Luke had an ENT appointment today to check on the ear tubes that were put in last August.

The left ear looks good, but the tube in his right ear has already fallen out. The doctor gave us an otovent to try at home with him (you can google it if you want – it involves using your nose to blow up a balloon and help your ears to pop – sounds right up a six year old boy’s alley).

He goes back in six weeks for a hearing test. After that we’ll meet up with the doc again to see if the otovent worked or if Luke will need another set of tubes in his ears.

If you look really close, you can sort of see the start of Annie’s new teeth.

The kids spent a couple of hours playing outside today. Annie got to test drive the red car for the first time. I spent a good chunk of time pushing her around in it while the other kids rode bikes and scooters and played soccer. There are a lot of miles on that car, we got it for Adam as a first birthday gift.

Luke decided today that he wanted to learn to ride a bike. He picked it up fast. He’s still pretty wobbly, but he’ll be cruising with Adam in no time.

Maggie is all about Luke lately. The two of them have been playing together so well the last couple of weeks.

Luke lost a tooth this morning while eating a waffle. His top front teeth have been wiggly for a while now and they got some extra help Saturday at Adam’s basketball game. Luke tripped walking up the stairs and hit his face on one of the steps – hard. I’m guessing that other tooth will be out in the next day or so too.

There was an awards assembly at the boys’ school this morning. Dave, the girls, and I went to it. Luke got a certificate, his 450 and 500 book key tags, and his 500 book pin. Adam was recognized for passing the 10th level of the school’s math program (there are 12 total).

After the assembly, Dave went back to work and Maggie, Annie, and I went to story time at the library.

The theme was silly birds. The kids listened to five books, sang two songs, and made a bird craft. The children’s department of our library does a really fantastic job.

We borrowed a bunch of books, two movies, and some CDs of princess music for Mags to listen to. Maggie watched one of the movies as soon as we got home.

The boys came home from school and did their homework and reading right away so they could watch a movie tonight too. Adam fell asleep while he was reading. He’s been having a rough time sleeping lately. I’m not sure if it’s a growth spurt or what, but I hope he’s back on schedule soon.

After Dave got home from work, Luke and I ran out for a quick shopping trip to get him some new school sneakers. There was just enough time for dinner and a movie after we got home.

I tell you what, this stay-at-home mom gig involves very little staying at home. Tomorrow Maggie has ballet and the boys have ninja class. Wednesday Luke has an ENT appointment (to get his ear tubes checked) and the boys have church school. Thursday Maggie has gymnastics and her kindergarten registration. Friday Maggie and I are meeting with friends for a play date and Adam has a student council meeting.

Busy, busy, busy – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It was in the mid 70s here on Tuesday. So we were able to get out the new scooters and helmets the kids got for Christmas from my mom. It’s rainy and cold now, but they made the most of it while the weather was good.

And can we just talk about Maggie’s scooter for a second? It’s pink, with sparkly streamers, and a bell. I could not have designed a more perfect scooter for her. I’m also a huge fan of her princess crown helmet.

We went to see “Law & Order: Fairy Tale Unit” on Sunday.

Here are some reviews from the kids:

I liked it because I thought it was very interesting how they used so many different fairy tale characters. I would give it 3.75 stars out of 5. – Adam, 8 years old

I really liked the first part of the show, especially when people clapped their hands. The second half was boring. I took a nap. – Annie, 8 months old

It was great. I liked it when the detective told the story about falling off of the wall. – Luke, 6 years old

I think it was great. My favorite part was when they solved the mystery. – Maggie, 4 years old

Luke had a basketball game at one and Adam had a game at six. In between the two, we grabbed a late lunch and checked out the ice sculptures at a local winter festival.

Of course the penguins were a family favorite.

We didn’t spend as much time there as we thought we would. It was crowded and the kids were all really tired. What we did see was neat though.It’s amazing what those carvers can create out of ice.

I took some solo pictures of the kids yesterday. They’re cute. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to get away with matching shirts for the boys, but I’m going to keep it up as long as I can.

Luke’s Valentine’s mailbox was a big hit at school – and functional too!

Maggie rocked some love day dinos too.

And Annie’s PJs are my new favorites. Don’t be surprised if you see them again for her 8 month bear-in-the-chair picture. Also – 8 months – that’s ridiculous.

Annie’s current favorite thing is to help me organize the shoes.

And by organize, I mean she throws them all on the floor.

Thankfully Adam doesn’t mind (keeping the shoes neat is one of his chores).

Happy Valentine’s Day from these little monsters.

Our other Valentine’s Day project for Sunday was Luke’s mailbox for school. Adam’s class will be decorating bags together.

Luke, with some encouragement from Dave, decided he wanted to make Snoopy’s doghouse. So with a couple of cardboard boxes, two rolls of duct tape, electrical tape, and some bullet hole stickers, we made it happen.

Luke’s favorite part was adding the bullet holes.

Dave and I spent a ridiculous amount of time brainstorming how to make it all work, but once the three of us got started it came together pretty quickly (if you ignore the 45 minutes when Dave had to go to the store to get a second roll of red duct tape).

Luke is so happy with the finished product  – and  rightfully so. I think Dave might want to make one for himself now.

The door to the doghouse folds down to allow for Valentine delivery.

Annie got her gun and tried to add a few more holes.

Curse you Red, Baron!!