Chicago Wolves Game

Loving every minute of the game!

Hiding out in the bathroom where things were a little quieter. Luke had

this pose a lot throughout the game!

I know this is a blurry pic, but I couldn't resist this picture of Ryan, our 2 year old neighbor,
as you can see, he wasn't a big fan of the fireworks or the game either!

Skates!

Cheering on the Wolves

A few weekends ago we went with our neighbors to our first family sporting event where you are actually supposed to stay in your seat the whole time. Chase had a fantastic time, he was shouting and cheering on the Wolves, he couldn't get enough, Blake was so proud! Luke on the other hand was ready to leave before the game even began. The Allstate Arena and fireworks make for a VERY loud beginning to the game. Luke was entertained by looking around for Skates, food and some books we brought along. Somehow, we made it through the entire 3 periods and a good time was had a by all!

Snowmageddon

Starting the driveway

Big drifts in our backyard, Chase thought it was cool

that his swing was buried

Inside fun

The Browns little baby Brady

Ending the night with a movie

Blizzard 2011 ended up being a great 2 days for us!! I felt like it was Christmas morning with the excitement that the huge amount of snow brought. The boys were so anxious to get outside but we were trying to wait for Blake to come in from snow blowing. He ended up clearing a lot of neighbors driveways & sidewalks so we was out for several hours. When we finally did get out, Luke was finished after about 10 minutes! I couldn't believe how deep the drifts were. Blake and Chase ended up going sledding with our neighbors and we had a great lunch at the Geers and dinner at the Browns! Although the snow was a lot of work to clean up, I'm so glad that we got to experience a huge snowfall like this! Plus 2 days off of school mid-week didn't hurt either!

Sled Dogs at the Arboretum

On Sunday we headed out to the Morton Arboretum to see the program that they had with sled dogs. It was cold so Luke didn't want to stay out for long but Chase had a great time petting the dogs and then actually seeing a race demonstration. Chase couldn't believe that we had been dog sledding before when we were in Alaska, it was great for him to experience something different!

Ear Infections

When Chase was little, he got an occasional ear infection and after a quick round of anti-biotics it was done. Luke on the other hand, is a different story! He got the first infection in November, we got him on the anti-biotic and it was done. Then, in December, after he squirted a little body spray in his ear, there was another trip back to the doctor with a stronger, not as delicious tasting medicine. Unfortunately with this anti-biotic, he ended up throwing up his last dose (and dinner) and since then has been unwilling to take any kind of liquid, chewable or melt-away medicine. Now, the end of January we've got another pretty bad infection and are struggling getting him to take the medicine. We're literally holding him down together and forcing it in...getting him to swallow it and not spit it out is a whole other issue as well. I know for certain he won't get his entire dosage because some of it was wasted attempting to mix it in with some chocolate milk that he never drank. I'm anxious that this infection is going to go untreated and then here we go again, I'm hoping that the stronger, larger dose is enough to beat the infection for good!

Toy Story 3 on Ice

On Saturday we took the boys to see Toy Story 3 on ice. It was a really good show, we will definitely go see another one again if the the boys are interested!

Chase's First Soccer Experience

Playing goalie

Tyler, Payton & Chase

We are currently in the midst of Chase's very first soccer team. Blake and our neighbor Kevin, are the coaches of Chase's team which makes it that much more fun. Prior to the season starting they had a few practices for the boys to get to know each other and learn a few basics about soccer since this is many of the boys first time playing. The coaches went through a learning curve on how to work with 4 year old boys...when they asked the kids to dribble the ball down the field, they literally picked up the ball and started dribbling it like a basketball, hilarious! Chase has a connection to almost all of the boys on the team, they are either neighbors, friends from playgroup or from preschool, it is very nice for us!

We went into the first game very optomistic until we quickly realized that the other teams have either been having practice since the summer or they have older siblings that they've learned from. We've had 3 games so far this season and finally celebrated our very first goal. Needless to say we've gotten smoked every game so far but the boys are having fun and are somewhat oblivious to the loses.

Chase seems to really be enjoying all that he is learning. He's insisted on wearing his jersey day after day, practices skills in our family room and has become more aggressive since the first game. He has played goalie twice and loved it, I was impressed with how well he paid attention to the ball and the game itself. Some of the boys on the team are distracted by all there is to see and do besides the game, it is a sight to be seen! We're hoping by our last game, we might get to celebrate our first win!

New Years Eve 2010

In the Geer's basement, watching movies :)

Waiting for the countdown to begin

If you look at the clock in the background, you'll see the boys

truly rang in the New Year with us

Kevin, Graham, & Blake

For New Year's Eve this year we headed over to our neighbor's house for a night of delicious food, fun games & good company. We had planned that after the boys played for awhile they would fall asleep watching a movie and we would be able to stay up and have adult time. Well, movies were watched but sleep never came! For being so late, the kids did remarkably well and they all slept in the next morning!

The year 2011 brings some big milestones for us. Chase will turn 5 and start kindergarten. I can't believe that he will be going to school all day like a big kid. I think he's ready and will do great. Luke will turn 3 and start preschool. With Luke, I don't feel as confident about his school going experience...I'm anxious about his listening and willingness to behave appropriately. He is a very stubborn and short tempered little guy, I'm not sure how this will fit-in in a school setting. Blake and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary in July. We're hoping to have some kind of get-a-way with just the 2 of us, either over spring break or sometime this summer. We're also hoping to take the boys to Disney this summer. It will be our first Disney adventure and I think it will be a wonderful time to take the kids. I'm hoping this year is as happy as last year, we have so much to be thankful for!