Ever swim in the snow????

Every year my friend Stacey and I go to this hotel up here and go to a weekend crop - all day Friday, all day Saturday and all day Sunday – scrapbooking from 8 in the morning until whenever ……….. we used to stay up until 2 or 3 in the morning and scrapbook – but these days – we call it a night about 10 ………… 11 at the latest.  That’s what happens when you get old!! 

Chet usually has the kids for the weekend and he gets bored so he usually brings them out to the hotel to take them swimming.  It is an indoor pool but it has a wall that you can swim under to go outside.  Dylan thought this was the neatest thing in the world.  It is deeper out there and Dylan isn’t a very strong swimmer yet to swim out there by himself – so his dad went with him – what a good sport!!  They were swimming outside with about 6-10 inches of snow on the ground around them. 

Hoppy Easter ……………..

This year we went out to Living History Farms for the Easter Egg hunt …………… highly recommended!!  The weather was a little chilly but that didn’t matter – it was so much fun!  I’m not sure who had more fun – me or the kids!! 

 They had different races for different age groups, pancake races, bunny races, easter bonnet races, egg rolling, horse drawn rides, egg dying, bunnies all over the place, petting zoo and of course the Easter Bunny was there!  The kids had a blast and they did just about everything!  There were thousands – yes thousands of people there but it was so well organized and spread out – that we didn’t have to wait long for anything. 

Hunter and Dylan out of the gates on their egg hunt!

Syd strolling along finding her eggs.

Sydney with one of the Easter Bunny’s helpers. 

Dylan winning at the egg rolling contest.

Dylan  at the pancake race - he ended up on a little clip of the news on this one. 

Dylan and Syd at the Bunny Hop!  Sydney did really good at this – I wasn’t sure how she would do with this.  Dylan won and Syd  came in last but I was very proud of Dylan – he tried to explain how to be a good sport and how winning isn’t everything – just as long as you try your hardest. 

Dylan and Hunter – best buds!

Syd and Rylie with the Easter Bunny. 

The real Easter Bunny???  This was the neatest bunny I have ever seen.  This picture does not do it justice!!  It was beautiful and the eyes on this thing were so big and bright. 

Coloring Easter Eggs

We went out to our friends house to color eggs.  It works out – Hunter and Dylan are in the same grade and are best friends – Sydney and Rylie will be in the same grade and are best friends and Danyl and I are friends – so we do a lot with them. 

 We had all kinds of easter egg coloring kits – the “best” ones were the Star Wars for the boys and the Princess one for the girls.  It was fun and it really wasn’t to messy this year.  Danyl gave me a good tip ….. she puts walmart bags over their heads (hole cut out) and it covers their shirt. 

Syd ready to dye her eggs – doesn’t she look excited!!! 

Dylan dyed all his eggs green – he thought it looked better with the Star Wars

The finished product!! 

First tooth lost ………..

Dylan lost his first tooth back in January (it’s been a while since I’ve been on here).  He was so excited about it ………………. and I missed it   I was so upset that I missed this first of his – the anticipation of the tooth falling out was so exciting!!  Each day – he would wiggle it to the point that it was just barely hanging on! 

 This night – our neighbor had called me and said that she had our cat over there and that their dogs had gotten a hold of her.  She wanted to bring her over to our house since we had just gotten home – but not knowing what shape she was in I didn’t want the kids to see her – so I went across the street to look at her.  Chet said as soon as I walked out the door and Dylan was watching where I was going out the front window – his tooth popped right out!! 

 I came back across the street with KiKi in a box, her back legs not moving and rushing into the house to get my keys because I had to get over to Colfax (8 miles) within 10 minutes so I could get her into the vet without having to go to the animal ER ……………. Dylan comes running out telling me he lost his tooth and was so full of excitment!!  I instantly raised the box up so he couldn’t see her in there – ran to the table where my purse and my keys were and rushed out the door saying “that’s great honey!”  I was soooo upset on my ride over to the vet – I was upset because I wasn’t sure what I was going to have to deal with wtih the cat once I got there – thinking about Dylan’s feelings if something bad had happened to her and she wasn’t able to come home and then thinking about the look on his face when I rushed out the door after him telling me his exciting news.  I felt HORRIBLE!! 

