Charley

In January Rachel had her turn to be the kindergarten class' Star Student. The honor includes being able to tap each classmate at dismissal times, leading the lines, bringing in a favorite book to read, and putting up family pictures on the class bulletin board. But the most exciting benefit was that Charley the Monkey got to spend a weekend with our family. Rachel was so excited when she rolled in Charley's suitcase and got to play dress up with all of his fun outfits.

Charley had a journal to record our weekend activities. Here is a picture of our Friday night activity of making and decorating cookies. We even attempted a few monkey-shaped cookies.

That Saturday was one of the first sunny days we had in weeks, so we went for a walk to play at the park and then walked by the creek, with Charley in the stroller. Rachel brought him along for a grocery store run and she was very excited to buckle him into Ben's carseat. Charley got to try waffles with white sauce (well, pink sauce) on Sunday morning and then he even got to go to church with us since Rachel's teachers agreed to let a stuffed monkey join their Primary class. We had a great time with Charley and our happy Star Student.

Independence

I was in the shower and Rachel came and asked me if she could make herself a sandwich. I said that I supposed that she could and this is what I found when I came out to the kitchen:

Ben decided he wanted to make his own also and copied Rachel's design, including hamburger buns and string cheese. So funny!

12 Years!

Bryan and I celebrated 12 year of marriage on January 17th. We celebrated with a kid-free trip to San Jose. We toured the Winchester Mystery house (um...creepy!), then went across the street to Santana Row. We checked out the shops and ate yummy food and just had a good time together.

What a fun ride it has been with my sweet hubby and our ever-entertaining Rachel and Ben. I know it's been said many times, by many couples, but I have to agree that it just gets better and better, and I love him so much more every year we have together. Thank you, my Bunches, for your hard work and the love you give to our family!