Making friends and finding fun in February

It is no secret that I really struggle with the winter months around here.  February is usually my least favorite month, but this year it was better (March turned out to be the stinky month).

Puppet show with new friends.  It was pretty chaotic, but fun.

Popsicle stick creations.  Beck wanted to take my picture.  I am about 29 weeks along here.  

Ramsey then needed to take my picture with Beck.

Beck at the bookstore.  We were hanging out in the kids' area, but Beck was not in my line of vision (but the exit was).  Ramsey periodically went around the corner to check on him, and would tell me he was fine.  Then a lady came up to me and said, "you have to take a picture of him" and was smiling ear to ear.  I have to say it was nice that someone thought it was cute rather than the normal condemnation  that happens in NOVA when I am not hovering over my kids.   

Happy Valentines Day!  We tried a new burger place and it was delicious.

No stomach ache afterward to boot!

We went to another new friend's house to decorate cookies for Valentines Day.  

Lots of icing!

Here are my two bakers creating our own cookies.

I really had to convince the kids that the white apron is for boys.  The lace was the dead giveaway.

Beck was serious about rolling the dough.

Beck wanted to take a picture.

Then Ramsey.

Icing and sprinkles.  

Barbecue at Famous Daves.

I was on the phone with my Mom, and she was having a bad day.  Ramsey overheard and was concerned, so she wrote Mimi a note and insisted we put in the mailbox immediately.

"I love you Mimi.  I hope you feel better.  I hope I can go to Florida.  I hope you have a great day.  Love Ramsey."

I went on a solo-trip to Florida.  First time being away from the kids.  It was hard!  But fun.  Above is the only picture I managed to take (I went to the Cummer with my Mom in Jacksonville and there was a great Russian exhibit).  I was originally going on a "girls cruise" but realized way too late in the game that the cruise company's policy was...no pregnant ladies past 24-weeks.  So, I went ahead and flew down to Florida anyway since I already had a non-refundable plane ticket.  I rested, and rested some more, and it was really nice.  Not a cruise, but still. 

Beck's welcome home sign.  We all really missed each other.

Ramsey's welcome home sign.

Beck is drawing more and more and I cannot get enough.  Self-portrait featuring Ramsey on the left. 

There were a few warm days at the end of February.  Rooney and I went on a walk, just the two of us, while Ramsey was at preschool on a Wednesday morning.  It was delightful.