Love Rox and 2 weekends of birthday fun

Love does rock even in freezing temps!  Two weekends ago I ran the Love Rox 10k with friends and hands down it was the worst weather of any run, yet I still had a good time.  It was freezing with rain, sleet and snow..thank goodness we only ran a 10k!  My eyelashes we starting to stick together which made it hard to see where I was running.  Here are a few photos of a race..

Before the race with friends

Jenn and I around mile 2

A snowy sprint to the finish line

Since it was Isabella's birthday the previous week she was able to bring home her class mascot, Thomas the Bear.  He came with us for Isabella's annual birthday trip to Toys R Us.  Isabella enjoyed checking out every single aisle in the store before deciding what to purchase with her birthday money.  She even picked out a sticker book for Sophia with her own birthday money.  After the birthday crown, balloon and shopping Isabella ended her trip with a ride on the bus.  Thomas the bear joined in on the fun!

Patiently waiting in the long line to check out

Isabella and Thomas ride the bus

Loving her new booster seat with Thomas

To continue the birthday celebration Meredith and Sean came down to Richmond to celebrate Isabella and Wills birthday.  Isabella loved doing a fairy puzzle with Aunt Meredith and Uncle Sean.  She also loved blowing out the candle the same time as Daddy!

Happy birthday Isabella and Will!

Make a wish x2

This past weekend was Will's actual birthday.  We enjoyed a relaxing day at home.  The girls helped make Wills favorite cake which is vanilla cake with chocolate butter cream icing.  I believe their favorite part of making the cake was licking the bowl clean!  

Ready to sing

Sophia gazing at the cake

Happy Birthday to Daddy

Make a wish

Sophia and Isabella waft the smoke away

In our home, February is a month full of celebrations of love and birthdays!

Valentines Day

Love is in the air!  The girls were decked out in pink and red for valentines day.  They each had a party in their class at school and I volunteered to help with Isabella's classroom.  Isabella loved having me in her class and I loved having the opportunity to share in her day.

My sweethearts

Snack time...heart strawberries and decorating cookies

Heart hat craft project from a paper plate

Playing Cupid says (like Simon Says)

Class Photo

Thank you to my forever valentine Will for allowing me the opportunity to stay home with my daughters.   Without you, this would not be possible. Without our family this would not be possible.  I treasure the time I am able to be involved in their classrooms.  I love you all.

Introducing my 5 year old!

5 years ago my prayers were answered when Isabella was born. I am thankful this beautiful, happy, energetic, loving child is my daughter.

Isabella - 3 months old

Isabella- almost 5 years old 

20 questions with Isabella on her 5th birthday!

1.  What is your favorite color?  Green
2.  What is your favorite toy? Unicorn Stompeez from Grammie (they are slippers)

3.  What is your favorite fruit? Apples

4.  What is your favorite thing to watch on TV?  Scooby Doo

5.  What is your favorite lunch? Sandwich circle with PB& J

6.  What is your favorite outfit?  Kitty Shirt, Yoga Pants, Glitter Shoes and a sparkly glitter headband

7.  What is your favorite game? Playing Legos

8.  What is your favorite snack? Goldfish 

9.  What is your favorite animal? Unicorn  

10.  What is your favorite song? "You can trust God" from Vacation Bible School CD

11.  What is your favorite book? Visual Encyclopedia  

12.  Who is your best friend? Abby

13.  What do you like to do at quiet time?  Play with toys and puzzles 

14.  What is your favorite thing to do outside?  Swing

15.  What is your favorite drink?  Water with ice or Chocolate Milk

16.  What is your favorite holiday? Easter

17.  What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Kitty Blanket and blankie

18.  What is your favorite birthday gift?  All of the presents, especially the Tinkerbell ones!

19.  What do you want for birthday dinner?  Chicken noodle soup or Spaghetti

20.  What do you want to be when you grow up?  An artist (painter)

Stats

Weight 39 1/4 lbs. (50%)

Height 44" (75%)

Happy Birthday Bella

Isabella is 5 years old!  My little baby is growing up so fast.  On her birthday Isabella woke up with a beautiful smile of pure joy.  She was excited to take cupcakes to her class at school.  The perfect start to her day was the candle in her breakfast of french toast.