I get the cat to the vet – she gets checked over and seems to be fine – but she was going to have to spend the night – good news!!  So on my way home – I cried the whole way!!  One of his firsts wasn’t perfect!!  I was trying to figure out how I was going to make it up to him ……………

 I get home and go into the house – and he comes running out to me with the same excitement with his tooth in hand!!  Whew!!  His first wasn’t ruined in his eyes – just in my own mind!! 

Well, the tooth fairy came that night – fairy dust from his window, across the floor and on each step of his bunk bed and on his pillow …………….. and she left him a $2 bill and a spiderman wallet.  He was up early the next morning – in our room and telling us that the tooth fairy had come!! 

Showing off the “hole” in his mouth. 

I can’t believe that the baby teeth are so small – they don’t look that small in their mouth!

Sledding down the “Mountian”

We went sledding this weekend.  The weather was so nice!!  Out at the local park – they have a big hill where everyone goes to go sledding.  It is a big hill – but the kids thought it was a mountian!  After going back up the hill a few times – it seemed like a mountain to me too!! 

I wasn’t sure how Syd was going to do.  She went last year and hated it.  I figured she would go down one time and be done – WRONG!!  She went down the hill – backwards every time – and grabbed her sled and made the long trek back up to the top!!  She loved it!  I was at the top of the hill the one time he went on the wrong path and went over a “ramp” - she had some major hang time!  She cried for about a minute and then wiped her eyes and headed back up! 

Syd and Rylie heading back up the hill for another round!

Dylan of course was up the hill and back down it twice before I even got everything out of the truck and over to the spot!  He could hardly wait!!  He went down one time with his best friend – and they thought they would “brave” the ramp!!! 

Hitting the ramp – Dylan is in the front ……………………………………….

Dylan starting to fall off the front of the sled – head first ……………………..

Dylan off the sled and about to get run over by Hunter and the sled …………………. that was the last picture of that because I put the camera down and ran over to him like a frantic mother ……….. trying to stop him from sliding down the rest of the hill on his face ………………. he stopped – I asked if he was ok ………………. he looked up at me with a strange look on his face.  I wasn’t sure if he was going to cry or put on a “brave” face ……………….. and he screamed as loud as he could……………………… “that was sooo awesome!!  How sweet was that!?!?!?!” …………………… WHAT????????????????????  My son is so tenderhearted and if he gets a paper cut – he thinks he has to go to the hospital – so I figured he would be screaming bloody murder after sliding down on his face and getting run over – but he didn’t.  He wanted to do it again!!  WOW!!

After the kids were tired of sledding – we found a patch of snow that was undisturbed and had a snowball fight and built some snowmen.   The boys used their sleds as “sheilds” from the incoming snowballs. 

Syd trying to get in on the snowball fights – she was so darn cute trying to pack a snowball and throw it!

In between sledding, making snowmen and the snowball fights – Syd would have a “snack”.  She would have sat there all day eating snow.  At first – I kept telling her not to do it – but I guess it never hurt me when I was little so it won’t hurt her either   She does check to make sure it is “clean” though. 

The afternoon was great – great family time and great time with friends! 

Happy Birthday To Me!!!!!

Usually I don’t like to celebrate my birthdays anymore – I just like to think of it as another day ………….. nothing special …………  This year I am excited to celebrate it – maybe because we actually have plans to do things!!  Last night we went out with friends of ours, Chip and Kristy and they took us to this place in West Des Moines.  They go out to eat a lot and Chet and I don’t.   The “fanciest” place we usually go is Applebees!!  WOO WOO!!  Anyway – they wanted to get us out.   We went to a place called Trostel’s Dish – it is a tapas place.  VERY GOOD!!  We walked in and it was crowded so we went up to the bar and ordered a bottle of wine.  We decided to just get the bottle – it would be cheaper – so Chip ordered a $34 bottle of wine – and that was my birthday present from them - good enough for me – very good wine!!  We had to wait about 45 minutes but it didn’t seem like it was that long.  We sat down and we ordered our “first course” – I didn’t have a clue what type of place it was – so we had Chip and Kristy order first.  Our first round was mac-n-cheese – a gourmet blend and VERY good.  I ordred a shrimp enchilada – again very good!  Everything was delicious!!  All in all we ordered spicy  beef egg rolls, pommes frites, cheese and chips (goat cheese), duck something or other and then we got the dessert sampler.  OMG!!!!!!  First time I have ever had Creme Brule’ (not sure if that is spelled right) and that was to die for!!  Chip informed me that he can make it so I invited us over in the near future and he is going to make it!! 

