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I can hardly believe it’s February already!  January flew by and February is sure to do the same.  After a couple of cool, rainy days, we were back to our sunny and warm weather and took advantage of playing outside while our families in the Midwest were getting a snow storm.  Dylan got a sports set for Christmas and he loves running after and kicking the soccer ball.  We are looking into a soccer league for him this spring for sure!  I love watching him try new things and so far he loves ice skating and soccer.  And yes, he is wearing his Croc’s; he LOVES them!  Alexis also enjoyed being able to run around and stole the ball when Dylan wasn’t looking.  She doesn’t walk, she runs, so the grass is the perfect spot for her.

Dylan had the cutest heart breaker tee last year for Valentine’s Day; so when I saw this year’s version, I picked up one for each of them.  Generally speaking I find it hard to dress my kids in holiday geared clothing.  I never seem to get it right and always wait way too long to bring it out.  It doesn’t help that we were still wearing summer clothes in December this year so anything from Halloween or Christmas, was worn maybe once or twice.  However, I love Valentine’s Day and Fourth of July because I can pick up a thing or two and they get more use out of it.  Hearts are a staple in many girls’ wardrobes and red white and blue are acceptable year round as well!  Here are a few of my wish list items for Valentine’s Day and beyond for Alexis.

1. This heart stack print is a favorite of mine and would be perfect anytime with skinny jeans or leggings.  JCrew
2. It’s in the boys’ section but perfect for both boys and girls, heart breakers all around.  Peek
3. This navy heart sweater is sure to be loved.  I love it with the heart shorts or if it’s colder where you are, paired with some skinny jeans.  JCrew
4. I love this sweatshirt.  It’s great now with jeans and cute moccs and later with shorts and sandals on a cool spring or summer night.  Peek
5. Peek is killing it with girls’ sweatshirts.  I love everything about this one and the ripped neckline makes me want it for myself!  Peek
6. How cute are these shorts?  So cute with number 3 and later on with a tee or tank.  JCrew
7. These shoes would be the perfect finishing touch with some skinny jeans and numbers 2, 5 or 9.  I heart them! (pun intended)  GapKids
8. Now that Alexis is walking, I have my eye on dresses, skirts and tutu’s.  This one is oh so cute!  Gymboree
9. SWAK – sealed with a kiss – like every valentine should be!  Peek

Nick grew up playing hockey.  From the time we knew Dylan was a boy he started looking at toddler skates.  It was only a matter of time before he got him skating.  This year for Christmas, Nick got Dylan hockey skates and Saturday was his first time on the ice.  I really didn’t know if he would even want to get onto the ice when we got there, but he was all about it and looked so grown up in his skates walking to the rink.  He has a very serious look on his face, but I assure you, he enjoyed himself and is asking to go back.  They have even signed up for a series of parent assisted skating lessons starting next month.    He was so proud of himself when he was done (we were very proud of him too).  I can’t wait to watch him improve and get more confidence.  His best buddy also got skates for Christmas, we are already planning some skating play dates for the boys!

When we were shooting Alexis’ six month photos, you can see them here, Marnee asked how I felt about doing her nine month photos at a local splash pad, of course I was all in.  I knew it would be super cute and so much fun.  I also really wanted some pictures of Dylan and Alexis together and thought it was the perfect opportunity bring him along.

I wasn’t sure how it would go, the last time we had pictures taken, Dylan wanted nothing to do with it.  Much to my surprise, he was all about getting his picture taken and loved Marnee and still talks about her more than a month later.  As much as Dyl was really into it and having fun, Alexis was not.  The poor girl cried and just wanted to be held.  While Dyl and Marnee had a photo session, I tried to calm Alexis down.  Finally at the end, she started having fun.  Thank you Marnee for another set of beautiful photos of our children and for your patience.

All photos were taken by Marnee at Marriott Photography.

This is the only photo we have of them together, and it’s honestly one of my favorites.  The rocks in Dylan’s hands also make me laugh, if there is a rock to be had, he will pick it up.  Nick and I were recently laughing because we noticed that in every single maternity photo from last year, Dylan had a rock in his hand.