Leila's Got Mail

I found this sweet, little mailbox in the Target dollar bin section. Not having 100 percent decided what I would do with it, it seemed too cute to pass up. Leila wasn't with me, so it ended up being a perfect surprise for Valentine's Day. I decided to fill it each night, for 14 nights, beginning on February 1st. A little Valentine's Day advent. I cut out 14 hearts from left over scrapbook paper, told Chris to take 7 of the hearts and write something that he loved about our Leila on each heart. I did the same on the other 7 hearts. Then each morning Leila had one heart, either from Dad or me, to read and one Disney princess chocolate to eat. She loved waking up to the daily love notes! We taped them in the hallway right outside her door. They are still there today, with the exception of two. Her two favorite notes are taped on her bedroom wall right above her bed. 

Sunday at the Zoo

 In January, Leila and I went to the zoo in OR with Grammy. Just a couple weeks later we took a spontaneous trip to the PD Zoo with Gramma. It was a cold, wintery Sunday morning in February, but we had a great time! The animals were all showing off in the cold weather. So, we couldn't have asked for a better trip.

The elephant lovers. Both of these gals claim the elephant as their favorite animals.

The tiger cubs were so feisty! They reminded us so much of our new kitten, Rudy, as they ran around at tops speeds!

And, as is tradition with our family, we ended the visit with a spin on the carousel.

Daddy ~ Daughter Dance

 A friend of mine at work has mentioned over the year how much fun her husband and daughter have each February at the Daddy~Daughter Dance. This year, I surprised Chris and Leila with tickets for the event, which was happening the Saturday before Valentine's Day. Chris was right in the middle of building the set for the musical, but he was able to take a few hours off and meet us at the hotel where the dance was being held. I took a few pictures, gave hugs and kisses and then I was kicked out. They were so excited! Leila and I had gone shopping for a special dress and she chose a twirly skirted, multicolored heart dress. She couldn't wait to wear it!! I stuck close to the hotel and killed time at the mall until 6:00pm when it was over. They both came out with huge smiles. I took Leila home and Chris went back to school to work for a bit longer. The whole car ride home, Leila was bubbling about all the songs, dances, dresses, candy, balloons and being with her Daddy. They both have already decided that next year's dance is a MUST. In fact, Leila is already talking about what dress she will wear.

I know they are mine, but they must have been the cutest two people there!!!!! Leila is so lucky, as she had the best date....he is a super dancer. Believe me. I know...I used to be his date before I was replaced by a 5-year-old.

This was their official picture from the dance's photographers. So precious!

Tacoma Children's Museum Return Visit

One of the rainy days this winter, Gramma and Leila headed over to the Tacoma Children's Museum on one of their "Gramma Days". Leila was thrilled to be back as we had just had our maiden visit a few weeks prior. Leila showed Gramma all the fun things to play with. 

Dot and Ziggy

The first week of February we had tickets to see Dot and Ziggy at Seattle Children's Theatre. As usual, we LOVED it! This show was very different than shows in the past. Instead of being in the theatre, the show took place in the lobby. There were giant pads on the floor to sit on and the actors played the lobby, throughout the pads and were so close to us! We had a great time!

Set Construction

 Weekends in February often find Chris at school working on the set. Last month Leila and I showed up for dinner and then she helped paint! She has been looking forward to painting with Daddy and his students since the fall play.

Some of the big kids made this for the set.

 Working with Brooke...one of L's favorite big kids!

Brooke has Leila label the paint pattern with Y for yellow and W for white. Fun and educational!

Net Minder

I love this girl! She still maintains that she will be the goalie for the Red Wings one day and that she will get Daddy and me free tickets to watch her!

Baby Lily

 In January, Leila and I spent a weekend in Portland while Chris was busy working on the set at school.  The Oregon Zoo had just welcomed a brand new baby elephant in late November and we were eager to see her before she grew too big. Even though it was very rainy, we had a great morning at the zoo and got to spend quite a long time watching Lily play with her herd. What a cute little thing!! Can you say little about a 300 plus lb baby?!?

My favorite shot!

I'm always jealous that The OR Zoo has giraffes! I wish Point Defiance did. 

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