Day of Love

Last Saturday was declared "Family Valentine's Party Day" and it actually lived up to the hype. To start the day, Abby and I got haircuts. My first in a year (yikes!) and Abby's second of her life. We are just a couple of low maintenance gals. :) Anyway, here are Abby's before pictures. I had to do two front ones because her poses were just too funny.

We said "Abby, stand still so I can get a picture of your hair."

"No, Abby, keep your head up."
I know, I know. How could I cut this beautiful hair? It was constantly getting caked with food and anything else she felt like being messy with. This was done for the sake of hygiene. The after.
Pretty cute, huh?
My after and also showing off the bump for those who are interested. And I haven't officially announced on our blog, but we're having another baby! A boy in fact, due July 20th. He's already starting to invade my space. :)

To continue to the party, we decorated our dining room and made some heart shaped pizzas for dinner. We also spoiled our kids with a rare treat of punch and also some angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Here is a fellow party-goer.

The kids pizza, cheese and black olives. They wouldn't have it any other way.

The decorated room. The kids did a great job coloring the sign and it looks so beautiful in there, I don't want to take it down!

Two out of the three Conklin boys.

And what better way to end the special day than a trip to the pool? Even though it was in the teens outside, the kids always have a blast swimming, particularly when the pool has a hoop as our gym has. This was such a fun day for us and hopefully something we make a point to do every year. We love our family! :)

Jonah is 4!

A few fun facts about Jonah now that he's 4.
- He absolutely loves his preschool and is doing very well there.
- He has suddenly gotten picky and will no longer eat anything that even hints at onions
- His favorite color is red
- He says something that makes me laugh out loud every day. Example, when Abby was repeatedly disobeying at lunch yesterday and I was dealing with it, Jonah said "Mommy, you're just having a rough day, aren't you?"
- He wears the Husker basketball uniform in the pictures below probably 5/7 days every week. Even in the winter.
- He loves his little sister and plays sweetly with her (most of the time). He is also very protective of her.
- He does not share Abby's dare devil fearlessness.
- He knew the baby would be a boy and was very excited to find out he was right.
- He is always talking about what he will help with when the baby arrives.
- He has an immensly tender heart and is the first to comfort someone he feels is hurting.
- He is very loved!! Love you buddy and so thankful to be able to see you grow these last four years.
A few photo highlights of Jonah's celebration below.

He chose the pink frosting with sprinkles. Daddy was OK with that. After gently being encouraged that he was OK with that. :)

Jonah's party was at a local rec center and involved a few of his favorite things.... basketball, swimming, presents, and cake.

December

We are so far beyond December, here is a slideshow of it. Just for good measure. Since my neighbors have their Christmas decorations still on the fronts of their houses, I don't feel as behind. :) To give a little info behind the pictures, we went to Elmo Live while Papa and Mimi were in town, made and decorated some Christmas cookies as we do every year, and went to a Christmas event at the police horse barn where the kids got some pretty awesome balloon animals. There is also TWO pictures from Christmas Day of the kids sitting anxiously at the top of the stairs. Enjoy!