While Isabella was in school, Sophia and I picked out 5 balloons for our big 5 year old.  Bella was thrilled to find them in the car when we picked her up from school. That evening Isabella had a small party at Kangaroo Jacks which is a local bounce house.  The kids had a blast running, bouncing, sliding and laughing.  Isabella said "It was the best birthday party in her entire life!".  

Birthday breakfast

Birthday girl with a crown from school

"Who loves cupcakes?

"I do! "

Excited to open presents

Sophia got a little present too

The girls checking out a big box with a....

...fairy castle to color and play in!!! 

I am this many years old!

Lounging on the inflatable

Isabella was SO HAPPY!!!

Sophia was brave and finally went down the slide during the last 5 minutes!

Make a wish!

Tired yet happy girls after an evening of fun

Ash Wednesday  (also Isabella's birthday) with Sophia

Happy Birthday my sweet Isabella.  I hope your birthday was a wonderful day full of love, laughter and fun!  You are a dream come true!  We love you.

Sisters and Silly Faces

During my trip to Maryland it was important for me to see my grandparents however children are no longer allowed into the nursing home.  Kindly, my sister Gillian watched the girls in my car while I went in to visit Gram and Pap.  Isabella and Sophia had fun eating McDonald's and watching a movie while I spent time with my grandparents.  Since the kids were in the car I could not visit as long as I might have liked.  Isabella and Sophia also wanted to see Gram but since they were not allowed inside we walked around and waved through her window.    My grandparents are amazing and to see my grandfather take care of my grandmother is beautiful.

Later that day we celebrated Christmas with my Mom, Gordon and sister Gillian.  Then we headed out to dinner at Gillian's new place of employment which is Applebees.  Isabella was so surprised when the wait staff came out clapping and singing to her at the table.  Isabella said "I did not know they did that, lets do that again!"  It was a lovely visit to Maryland.

Gram and I

Pap and I

Photo by Gillian of the girls hanging out in the car

Gram and Pap

Aunt Gillian makes silly faces with the girls

More silly faces

Dinner time happiness

Thank you to Gillian, Mom and Gordon for making Isabella's birthday a special one!

Cookie Cake

Last week we were in Maryland to visit with family and Isabella celebrated her birthday with a surprise cookie cake.  Rather than being excited by the huge cookie, Isabella exclaimed "whats wrong with the cake, its too flat, I don't like it!".  Clearly, this almost 5 year old had not tasted the delicious chocolate chip cookie.  After one bite she said "YUM! I love it, this is the best cookie cake ever!"

Make a wish

Happy birthday to you Isabella!

Sophia patiently waiting for her slice of the cookie cake

The girls enjoyed our slumber party in the same bed

Thank you PopPop, Grandmom, Aunt Melissa, Samantha and Chase for a special birthday dinner!

Wacky Wednesday

Do you feel wacky today?  Isabella's pre-k class enjoyed wacky Wednesday last week and she choose to wear lots of stripes, layers, 3 ponytails, a silly headband and an alligator mouth. It was fun!

Since Valentines day is around the corner we have been celebrating it all month.  I made little mailboxes for each of my daughters and every morning they find a heart with a comment with something that we love about them (i.e. hugs, smiles, creativity, etc.).  The hearts are proudly displayed on their bedroom doors.  Isabella was so excited that she wanted to make one for Will and I.  It was the first time she has not only wrote the names Mommy and Daddy but also I love you!  It was the highlight of my day and is proudly displayed on our bedroom door.  Enjoy a few photos of the Schaefer girls in February.

Wacky Wednesday in Isabella's class

My favorite valentine from Isabella

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar ?!?

Everyday is dress up day!

Bath time fun