January

January was full of family time and winter adventures. We rang in New Year’s Day with the cousins, making homemade pizzas and enjoying a cozy start to 2026. The kids ended up missing seven days of school because of snow and ice — it felt like a second winter break! With the coldest temperatures recorded since the 1940s, we filled our days with sledding, board games, and lots of time indoors together. We also made great use of the unexpected downtime by moving Lydia into her own room, something she’s been hoping for over the past few months.

We squeezed in a day trip to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, where Lydia bravely touched a ray, and we even spent time playing on the cold beach. We partied with friends at Audrey Ferguson's wedding. I started a new semester of teaching at UAF, and had lots of Young Women's meetings and activities. Matt had a special month too - he was the Mystery Reader in Luke’s class on the very same day Luke served as Teacher’s Helper (a reward for his good behavior!).  To top it off, he took the kids to serve at the Bishop's Storehouse and out to breakfast at his favorite - Waffle House.

Dorothy and Vivian!

Lydia touching a ray

Girls chatting while the boys (Luke and Sam) dug a hole

We played lots of board games during the snowstorm 

The Children's' Museum was perfect when it was too icy to play outside!

Luke's drawing of Agent P

Lydia's new room!

Barkley tried to come on errands with us

...and tried blocking us in :)

Playing with Leah and Waylon

Luke and Charlie are buddies :)

Luke read his first whole book!

Playdate with the Carlsons -
Nine kids all together was fun and chaotic!

Luke's doing great in Kindergarten

Service project at the Bishop's Storehouse

Playing with Annie at church