Trent wins regional spelling bee!

Trent competed in the regional spelling bee on Sunday. The top two finishers from each of the local bees competed from the region, which included Des Moines, Ames, and Boone. It was held by the Knights of Columbus, but was open to students from all the area schools, both public and private. The bee went 105 rounds, and advanced from the 4th grade word list to the 5th grade word list, and ended with the 6th grade list when they were down to two competitors. Trent finished first! Trent's classmate Kara, who beat him at our local bee, finished 4th. Trent studied for the bee, but didn't end up getting any of the words we practiced. The state bee will be March 22 in Ames. Kudos to Trent!

Claire is 5!

Claire celebrated her birthday first with a party with her preschool friends. We invited all the girls in her class. Unfortunately, it was during a snowstorm and only half of them could come. Still a very fun time! It was at the Raccoon River Nature Lodge in West Des Moines. The theme was "Amazing Animals" and the girls got to pet some guinea pigs and bunnies.

The day before Claire's birthday, we met Uncle Paul in Marshalltown to eat pizza. Paul got Claire a cool dressup set with sunglasses and a wig.

Then on Claire's actual birthday (February 19th), Grandma got an ice cream cake from Culvers. Yum!

Not Quite Spring

Our beautiful weather these past few days has melted all the snow. This morning, the kids thought it was raining, and raced to get out the umbrellas. They didn't last long, as the rain turned to sleet, then snow. Guess it's still winter!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Last night, Tim and Lauren went to the Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. They went with our friends next door, Lance and Leah. Lauren said her favorite part of the evening was the dancing.

Trent in Spelling Bee

Today Trent competed in the spelling bee hosted by the Knights of Columbus at church. He earned 2nd place among 4th graders and gets to compete at the regional bee on February 22nd. Way to go, Trent!

Jill Turns 40!

To celebrate my birthday, I had a fun girls' night with some friends. My friend Jeanne talked me into doing the splits to show what a 40 yr old can still do! Lauren joined me.