the happenings in March

March was not any less busy than any other month for us, but unfortunately, we got hit with the flu. Elliott was just being silly while we were at the doctor for Ethan.

 Ethan was dying. He felt like poo, and for this kid to slow down means he is a very sick boy.

 But he was right back at it for a tournament in Missoula on the weekend.

 I think they were tired. 

 The next week, Ethan had his 3rd grade program at school. It was fun to watch, but he'd rather be playing hockey than singing for hundreds of people.

 And before we left for another hockey weekend, this time in Billings, he got Student of the Month.

 Proud kid with his MVP award. This is given to the player by the opposing coach. It's a big deal.

 And his #1 fan, Carson, got to come watch too. 

 They took 3rd place.

 I love that Ethan is somewhat of an artist. This is his self portrait, note the big smile full of braces.

 The next weekend was hockey in Missoula again. It's fun to see Elliott starting to enjoy watching the games.

 We took advantage of being in Missoula to fund raise for our lacrosse team. The kids sold shirts for the Griz Lacrosse team, and they got to watch the game.

 They got some pre-game throw around time in.

 They had a blast.

 And after the game, they got to meet the players and get their shirts signed.

 Then it was back on the ice.

 Nothing is better than a hotel pool.

 Lacrosse was well underway by this time.

 I still can't believe that we put this together. 

 And the school playground is our new fave spot.

 Mostly because of the giant brick wall with no windows. 

 They can't get enough.

 Believe me, being accurate is not as easy as it looks.

 Task Force Vigilante took off, and several of our friends deployed again. I feel very lucky to have my soldier home this round.

 I've been walking in the mornings with my friend, Andrea. This picture does the moon no justice. It was HUGE that morning and bright as day.

 Ethan finally got his braces off. He said "My teeth are so big!" hahaha

 With Jason being home, he is determined to make the most of it. 

 He is mountain biking every chance he gets. And rubbing it in to the friends who are deployed of course.

 Holidays get more fun as the boys get older. This year was a scavenger egg hunt.

 And bike riding.

Crazy busy, all the time. I love this life.

the rest of February

The boys and I did handmade Valentines this year. Molded crayon hearts, on heart paper. Elliott loved signing all of his.

Of course his box had to be awesome too.

Toilet paper rolls and paint make an amazing heart design, and freezer paper is perfect for stamping on.

It turned out perfectly, and he won "best box" for the 2nd year at school. 

He also helped make treats.  

He was the "sprinkler". 

Chocolate dipped rice crispy pops. 

Valentine's day also brought snow. 

But we are used to that, and it was great. 

 Of course, as long as there is ice, we will be on it.

 Our friends had us over for dinner, and surprised Jason with Portillo's. Totally made his night!

 Yes, we even have hockey in the house (all the time).

 And when there is snow, there are indoor activities like play-doh. 

These two pictures were taken the same day. We had a lacrosse throw around, followed by hockey practice. It was a perfect evening. 

Here is Ethan being interviewed for the newscast about the state tournament.

 There is now a roller skating rink in Helena. I was pretty dang excited, and so were these two.

 By the time we left Elliott was going all by himself.

 Ethan's friend, Grayson, joined us. They had a blast!

 This was just the beginning of lacrosse season. It got much worse.

 I did restring the shooting strings on Elliott's stick all by myself. He wanted green, so green he got. 

 Jason even got in his first hockey game this season.

 He looks pretty legit.

 And he even got a backhanded goal! 

 

Whew. That sums up February.