her crocheted kitty I made a few weeks ago to have a new buddy.

I almost regret the faces, but the girls seem to like them.

Our heart pizza was from Pizzarelli's this year. It was so good. My mouth is watering just looking at this picture and remembering the cheesy goodness.

The next morning Kara made chocolate chip pancakes for everyone. They actually turned out really yummy.