February was here and now it's gone.

As we return to a life of blogging after a Kingrey inspired hiatus, here are a few items we did during the month of February.

Donovan went to a conference in San Diego, so I decided to go along with him. Many people say ask, "Why would you need to leave Florida to go on a vacation?" My response is, "Have you seen the bugs in Florida?!" Just kidding...Well, it wasn't really a vacation to enjoy the sites of another city. I wanted to go along to enjoy some peace and quiet (not too much of that in our lil' piece of the Sunshine state thanks to the Fearsome Four Lott Litter). I was able to read one and a half books and sleep in (Did I mention the sleeping?!). I couldn't believe how long I slept. Makes me tired just thinking of it!

We also decided to go to an "exotic and exciting" place while in San Diego. Yep, you guessed it: Luxurious Tijuana, Mexico!! Donovan was able to buy his huaraches (leather sandals with tire tread soles) that he tries to replace every few years when he is in San Diego. We were hoping to get some Mexican jumping beans for the kids, but they were out of season. April through June is the time to go to Tijuana if you are wanting those Latin saltatory lentils.

Dominique had a band ensemble competition while we were out-of-town, and his ensemble received a superior ranking. He has really excelled in band, and we are very proud of him as he literally toots his own horn. Dominique also had to decide which high school he would attend as he had a lot of "recruitment letters" mailed to him asking him to come to certain high school programs due to his academic success. He decided to go to a Criminal Law program at the local high school and is excited to begin this fall. I don't remember having to make these kind of choices when I was 13. When I was 13, all I was worried about decision wise was which boy I was going to be kissing the next day. My how times have changed...or at least they better have changed before our daughters turn 13!

Dreyton has been continuing with his basketball, but the season will come to an end this weekend. He has learned a lot about blocked shots and turnovers (although he has been on the bad end of many of those). Fortunately, he has learned a lot this season and has improved. Donovan is hoping his ability to block others out for rebounds will assist him with tackle football season coming up this late summer! Dreyton doesn't even seem to mind when we tease him about a certain girl (who shall remain unnamed) around Valentine's Day. I guess he will be turning 13 soon...hmmmmmmm...

Jasmine has lost three teeth in the last week and has been preparing for the FCAT. The FCAT is a test in Florida that all of the third graders must pass in order to continue on to fourth grade. She has had more homework than usual and has been working hard to study (translation: her mother has been bugging her more than usual to get her homework and studying done). Today she actually started taking the FCAT. One day down and two to go. Rock the FCAT, Jasmine!

Jyllian had a good time with Grandma Lott who watched our kids while we were in San Diego, but she was very happy to see mom return home. She just LOVES to twirl my hair as she sucks her thumb. I am thinking of cutting a bunch of it off and giving it to her for a birthday gift. She also has taken on the role of Recycle Girl. She will strut her stuff and come running when we call for Recycle Girl. Who is Recycle Girl, you ask. Well, Recycle Girl is a very important figure who saves all mankind (or at least our household) by taking recyclable items from our kitchen to our recycle container out on the driveway. We are thinking of getting her an official uniform and are open for any design ideas you might have, so keep us in mind. She really gets a kick out of being Recycle Girl as her dad breaks into his role as Soap Man (the official liquid soap dispenser filler upper of our home....and he only misses getting the soap in the containers 13.7% of the time....I have been counting).

May you have a March as "fun" and safe as our February!!

Love the Lotts