My in laws came to watch the kids for us so we could go out – the kids had fun and I was able to go out and celebrate in “peace” without having to worry about who was watching my kids. 

This next weekend – my other friend and I are going to go on a wine tour – around to the local winerys and the guys are going to stay home and watch the kids.  I will put in some lasagna in the oven and we will have to pick up a bottle of wine at one of them to eat with our dinner. 

Then – my two new friends – Lori and Danyl and I are going to go out for lunch or a drink. 

I haven’t celebrated my birthday for years – and I guess I am getting all the past celebrations into 1 1/2 weeks.  My actual birthday isn’t for another week yet.  Oh well!! 

It is funny – I can remember when I thought 30 was old …………… now 40 isn’t looking to bad!!!  Isn’t it also funny how it seemed like time was so slow when we were in high school waiting to turn 16, then 18 and then 21 – but now it seems like time flies by and no matter what we do – we can’t slow it down!! 

Merry Christmas!!!!

Well, it seemed like Christmas was months away and I had plenty of time yet to get ready for it.  I am an early Christmas shopper and I am usually mostly done by the time December 1st comes around – I pick things up here and there throughout the year for everyone and put them away.  I have no idea what I was doing this past year – but I didn’t have any of that done – so it seemed like I was scrambling to get things done up until the very last minute!!  We went home to my in laws the weekend before Christmas and I swear I was wrapping and packing things up until the very last minute when Chet got home from work.  Of course he was in a hurry to get home because there is always an ongoing “war” between the two of them on who can make it back first.  That night it was so foggy that we couldn’t go very fast – which was a GOOD thing -  and I could see the irritation looming around Chet – so much for a start of a Merry Christmas!!  We finally got home and Chet had to take the “loss” since Clint and Sheila beat us there  – which I have to say he is a SORE loser!  Anyway – we get all unpacked – the hundreds of presents are put under the tree and time to relax.  The following morning – the kids were up and wanting to open presents – we had to wait for a friend of ours to get out there (an adopted son ) and as soon as he walked in the doors – the kids mauled him to go downstairs and open presents.  All that time wrapping and packing – things are done within 2 hours.  Each kid opened up a present one at a time and then the adults – we do that to make it last longer – but still ALL over in 2 hours!  All that preperation and it’s over.  

Food was plentiful – which was both good and bad.  I munched all day long – and I mean ALL day long!!  I guess I try not to worry about the “diet” during the holidays.   Very good food – now my pants don’t fit – good thing they have elastic wasted pants!!   

The following morning – we headed into my parents house and had Chrsitmas with them and from there – we headed towards Cedar Rapids.  WOW – was that a trip.  The roads were horrible and again – Chet couldn’t go 80 on 80 – which again – you could just seen the irritation looming.  On the way to Iowa City – we counted 56 cars in the ditch – some had just gone in.  What normally takes us about 50 minutes to get to CR – took us 2 hours and 10 minutes.  Again – lots of good food – so what did I do – I stuffed myself AGAIN!!  I think I thought I was a bear or something going into hibernation!!  Another great Christmas that is OVER ………………  wow our family Christmas’ are over in what seems to be a blink of an eye. 

We head home and anxiously await Christmas Eve.  We are alone for Christmas – on the actual day.  The kids left cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer and they headed off to bed with no reservations.  Chet and I headed to bed – and at 6 in the morning – like clockwork – Dylan was up nagging to go downstairs.  We got up – I got my coffee (diet coke with lime) and we headed downstairs to see if Santa had been there.  Low and behold – he was!!  Syd’s eyes lit up and she said “I can’t beweave that he was wreally here!”  Dylan claimed his spot and I guess Chet and I weren’t moving fast enough – he was snapping his fingers at us to sit!!!!!!!!!  I let it slide due to his excitement.

Again – within 45 minutes – Santa’s Christmas was over!!  We had a great Christmas – we couldn’t have asked for a better one.   My sister in law got me an AWESOME Nikki Sixx dog tag necklace with the best picture on it and my other sister in law got me a Margaritaville T’shirt from Vegas – that I am still stumped on when she actually went back to get it.  My in laws and my parents gave us money towards our passes to Adventureland, the zoo and the science center (since the kids already have to much) – the kids got a lot of nice toys from aunts and uncles and from Santa.  Very nice Christmas!

Dylan wanted TWO things from Santa – he just could hardly wait to see if he got them.  One was a Star Wars light up lightsaber and Star Wars Legos the COMPLETE Saga - not Episode one or two – but the COMPLETE saga!!  Well – Santa came through and he received both.

