Brinnly after school

 Brinn's new deal is to rush upstairs after Kindergarten and change from her uniform into "dance clothes".  She then proceeds to practice her moves, usually with a tambourine, for a good amount of time before lunch.  I recently downloaded a playlist from the "Run Like a Mother" blog, so her songs of choices are ones chosen for mamas training for upcoming races.  No matter.  She can groove to anything, that girl.  She claims this puts her in a better mood for lunch. I'm not telling her that her Aunt Kara says she looks like she's "Sweatin' to the Oldies".

More Walking!

And what happens while Jonathan attempts to watch the Superbowl.  To be fair, the girls usually do play good attention during Steeler and Badger games, but we really were without a team to cheer for in this one.

Delaney Walks!

Now if only her mommy could learn to take video from a proper angle....

My big girl

Never to be described as a "cuddly", we must admit that this one has been pretty darn affectionate lately.  Especially to her mama.  What a gift.

Five to start out February!

1.  February is historically my least favorite month (no offense to those who celebrate birthdays then ,KARA) but this past January was unexpectedly hectic so we're glad to put it behind us and move on to brighter seasons.   As my dear friend Ruth and I say/text/FB to each other every first day of the month "Rabbit, Rabbit!"

 2)  Our January weekends were lucky enough to include a visit from this little studmuffin and his family. We love catching up the Wilsons!

3.  This week also wraps up National Lutheran Schools Week.  As posted on Facebook by one of our girls' teachers:   Lutheran Schools are driven by a commitment to the Gospel. That's 229,571 students hearing the message of salvation in Christ Jesus. ~ courtesy of the LCMS.  

My girls celebrated with a zillion different dress-up days (I barely managed to keep them straight!), a field trip to the Science Center, a Ezra Jack Keats day, and Bring a Friend Day today.  Tonight we are off to an ice cream social.  


4)  DELANEY IS WALKING.  VIDEO TO COME SOON!


5) It's been a while since the Wards have posted a BIG, LIFE-CHANGING announcement.  Don't worry, we've got one in the works.  Another reason January was so busy.  (Hint--get your address books ready for a *slight* modification)

Quote of the Day

"Who invented the first sloppy joes?  Adam and Eve?"--Brinnly

Just another January day in Pittsburgh

Every winter we have spent here has included a warm January spread.  Mali really didn't even need her winter coat here.  We used this warm Saturday for a lunch date at Eat and Park and then...off to the Blue Slide! 

On the last day of Christmas...

We had a CRAZY end of 2012 and introduction to 2013.  I meant to blog more about it, but honestly, we just ran out of energy.  Let's just say that an unexpected kitchen remodel while we were gone went haywire and we had lots to do upon our return to Pittsburgh.  In between tears, we did what we do best when times are tough in the Burgh.

 "Hello, Kellie?  Can we all come over?  For a sleepover?  ASAP?  Oh, can you pick up some pizza while you are at it?"  They came through, as they always do, for a New Year's Eve to remember. Once again, our friends and our church family saved the day.  We love them so.

Back to the topic at hand...a week later it was time for the six of us to celebrate the last day of Christmas. Of course, it was a Saturday, so the kids insisted on starting with some early morning TV time.  Then it was on to our new fave breakfast--coconut french toast bake! We exchanged gifts between us and the girls' school Christmas shop purchases were all winners.  It was really a sweet time.  The fact that the COIT Cleaners were cleaning our air ducts at the time just added to the magic.

Remembering December (The Winter Fun Part)

Christmas vacation also calls for making the most out of winter.  This year we introduced the girls to downhill tubing (a winner!), continued the tradition of ice-skating, and tasted Mali's first batch of cake pops.  Lots of sweet memories!  Don't worry, there was still plenty of time to get dolled up and also catch up on the chill-axing.

We couldn't believe how quickly Mali took to tubing--she was old enough and capable enough to go by herself.  Which she did!

Remembering December (The Shunkwiler Part)

Cousin David's Annual Christmas Party

The Gregg Shunkwiler Family

The Shunkwilers--Generation 1

The Shunkwilers--Generation 2

The Shunkwilers--Generation 3

The Shunkwiler In-Laws

Remembering December (The Christmas Part)

It was really a special Christmas.  But aren't they all?  It was filled with candleight worship, beautiful carols, stuffed shells, pretty hairstyles, sippy cups, football team fashion, baby dolls, doll houses, and fashion boots.  We possibly started a new tradition of an after-presents outside walk.  Brinnly quickly demanded "Let's turn this walk into a run!" and I was more than happy to oblige.  After a ham dinner/lunch, we resumed the needed rest and relaxation.