February 2014

Ah, Love.  Aidan kept asking if he could scratch my back daily.  Of course I consented, but I asked, “Why do you want to scratch my back?”  He answered, “Because it is the month of love.”  He is so sweet and loving.  He made each person a valentine and just couldn’t wait to give them to us.  He also made individual origami hearts for each person in his class.  They don’t have a party in class, but they could give valentines to people if they wanted.  Aidan has also been preparing for his music recital and AIM --AIM is some program where they are tested on theory and playing.  He already has his test and did really well.  The next step is the recital and then he plays for judges in a few weeks. 

Weston’s big news is written on his face—He has glasses!  One Sunday he mentioned that he couldn’t see the hymn numbers.  So I took him in and yep, he has the lucky genes that we all have.  He got two pair of glasses –one black and one black and red.  He looks handsome in both (and he knows it).   He has been working really hard on Webelos and is getting closer to finishing it.  He only has three months and then he attends 11 year old scouts and will start on the big campouts! 

The kids didn’t have school for a week, so we took a few days to just hang out and play around and then we went up to Idaho for a few days.  Omi had been in Chicago with Ali for a while, so on her way home she stayed with us a few days.  We had a lovely time shopping together (Costco, fabric stores) and organizing my laundry room (So happy with the end product).  We then drove her to Idaho.  It was one of the most pleasant rides up.  We checked out “Half Magic” by Edward Eager and listened to it on my phone (cool how you can do things like that!).  It lasted almost exactly the right amount of time and the kids loved hearing it.  We all just sat spellbound as we drove.  Lovely.  And our stay in with the Barkers was lovely as well.  I read an Agatha Christie, the kids played, Elise took over the hop on ball (now I know a great gift to get her), Weston helped deliver papers, the kids fell in love with Fifi (great dog!), Elise and Rowan played together well, I helped mom a bit on the peach room, Aidan and Bren played, and we generally just had a good time hanging out.  We went into town and hung out in the Manwaring Center (ah, what great memories!) and even took a trip to the DI.  We went out to eat at the MC with the family and Weston got a hamburger and it tasted just like it did back in the day (yes, I stole a bite).

As I left, I stopped at Schofield's--pounded on the doors until Kathie opened them for me.  Then we hugged and cried.  It is hard to see that beautiful building with locked doors.  I have so many memories associated with it.  I loved the poem Heidi wrote about it, and I am happy that I got the chance to work at that wonderous place! 

We returned just in time for me to go do sealings with Scott and his family.  We have been trying to do this monthly and it is very enjoyable.  We have also been enjoying the unseasonably warm weather.  Our tulips are poking up, we have planted our first veggies, and it is even warm enough that our spinach from last year is still producing eatable leaves!  We are eager for spring.  Love to you all!