A Princess Party

  I don't think I've ever been so happy to see January in the rearview mirror. It's definitely my least favorite month and does a number on my spirits. I try to stay positive but sometimes it's so hard when it's cloudy, grey and cold all the time. We're getting so anxious for Spring!

 I caught this gem at church the other day. These girls sure love their daddy!

  Tuesdays are busy days for us. We go to Refit in the morning then Lydia goes to Preschool. After that we have a snack at Grandma Rigby's before Lydia goes to dance. It's so nice to have Grandma close by so we don't have to use a tank of gas driving around. And a bonus, we get to see Grandma!

  It's been such a crazy month of work for Loren. I was trying to come up with breakfast ideas that he can take with him on the go and thus, these sandwiches were born. Ham, cheese and egg on an English muffin. Pop them in the microwave for a minute or two and they're ready to eat. They turned out pretty good and I was relieved that Loren would have something to eat.
  Loren took his first depositions by himself in Salt Lake last week. His was very nervous but they ended up going well and he survived! My dad was able to get him a hotel since he'd be down there for three days. It was so stressful and mentally and physically exhausting but he did very well. There have been a lot of late nights and working on Saturdays to keep up with his workload this month. The girls soak in every chance to play with him that they can.

  It was so fun to see Brayden swim at his Senior swim meet! I can't believe this is his last year of high school. He's done amazing at swimming and is headed to State this weekend in the 50 and 100 freestyle plus a couple relays. Check out those abs! He's sure one good looking guy and we're so proud of him and all he's accomplished this season.

  Loren was home in the afternoon one Saturday so we took advantage of it and went sledding! The girls had a blast while daddy pushed and pulled them up and down the hill.

  Allie slid a couple times down the hill then decided she'd rather play on the playground.

  The girls love to build forts or "houses" downstairs. Here they are in their houses reading stories. Sometimes I get a little frustrated having to clean it all up every night but if it keeps them happy and occupied during this cold winter, I can't complain.

  The girls were good at the store so we got corn dogs on the way home. Lydia pleaded to sit in the front with me. We actually rolled the windows down because it was so warm! It was wonderful.

  On another unusually warm afternoon, we took a walk on the Logan River trail. We had fun throwing rocks in the river and making tracks in the snow.

  Yesterday was such a fun day. I feel like I haven't had a lot of one-on-one time with Lydia lately and we haven't gone out and done something fun for a long time. So on a whim, I bought tickets for she and I to attend a Princess Party held at Castle Manor in Hyde Park. The Family Place, a non profit organization that helps families was putting it on so I figured even though it was expensive, it was for a good cause. Lydia was so excited the morning of the party! She chose to wear her Cinderella dress and wanted a bun so she could be exactly like Cinderella. Of course Allie had to dress up too. She had fun with dad at home.

  We were one of the first people there so we got to meet the princesses before the lines got too long.

  Lydia was given an autograph paper that all the Princesses signed. She loved meeting her look-alike, Cinderella! And also Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother.

  Each princess had a station of a couple of activities you could do. Lydia made a Frozen wand and Olaf bag at Elsa and Anna's station.

  She made a flower headband and glitter slime at Moana's.

  There was an under the sea search and find and she also made a seashell necklace with Ariel.

  We made tee-pees and a rainstick with Pocahontas.

 
A pom-pom bear and archery practice was at Merida's station.

  She loved getting yellow glitter put in her hair at Rupunzel's hair studio.

  She painted a beautiful fan with Mulan.

  Made a friendship bracelet with Rupunzel.

  One of her favorite parts was coloring on Rupunzel's wall.

    She was escorted down the stairs by a handsome prince.

  Then it was tea with Belle! Yummy treats!

  The last activity was a grand ball. All of the princesses and prince's gathered in the ballroom and began to dance. Then they invited all the little princesses to join them. Lydia was one of the braver ones and went on the dance floor first with Cogsworth.

  Her favorite was dancing with Belle.

   I was so impressed with the quality of the event. The princesses and prince's were so kind to the girls and went out of their way to make sure they felt like royalty. Lydia couldn't stop talking about all the fun she had. We'll definitely be coming back next year!
  The fun kept going when after the party we went up to Hardware Ranch with the Swans. Grandma Swan bought us all tickets which was so kind of her. It had been years since I'd been up there. The girls loved riding in the sleigh and watching all the big elk eat their dinner.

  Allie's favorite part was snacks and chocolate milk at the end.

  Kristen captured this beauty. Although I really wish I had washed the jam off her face, I still think she's pretty cute.

  After not having Loren around much, it was so much fun to spend the whole day on Saturday with him. He's such a wonderful father and best friend. I don't know what I'd do without him, I sure love him! He's heading to Florida for a few days this week and although it's hard to have him gone, I'm so grateful for all he's learning and for Dad Peck who's there to help him. We're very blessed.
  I'm 32 weeks along in my pregnancy! March is coming really fast and also really slow. It's getting hard to sleep and I've been having a lot of swelling in my feet but otherwise I feel pretty good. We're sure excited to meet our little guy. Here's to February!