High Five for Friday (1.15.16)

1. Last year Tom missed our anniversary while attending a conference. We had plans to celebrate when he returned to home, but because I felt it important to recognize the actual day (and I had a craving for something sweet), I bought a cake at Kroger, invited Will and Hallie to a birthday party for our family, and accidentally began a tradition.

Tom and I celebrated our 12th anniversary last Sunday, so on Saturday night the four of us held our second annual family birthday party complete with cake and candles and singing.

2. Have you heard the news?! "Friends" fans rejoice!

3. My 3rd and 1st grade children are teaching me to play chess. We began our lessons - and games, once they decided I understood enough to actually move the pieces around the board by myself - this week, and the experience has been accompanied by a host of unexpected emotions. I didn't know I could feel so overwhelmingly proud of them and so personally humbled at the same time…

Tux kept trying to distract Will by taking his chess pieces...this
mischief is the only reason I lasted as long as I did against Will.

4. I was feeling a little down on football after my Hawkeyes lost the Rose Bowl on January 1st, but the Packers' wild card win last Sunday brought me back to the field. Tom, the kids, and I are looking forward to cheering the Pack on to victory tomorrow night…from the warmth of the hot tub.

5. Happiness Highlights

I love the first few minutes after Will and Hallie come home from
school, even if their arrival means my kitchen counters - spotlessly
clean moments before -  suddenly become cluttered with homework,
books, pretzel crumbs, strawberry stems, and hot chocolate drips.

He enjoys keeping me company, slowing my productivity, and
changing the settings on my computer while the kids are at school. 

Sometimes my hubby leaves little "love notes" tucked
under my car door handle while I'm working out at the gym. 

While their little sisters danced, Will and Kaylee, along with
Kaylee's hip hop teacher, had a baby freeze contest. Kaylee won. :)

Our short session of winter swimming lessons (in an actual
pool and NOT the hot tub, as Hallie requested) started this week.
They make progress when they're the only two kids in the class! 

I think we know which of these two cuties - my niece and nephew,
who live in Illinois where the temps are in the mid-30s - would love
visiting their aunt, uncle, and cousins in sunny, warm(er) Texas!

Happy Friday, friends!

Linking up with High Five for Friday!