States and Puzzles

 Hayden has a new love for puzzles. It is one of the few activities that she will actually sit down and play for any extended period of time....

 So when Logan had to memorize all of the states and capitals (remember 5th grade???) we decided to get a puzzle for the entire family to enjoy! (Well except for Brenna - we had to wait until she went to bed so she wouldn't try to eat all the pieces) :)



Woo-Hoo!! We did it! Hayden had a great time, and Logan passed her test with flying colors!



Waiting Here For You

Last week, I was able to see Chris Tomlin in concert with Todd and one of my dearest friends, Elisabeth. It was such a wonderful night of worship! Chris Tomlin is one of the most talented and spiritually gifted people I have ever seen. He was absolutely amazing. He toured with another beautiful singer, Christy Nockels. Together, they were nothing short  of incredible!!

Here is one of my new favorite songs - written by Chris Tomlin, performed by Christy Nockels. I love it so much I have to share!!! :)

The world is their canvas

Mom's bright idea - let's let the kids paint in the garage and driveway. Hmmm....let's see how that turned out.....

Overall, I'd say a great, colorful afternoon! :)

There's nothing like Farrel's Ice Cream Parlor!!

You remember it right? The drums, the singing, the running around....the ICE CREAM!!!! Going to Farrel's Ice cream parlor when I was young was like a rite of passage. Most of the people in my generation who were living in California as a child know all about this historic birthday experience.

I was very excited to learn that they re-opened locally last year!
Woo-hoo!!

So part of our February birthday month extravaganza, we just had to take the girls there.

And it did not dissappoint :)

Trying for that ever impossible family pic!

Sister time

Logan, my photographer, makes the best edits on her pictures!

This is Hayden when she saw them all coming to sing to her! Priceless!

Here is Logan enjoying her birthday song!





Nama joining in on the fun



oooooooo....awwwwwww



The whole gang --The Maurer five, Aunt Deda, nama, and Aunt Estie -- and of course the princess gift Hayden wouldn't let go!!







Snow Day!!

We finally made it to the snow this year! Both times we had planned a trip, we had to cancel at the last minute. So this time around, we didn't really plan and instead decided to go a bit last minute. It was perfect!

The little girls didn't really like it at first and cried as soon as their boots touched the snow. They are such California girls! But after a while and with the help of their big sister, they finally came around and wound up loving it!!

We took so many great pictures, and even got in a good family pic --- and then guess what? They all got erased :( BOOOOO-HOOOOO. I was not happy at all.

I will spare you the details but let's just say it was sort of my fault. Okay, who am I kidding, it was ALL my fault.


Luckily, Todd and Logan had taken some other pictures along the way, so at least we'll have those memories!!

Logan and Hayden enjoying sister time

Hayden making snow balls

Brenna loved her new mittens!

Mommy and Brenna making snow balls

Hayden had a great time!



Look at me!!



Walking along the street by the lake - it was so beautiful!