Chicago Auto Show

We hit the Chicago Auto Show again this year.  All of my boys love cars, so it's super fun to all go together.

 Our first stop was at Porsche 

 The boys loved being able to climb in some of the cars and trucks!

 Caleb liked this truck so much, he stayed standing by it while the rest of us moved on.  We got a little worried when we couldn't find him for a minute. There were A LOT of people there. Thankfully, he stayed right in the same place.

 The new corvette is AWESOME!

 All the super cars are really fun to check out.  I can't believe the price tags on some of them -- e.g. $500,000!

 Wesley wanted to get his picture taken in front of all the mustangs.

 When we moved onto Jeep, however, he didn't follow real well, and we lost child #2 for the evening.  But this time we didn't find him so quick.  I kept the other two entertained riding mini-Jeeps while Aaron got to know the security team and was escorted to Lost and Found where our little Wesley had ended up.

(I love that you can't see Caleb's eyes! Just a big smile!)

 We were really grateful we got him back safe and still had time for his ride on the Jeep.

So although it was really fun, I think we might go without children next time.  Or maybe just the two older ones, so we can each just have one small person to keep track of.  Losing 2 of 3 children is pretty sad!  But I always love time as a family and the chance to go into the city.

Valentines

We had a great Valentine's Day this year.  I started it with our traditional heart-shaped breakfast.

I always have so much fun doing this for all my boys!

 I got to help with Wesley's preschool party

The best part of the day was when my husband came home SUPER early.  He took the boys for a ride and they came back with these!

 Later that evening, Aaron gave me this!!!

 It's a bigger diamond for my original wedding ring!  I was so surprised!  On February 15th, 2003, Aaron got on his knee, in a tree house, and asked me to marry him. So I've been wearing my original diamond for 10 years and Aaron decided it was time for an upgrade. 

I had my original diamond put on this simple band.  The new one is at the jewelers since there was a little mistake when they put it on my band.  I may have to post a picture when I get it back ;)

The day after Valentines, I got to go on a date with my wonderful husband.

I'm so grateful to have 4 boys to spoil me on Valentine's Day.  But I'm especially grateful for my husband.  As cheesy as it sounds, I really do love him more today than I did 10 years ago when he asked me to marry him. For those who don't know the story, here it is:

Valentine's Day 2003:  Aaron and I were both living in Provo, Utah.  While I was at work, I was suddenly surrounded by a quartet of high school boys, serenading me with a love song that I think may have had Aaron's name worked into it or something.  It was cute.

Aaron's father, Don, owns a tuxedo business and had asked us to be "models" for a bridal show on the 15th in Twin Falls, Idaho -- our hometown.  So our Valentine evening was taken over by a 4 hour drive to Idaho.  I was kind of bummed that it was so NOT romantic and I'm pretty sure I complained about it for most of the drive (sorry Aaron!)

On our way into town, we stopped for gas and Aaron ran in to the convenience store and came out with a single rose.  "Nice"  I thought. "Way to save the evening!"  Lots of sarcasm :)

When we got to my parent's house, Aaron helped me carry in my bags.  When we got to my room, there were scented rose pedals, candles and a dozen roses waiting for me.  It was pretty awesome!  The note on the card told me to hurry and get to bed because I'd have an early morning visitor.  So I gave him a big kiss good night and sent him off to his house.

The next morning I was awoken by a knock at my bedroom window!  Aaron drove me out across the Snake River Canyon to a nice open spot where we could watch the sun rise.  Then he blindfolded me and drove around until I was totally confused.  Eventually we ended up in the largest tree house I have ever seen. The tree house was decorated with all kinds of "graffiti" that included our names, lines from favorite songs, etc.  Aaron's littlest sis was there to make us breakfast.  I forget all the details, but a mystery package was delivered via the tree house window and inside was a little box.  Aaron got on his knee and gave the most perfect proposal and I totally said yes!

The funnest part, was that immediately following the proposal, we got to go to the mall and dress up as a bride and groom for the bridal show!  I got my hair done and everything.  It was a perfect day and I'm so glad I said yes!!!  It really was the best decision I have ever made.  I love you Aaron, SOOO much!

January

Gingerbread house -- better late than never :)

 Playing with a friend's new puppy.

 A little fun in the snow -- that finally made it to Chicago!