Saturday, April 23, 2016

From snow to swimming weather...

Typical Chicago spring around here.  One day we're wearing shorts, next day it's back to winter coats.  Oh well, we're enjoying it!  Bamma's been up to her usual awesome projects...
 I've been muttering about April snow...
 And we had Xavier for a fun Friday!
 The 3 man bob on the way to pick up Noah was a workout for me!
 Sam did an excellent job feeding his cousin.
 Noah used his birthday money to buy a new, big bike!
 Isaac tried out a golf set while we watch the Masters.
 Another fun one from Bamma, pipe cleaner animals!
 Our two soccer studs got to work last week with practices, etc.
 This is Isaac's first go at anything organized, he is LOVING it!
 Sam had a family Friday at school during which Isaac and I were able to visit.  Isaac jumped right in and sat with the class like he belonged there (Sam in red, Isaac next to him in black)!
 Sam has been so happy to have the nice weather.  Making progress on his beloved dirt pile.
 We had nice weather for the annual fish release at Turner Pond!
 Come on fish, let's get you into the pond!

 It was a big hit with all the kids!

 Before leaving Mike on duty with the boys on Saturday night, I sent him this picture as a threat.  He was less than amused I think.
 Homemade pizzas with Philie, Kelly, and Ginger, so fun!
 We introduced Ginger to how we cook in the midwest.  Melt one whole stick of butter...  She was horrified.  But that didn't stop us from eating a delicious skillet cookie!
 Preparing for a shirts/skins game on the court, the weather has had some ups for sure!
 I'm not sure who enjoys Uncle Josh's visits the most, wait, actually I do...
 More outside time for the goof!
 I received this picture at work from our nanny, I love his shorts/boots look.  Hilarious!
 And today, Saturday, Sam had his first soccer game.  It was a complete bloodbath with his team winning something like 15-0.  He was nervous but did a great job!  Way to go Sam!

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Spring break 2016 and the last of the kid birthday fun!

We enjoyed our low key Easter with some hula hooping at home.
And some couch snuggling as well!
 That Monday after Easter kicked off our Spring break and ended the Worsts spring break.  So we took advantage of our one overlapping day of vacation to get together and prep some Minecraft materials for Noah's upcoming friend party.
 Color by number was a hit!
 Calvin did a bang up job of coloring his creeper and making an Enderman face!
 Yay for outside time!
 Calvin's cardboard sword would serve as a good model to show folks when the party came!
 We made some special Rice Krispie creepers too!
 Isaac is a very serious fellow after a nap.
 Stripe club!
 Nonstripe club!
 We did some major shopping the next day, with a stop at Toys R Us courtesy of a gift card from Uncle Danny!
 California Pizza Kitchen for lunch, yum.
 Don't know where he gets his goofy streak from?
 We threw caution to the wind and decided to give underwear a go!  So far it's been pretty successful!
 Popcorn and movie day!
 Noah helped prep for his party by drawing on creeper faces on Sprite bottles.
 New rainboots from Uncle Josh and Kjersten, woohoo!
 Friday we headed to Burr Ridge for the dentist and some swimming.  Look who's matchy matching?!
 Saturday was the big party day, so Friday night was a big prep night.  Mike tackled the cake while I worked on decorations/games.  Here's my pin the tail on the pig!
 Saturday morning he was up bright and early at 6am to check it all out!
 Creeper plate face, thanks, Pinterest!
 The masterpiece this year, and an exact replica of the cake that appears in the game!
 Spider and Nether portal decorations.
 Creeper drinks!
 The party was great, it was a nice combo of school friends and family friends!
My two big guys!  The cake was delicious as usual!  Happy 8th birthday Noah! 
 I'll take some cake too!
 Group shot, Leo was not feeling it!
 Hooray for party day!  Noah is lucky to have some great friends.
 After the party, things took a turn for the worse as the neighbors hung around for the usual post party antics.  The  kids and adults all had some fun.
 Isaac convinced Mr. Daren to make him into a mummy.
 Sam got an assist from Dad to get his wall-crawler toy down.
 More mummy time!
 Who doesn't need a speaker fanny pack?!  Score from the Weingarts!
 Sam showed the neighbors his booty moves!
 Here dad!
Post party panoramic shows the mess we left ourselves.  Not too bad!  Great time had by all.  Now, on to April and spring!