Maggie and Luke both needed to make Valentine mailboxes for their upcoming class parties. Maggie decided she wanted a unicorn kitty box.

She picked out some fun duck tape and we got some stickers and ribbons from the dollar store and we were ready to go.

It’s got everything – jewels, curly ribbon, rainbow letters, hearts, hand drawn eyelashes, and a glittery polka-dot horn. I’m not sure it would be possible to have a more “Maggie” Valentine’s Day box.

Luke decided on a ninja theme.

We found a template for the face online, but the headband was all Luke’s idea.

It turned out great. I’m not sure that anything will ever top Luke’s Snoopy’s doghouse from two years ago though.

I love how Luke added his name on the box.

Adam didn’t have to make a mailbox. His class is going to decorate bags in school. Here are two of his from years past though:

Hippo Valentine Mailbox
Lego Head Valentine Mailbox

Last Thursday night, the fifth grade students had their DARE graduation. Prior to graduation, the students all wrote essays reflecting on what they learned. The officer that led the program read each essay and picked the top three from each class. Adam’s essay took first place for his class. The big stuffed lion was his prize. After the graduation, I took him to a Harry Potter event. The kids played games, had snacks, and did crafts – all with a Harry Potter theme. Adam wore a new sweatshirt I made for him, but there were others in much more elaborate costumes.

Maggie was the student of the day on Tuesday. She got to stand up in front of the class and share three things about herself.

I have no idea where the dolphins came from, but I guess you learn something new every day.

On Friday, while the older kids were in school, Annie and I went to a Pirates and Princess Party at the mall.

Each child got a tiara or a pirate hat and they had all sorts of fun things set up for the kids – balloon animals, face painting, and crafts. Annie wasn’t interested in any of that (except for the tiara).

So we walked around a bit and stumbled upon this fun play area.

Annie loved it and would have stayed there all day if I’d let her.

She finally remembered that I’d promised her a cookie, so that made it easier for us to leave.

She was pretty excited about that cookie.

This is how Annie likes to watch Luke’s basketball games.