Dog Sled Derby, Skiing and Valentine's Dance

February was not supposed to be as busy as January was but it proved otherwise. We had a good time this month despite all the sickness and responsibilities. This year was the first time in a long time that we have been home for President's day weekend. The Dog Derby is usually that weekend and it was the first time taking the kids to see it. Lily, who usually doesn't like dogs at all was fascinated and wanted to watch every little bit. Leah was too bus playing in the snow. 

It's funny the dogs are soo loud when they are getting ready to go, it's almost deafening but as soon as the musher says they can go then it's all business and silent.  It was good to go to something that was soo much a part of my childhood, I remember going every year with my grade school class to see the races, then in high school we would say we were going and go for maybe five minutes and then go hang out at someone's house instead. ;)

The girls watched Balto not too long ago and were reminded of dog sled races and wanted to make sure I got a picture of them acting like the musher in the movie trying to get the medicine back to the sick little girl.

Valentine's was good, not too exciting but we did go out to eat at the Mexican Restaurant our favorite and the girls got fun pillows from Andrew and I got beautiful flowers and chocolates from him too. He spoils his girls for sure. The next day I was trying to round up decorations for our Stake Valentine's dance we were in charge of and came across my old skis from when I was a little girl. I decided to bring them home and let Leah give them a try. She caught on really quick and enjoyed the entire hour she was out using them.

This wasn't the first time we have been a part of the Stake Valentine's dance but it is the first time that we have been in charge of the decorations. I had the idea clear back in the summer to do a caribbean romantic beach theme. I picked out the colors and went with it. We used a lot of seashells and fun beach things from Lisa, Andrew's sister as well as a lot of greenery and things from my mom's to make it feel tropical. I think we did a pretty good job. I only wish that we had really been in the Caribbean instead of winter in Ashton. :)

There wasn't as good of a turnout as we had hoped, mainly due to the fact that our girls basketball team won state in Boise that day and a lot of our members were there supporting them but we did have the older crowd that stuck around. Also our friends the Binghams were there for the fun as well as Andrew's parents, grandma and brother Jeremy. We all had a really good time. I always tell myself every year that I'm not going to dance but I just can't resist a good beat. Andrew is such a good sport to let me dance around him while he bobs his head back and forth. At least he's out on the dance floor right???

I know Grandma Hawkes had a great time, she was very impressed by the decorations and sure enjoyed dancing with her "favorite" grandson (1 of like 25). :)