BETTER TOGETHER: February Update

February the kids and I took quite the relaxed pace, trying to find a rhythm with 4 kids and to enjoy our cutest little bear cub. We took a break from home schooling for a few weeks and Devin was able to take a teeny bit of time off when Brinton was born. Devin was also extra busy interviewing for jobs and such. He traveled to Livermore, California, Boston Massachusetts, and Seattle Washington to complete onsite interviews in February and March. He also worked in a trip to DC for Dept. of Energy meeting on his research.

Brinton 3 days old- we went for his first walk together just mama bear and baby bear. He was nice and snuggled up and it felt so good to get outside for a few minutes.

Cambry's first acrostic poem, and she didn't want any help from me. She didn't quite get the concept to start each line with the accompanying letter of "Daddy" but Devin loved it and Cambry was pretty pleased with herself.

I have such a hard time putting a sleeping baby in bed. They are only this little for 5 seconds, and it's just so priceless to have a sleeping baby on my chest. I am so smitten.

Snuggled in for a long winter's nap.

Cambry is constantly helping out and holding this little guy. She is a great little mama to him- she is one of the most tender hearted, loving people I know. And I love how this blue outfit brings out his eyes.

Just a little Sunday afternoon connect four

Super Bowl Sunday the 7th we had a big party at Grandma Beck's and Grandpa Greg's. Brinton got to meet his cousin Watson that was born a month before him and is 3 times his size.

Perfect Superbowl after party

Devin getting some snuggles in before his trip to Livermore.

Devin's view from the plane over the mountains. Man, that inversion is such a light and life thief.

Devin got to do some temple work in the Oakland temple while he was there.

We felt really bad for Devin that not only did he have to be away from family, but he had to look at such ugly views the whole time he was in California.

Meanwhile we played dress ups and the girls were so excited to put Brinton in the banana.

While Devin was gone, Devin's angelic sister Noelle took all 3 of my girls up to Logan to sleep over there for 2 nights so I could try to catch up on a little sleep and enjoy Brinton exclusively.

Every seat taken! Cambry, Sofie, Myla, Will, Ava, and Vienna is hiding in the back right corner.

Devin had some long and thorough interviews that he worked really hard to be prepared for and seemed to go pretty well. Afterwards he got to see some sites in San Francisco. He visited Ghirdardelli Square naturally to taste some delicious chocolate.

And got to walk around the warf for a bit.

Meanwhile, the girls were having a blast with their cousins and aunt Noelle. Here are the twins- Vienna and Will making cookies.

kids playing games together

Grandma and Grandpa Rappleye came up and together with my kids and the Rowes, they went to a sledding hill where the rope tow takes the kids and the tubes up, and they get to fly down. They had a blast, especially Vienna.

Relaxing with Grandpa and Grandma

Meanwhile, I got to love on this guy and have him all to myself.

Devin came home late Friday the 12th, and the girls got home Saturday the 13th. We were so happy to celebrate Valentines day as a family on the 14th.

For the past 3 years, we've had salmon and red jello jigglers for our staple at our family valentine's meal. hehe. It's a delicious and fun/simple tradition

We all got to have our flowers again. For the past 2 years, Devin gives us a bouquet of beautiful roses: I'm red, Cambry is pink, Vienna is yellow, and Myla is orange. The girls love this tradition and sit around the table comparing the different roses. Devin got me my favorite chocolate from San Fran- dark chocolate and sea salted caramel. yum!

When we picked up on school, our science section was volcanoes, and we decided to make our own. It was so much fun for all of us, and made me remember THIS is why I do this. I'm so grateful I get to be a part of their education and formation of these little people.

Cambry and Vienna each took at least a dozen turns exploding our Volcano.

Brinton at 3 weeks old

Vienna takes selfies with our phones several times a week. I guess it's time to acknowledge her work on our blog

And Myla

We went for our first family bike ride on February 20th. I'm grateful for nice weather, sun glasses, and cushy bike seats ;)

February 21st is a big day!!! When we were getting ready for church I asked Myla if she wanted to hold Brinton. I asked her every couple days and she'd always say no, but this day Myla finally acknowledged Brinton's existence and touched him for the first time!

And here she is later that day! She looks so deep in though like she's trying to decide if she's going to like him or not.

Sunday afternoon slammo was so nice! The dad mostly play, the kids run around the perimeter, the moms watch, chat, and check on dinner. It's so fun having family and good friends close by. Jamey and Michelle live next door, Jordan and Margaret live across the street in the basement of our friends Colby and Jessica Broadbent, and Darren and Maddy Corey next door to the Broadbents. It is such a fun neighborhood!

Brinton loves baths. Well, he actually is pretty content with most things. One of my favorite things about him is when I sing to him, he "sings" with me in a mono tone voice, but he does it almost every time I sing.

Devin flew to DC for a few days and had a couple days of meetings at the Dept. of Energy on his research and other peoples' work in the same area. Afterwards, he went to an aerospace museum and saw lots of exciting airplanes and engines...