February started out with our young women's Gal-entine activity. The girls learned more about ministering, did a fun craft, wrote kind notes to each other, and enjoyed chocolate dipped snacks. I am proud of Eve's leadership and her continuing to serve with everything she has on her plate.
We also learned to decorate cakes this month and painted Book of Mormons to share with friends.
This year I celebrated Valentine's Day by wearing my special earrings and necklace from Annie and getting little valentines for Matt and the kids. Matt was out of town, but he got me a new laptop since mine is getting old and slow. The kids shared valentines with their friends and Eve now has a special Valentine. (not in the next 3 pictures -those are her dance friends. haha :)
The highlight of the month was President's day weekend. The kids had Thursday, Friday and Monday off . We were happy that Bart and Wendy, Matt's parents, could come to visit. We were able to do lots of fun activities!
We went to San Francisco with our neighbors, the Ashby's to do some crabbing and enjoy the beach. It was an absolutely perfect weather day!
We are grateful to have such awesome neighbors!!!
Then we picked up some lunch at the store and headed over the Golden Gate Bridge to the beach. It was such a beautiful evening! We took short hikes, the kids played together and as a added surprise Eve and Angel both got the fantastic news that they were accepted to BYU!!! Eve is so excited that she will get to be roommates with her cousins Camille and Sabey who also got in! I feel so grateful that all of Eve's hard work and diligence has paid off, besides all the learning of course!
The following day we relaxed more at home and in the late morning drove about 45 minutes to Knight's Ferry for a short hike and some pretty scenery.
Sunday was church and in the evening we were able to go to the Mollard's almond orchard and enjoy the amazing blooms and sunset. The orchards were so fragrant!
On Monday we made a quick trip to Pinnacles (It isn't a short drive, but we decided to go for it anyway since the drive and the park are beautiful.) We had to be back by 3:15 for Sterling to get to work.
We enjoyed our time with Matt's parents. We enjoyed talking, playing games, eating yummy food and sharing the beauty of California. We hope they come again! :)
The rest of the month was filled with routine - school, lessons, church, pets, physical therapy and doctor/dental appointments, cleaning/decluttering and friends.
Here the physical therapist was teaching me to tape Sheri's knee.
These are some peas from our garden.
Cat snuggles
Sterling as the Pride Lion at Hoops-coming
Tuesday, 2-22-2022 was a remarkable date. Here's how Eve celebrated.
We call Matt almost every day. Here is a picture from one of our video chats.
One final highlight for the month was Eve's band concert. It was inside and it was great to hear the progress the kids have made throughout the year. They have had to be flexible, practicing inside, outside, with masks on etc. They had some really cool and complex pieces. I am grateful that Eve's senior year has been mostly normal and she has been able to enjoy the highlights of the year.
As February illustrates, life is full. We are blessed and despite our challenges the Lord is sustaining us. As we remember to be grateful, we feel joy and recognize the great blessings in our lives.
