growing up.

Another week down and I can't believe we are headed towards the end of January! Didn't I just put away Christmas decorations? As much as I dislike dreary, cold wet winters it's been nice to get back into routines of school and activities while spending time outside as much as possible. Even on wet days it's fun to run around and splash in puddles.

Simon is just growing up so fast. He's such a little boy, talking SO much and trying to keep up with his older siblings. Before school pick up I like to get there early (hello close parking spot!) and let him get out of his car seat to eat a snack in the front seat with me. These little moments of "us" time throughout the day are some of my favorite.

 Anytime it's not raining after school we throw the backpacks in the house and stay in the front yard to play in the cul-de-sac. I'm sure the neighbors just love the yelling, 4957639 balls thrown about and the 16 bikes that get pulled into the street. Ha!

 A cold January night calls for hot vegetable soup and homemade garlic rolls. Yum!

 We are (slowly) entering into potty training Simon. He has days where he is interested and other times where he is determined to stay in diapers until college. Because "mama change me" is so much easier than stopping to pee on the potty. He promised me if I got him sports undies he'd try so I found these adorable pairs on a great clearance sale. He's gone once so we are off to a good start!

 And then Simon got sick! Poor guy woke up one morning last week doubled over with stomach pain. It went on and off like this for 5 hours. He wouldn't eat or drink and just wanted to cuddle. I stayed home from work, watched movies and finally after 1 weird round of vomiting all over the kitchen floor (thankfully just water) he perked right up and was back to his normal self again. So strange! But, so thankful he's better considering all the other kids who are awfully sick lately.

 Winter months means lots of baking for me too. And this homemade granola is some of our favorite. I've been contemplating selling it for the past few months since I get so many requests.  Hmmmm....

 Since Simon felt better the next day and the rain stopped we ventured outside to a local park for a nature walk. He wanted to see the ducks and splash in puddles so that's exactly what we did!

 We ended the week with a night of Bingo at school, 2 basketball games, a birthday party and playoff football games. The kids are doing so well with basketball and its really fun to watch them with their teammates.

Happy Monday everyone!