 Syd wanted new dolls and a dog.  She was pretty easy to please – THIS year!

Getting his lightsaber – and the Obe Won one too!!  Since he is a GOOD guy!!  Now he can “battle” with his friend Hunter.

Star Wars the COMPLETE saga!  He just couldn’t believe that santa actually came through for him!

Syd opening her last present – a doll – FINALLY!

Trying to “feed” her baby and realizing that the baby giggles and coos!

Instantly picking the baby up to “mother” it.   It took her all morning to put her baby down! 

I think the kids had a pretty good Christmas!!  I think Chet and I had a pretty good Christmas too – I take great joy in watching the kids open up their gifts and seeing the excitement on their faces!! 

Ummmmmm……………….

Ok - it amazes me how cats and dogs can sleep sometimes and how in the world they can even be comfortable!  We had our first snow a while ago and the kids and Koda went outside to play – the kids came in and tore all their stuff off and put it on the floor right by the door – ugh – and ran into the living room to warm up.  I walked out to my kitchen to find a huge mess on the floor of coats, boots, mittens, etc and Koda was in the middle of it all laying like this!!  Actually this picture doesn’t do him justice – I had to run and get my camera to take a picture of him – and the flash didn’t even bother him – he was EXHAUSTED!!  His body was turned in the weirdest way – I just don’t see how he could sleep – I think he just came in and fell down and stayed there!! 

Third, Second, Third

Dylan competed in a tournament.  There were different schools there – so he had a chance to compete against other kids – but it turns out that only he and this little girl name Gracie – were the only two brown belts that were on their last patch – so he had to complete against her.  He always has to compete against her and she normally kicks his bootie!!  He saw that he was going to have to compete against her and he just let out a big sigh.   He gave her a run for her money this time on the sparring though – I was on the edge of my seat most of the time and there were times where I didn’t think I could handle it anymore.  Their match went on for about 8 minutes which is a long time for sparring at their age.  She was on the floor three times – but she ended up winning.  He was upset that he lost to her again – but I put my arm around him and told him that she did NOT have an easy win and I pointed out to him that she was the one that was on the floor – and then he realized that they did spar for a long time and he was ok with that.  He said NEXT time he will get her  

 His best friend Burke also competed in the tournament – he did really good too.  Dylan also saw his teacher there – his school teacher.  She does Tae Kwon Do also – and after he won his first medal – he turned right around and showed off his medal with pride to her.  You could just see the excitement on his face to show off his medal to his teacher. 

At the end of the tournament – he received two third place medals for sparring and forms and one second place medal for breaking boards (his favorite thing to do).

Dylan and Burke waiting for the tournament to start. 

Receiving his first medal ……………………………..

and then turning around to show Mrs. Havens (his school teacher)

Preparing to spar with Gracie – can you see the look in his eyes!!! 

Facing the judges after the match is over.  Can you see the disappointment on his face???  I look at this picture and my heart breaks for him at this moment – but then I look at it again and I see my chubby cheeked little baby boy!!  I just love it when he puts on his head gear – it squishes everything forward and his face turns back into his baby face!!  He has my cheeks that’s for sure!

Look at all those medals!!   

Temporary Black Belt

Dylan went for his temporary black belt!!  He was so excited and a little nervous – but he got through his test with flying colors!!  Master Wells even tried to “get him” by asking his dad’s birthday and he got it right with no problems.  I was so proud of him.  He will test for his black belt in April and then he will graduate to the next class with the “older” kids.  My son will be 6 years old and have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!  I think that was a good decision to send him to Tae Kwon Do.  He has learned a lot of valuable lessons.  He tries to eat his veggies – and a lot of the time he will choose veggies over candy or junk food.  He is very respectful and he has the skills to get away from a stranger if someone comes up to him.  I know that something could still happen – but it gives me a little bit of “peace” knowing that he knows how to get away from someone if he needs to. 

Doing his Chon Ji (sp) – he is in the “zone”

The little girl to the left is a little girl that he has to compete against in tournaments.  She is in the Ankeny class – and she has always beaten him – and he cannot stand it.  He tells me that she is his “arch enemy”.  She is quite good.  Not that I want my son to be beat all the time – but it is nice to know that a girl is beating him and it “brings him back down” when he gets a little to arrogant!! 

Breaking his second board and completing his test – he is now a temporary black belt!