February Round-Up!

Happy last day of February! In many ways it feels like this month has flown by, but also New Year's Eve feels like it was six months ago. February is always a busy time for us between birthdays, basketball, weather events, and the beginning of track & field, and this year was no exception. Here are some of the things that filled our days this month. 

The weather in February is always unpredictable. It was gorgeous on the twins' birthday, then turned off very cold and wet for the rest of that week. We had several small snow events, as well as one major winter storm during the week of Brianna's birthday. It felt like we had snow on the ground during much of the month, but today it's back to 75 degrees!

One of the small snow events

Brooke had a few days of being under the weather with fever and congestion. She didn't want to get "behind" on her schoolwork, but she was on the struggle-bus, for sure! 

With the weather keeping us in several days this month, we were able to do a lot of school lessons. Hands-on lessons are our favorite!

I made us some new hoodies for track & field . . . Brecklyn was thrilled with how hers turned out!

Track & Field practice was actually canceled THREE times this month. Coach very rarely cancels practice, so that was kind of crazy. There were several practices where snow was on the ground, so of course the kids (the BIG kids!) had to build a snowman 😁.

The winter weather during the week of Brianna's birthday brought about seven inches of snow, as well as four days of frigid temperatures. The snow was very dry and perfect for making snow ice cream. 

One day during the weather event mentioned above, the high temp for the day was only 14 degrees so I didn't let the kids go out and play. The next day, however, the high temp was 21 degrees, so Brecklyn and Brooke went out for a bit. I stayed inside where it was warm!

Brooke

Our yard always has interesting ice patterns from our sprinkler system. 

The cheetahs, Emmitt and Lucy, got married this month, so Brooke and Brecklyn took their photo in the snow 💖.

For the Cheetah wedding, the twins decorated the upstairs and had a little ceremony, 

with all the other animals as guests. Because of course!

Husband and wife (or something, lol)!

Tia's niece has a brand called Beyond Our Best that sells athletic clothing items. Bri has a pair of athletic pants from the brand that she loves. Tia ordered more pants (different than the pair Bri loves) and gave both Bri and Bren a pair. They are super comfortable, but I'm not sure they're really made for their body types. I sent this pic to Tia to tell her thank you for the pants, but I wanted to keep it because the look on Bren's face makes me laugh!

Back in January, Bri and Bren's former PE teacher from their elementary school days contacted me. She is retired now and serving on the board for our local library. Every February, the library does a special Books You Love series where they invite a handful of people to come and present about their favorite book. Brianna participated in this seven years ago, and Mrs. S asked if she would like to participate again. Bri agreed, and we spent a good bit of time this month preparing for her presentation. There was even a write-up about it in the local newspaper.

The presentation was Monday, February 24th, and Brianna presented along with five adults. Bri didn't act nervous at all, and knocked her presentation out of the park!

She talked about the book, The Boys in the Boat.

I know I'm biased, but I thought she was better prepared and presented smoother than several of the adults. There were probably about 50 people there, including Grampy and G-Jo. Afterwards, several of the audience members complimented her on what a great job she did. Mr. S told her that her presentation was his favorite :-).

This was posted on FB by the Friends of the Will Rogers Library:

As I've already mentioned, track & field practice started in January for the JH/HS athletes, and at the beginning of this month for the elementary athletes. This is our fifth Track & Field season - and while it's always a busy time of year - all my kids truly love it. Brianna loves to run, but I think she enjoys the social aspect of it just as much!

Bri at practice with Adele, Harper, Abby, Jaxen, Easton, and Jacob

One afternoon this month, Abby invited all the JH/HS girls from the team over to her house for a painting party. These ladies truly enjoy each other and had a blast together!

Bri, Harper, Immaline, Adele, Ruby, Eliza, Hope, Kyrie, and Abby

Adele, Eliza, Harper, and Bri

Another day, Brianna and Brenson went to hang out with Jaxen and Oliver at Jaxen's house. They had a great time! Keeping up with these kids' social schedule is getting increasingly difficult . . . and people say homeschoolers aren't socialized, lol!

Finally, Brooke is following in her big sister's footsteps and really learning her way around the kitchen. She helped Daddy cook bacon for a meal and was so pleased with how it turned out. My little chefs are very helpful to me, and I am thankful for them!

Today feels like spring is here, but I know we probably aren't quite there yet. Oklahoma weather loves to be tricky like that! Either way, we are looking forward to what March has in store for us!