Connor and Casey - connorandcasey

We had a great past few weekends full of activities and family events.  Last weekend, we celebrated Grama’s 83^rd birthday with some games, bingo, and nail painting.  Later, we played baseball (after the storm passed) and it was such a riot.  Connor has not been very excited about baseball as it is new to him and he is still learning.  With some experienced direction from Mama (who does this with her kids and can speak 6 year old), he was hitting the balls with ease, learning how to relay the ball in and charge the ball.  Mark even did an amazing dive roll OVER Connor to get to third base.  They thought that was hilarious and I sure hope that does not happen during one of his games.  Casey then had an experience with the bat hitting his head twice - don't even know how he managed that, but he was unharmed (he did it to himself on accident - did I say it happened twice?!) 

We also saw Megan’s First Communion.  The kids love hanging out and had fun dressing Casey up in many of Kaitlyn’s costumes and dresses.  He does make a very pretty princess! 

This weekend we celebrated Mother’s Day with Mama and Papa by going to see the Avengers!  It was so great.  They brought way too many treats for the kids, who wore their Hulk (thanks Carrie) and Iron Man costumes.  Casey then talked about how ‘he did this or he did that’ during the movie.  As if he was actually Hulk.  This morning, they both got back in their costumes and started making ‘details’ as Connor put it.  Connor added some things to the bottom of his feet so he could fly (he scotch taped them on) and some guns to his wrist.  Casey also made some interesting bombs for the Hulk to use.  I love that their imagination and creativity was flowing (while they let me sleep in). 

We then celebrated Mother’s Day with Mark’s family.  I couldn’t ask for better in-laws, we are pretty lucky.  It was a fantastic day, we were able to sit and soak in the sun, the kids played baseball in the cul-de-sac, eat and enjoy each other’s company.  Happy Mother’s Day to my Mom and my Mother-In-Law!!

The Circus  was last weekend and we had a great time with Kathy, Tim, the girls and Marcus, Jen and Emma Jo and MJ.  Marcus and Jen were able to have one of their previous students watch the kids that evening so we could even go out that night!!  Best gift ever :)  The circus was great, the kids loved the carnival, circus, pool and dinner. 

It was so great to catch up with some old friends and have an evening out.  We love walking the campus each time, it changes each year - pretty amazing.

 

This weekend, we went to a Kids Healthy Day at the Y and there was so many fun things for them to see and do.  We walked around downtown Naperville and had lunch.  I love that town. Sunday, the kids hung out with Megan and Kaitlyn again at Monkey Joes.  Pretty good two weekends!

The past two weeks have been difficult with illness in our family.  We have slowly infected each family member with 4-5 day fevers and sinus infections.  I have never sanitized, washed sheets and lysoled so much in my life.  We are on our way to recovery finally.  Unfortunately, Connor missed Easter at Nana and Papa’s as we discovered another fever later in the day.  *Sorry mom and dad for potentially infecting you with this craziness.  He was able to have Easter (before the fever) in the backyard – mom and dad brought a crazy amount of eggs and books.  Even one in Spanish! I guess they though Connor needed more of a challenge now that he has gotten English down.

We also were able visit Ben and Tabitha and meet Baby Ava this weekend.  She is adorable and has dark hair.  We visited a park in their neighborhood which was really nice!! Dad even showed up to play with the kids.  While we were there, Connor was eating lunch and said his tooth hurt.  This is how he discovered that he has his first loose tooth!! He has been waiting and waiting for this moment and could not be more excited that it is wiggly.  Mark is now on a mission to buy some apples from the store to help speed this process up.

On a side note, I miss so many funny things that happen every day, so I will try to remember a few here:

1.    Casey was trying to find Connor the other day and he was yelling out, “Con Man!” “Con Man!” Too funny as I guess we don’t even realize that we call him that.

2.   Connor was saying he didn’t want to go on his play date the night before, when we picked him up from his play date, Mark asked, “Aren’t you glad you went?”  He smirked and said, “Yes, I was out of my mind last night”  - He was upset and when he gets upset he shuts down. 

3.   Mark was making dinner; Connor came down and asked what we were having.  He said okay, then told Mark he’d be upstairs if he needed him.

4.   Mark was tickling Casey in another room and Connor yelled, “I’ll save you, pal!”

Connor had his first sleepover at our house this weekend.  His friend, Ben, came over and they had a blast.  Besides Ben being frightened of Homer and us having to keep them in separate rooms, all was great.  They traded Pokemon, played basketball, played Wii, watched movies among other things. 

 

We then tried our hands at Roller Skating.  We went to a lesson in Aurora and it was hard!  Both kids had some falls, but they learned to march (three times) then roll.  Trying to keep their feet together.  I must say, there was a LOT of falling, but they had a good time. It was exhausting and only one adult man was taken away in an ambulance (broken ankle).  Thank got it wasn't one of my men...

Casey is starting to look older and continues to be a loveable, cuddly boy.  He will stop us to tell us he loves us many times throughout the day.  I hope that never stops J  He does however, continue to have an obsession with making faces or expressions.  I will catch him practicing in the mirror and his new teacher today told me how much she loves having him in class and then told us that he will catch her eye and then wink at her.  Hilarious!  I was surprised that he did not just raise his eyebrows at her repeatedly as that is what he has been working on lately. 

Connor has been playing with his friend Ben lately and still very much into Pokemon.  He has completed reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid (170 pages) and Adventures of Ook and Gluk and Adventures of Super Diaper Baby.  He has now moved on to Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Roderick Rules (all about the same number of pages).  I am so proud of him, he has even started spelling words to me instead of talking “I h.a.d a g.o.o.d. d.a.y.”  He is in kindergarten!  He also told me today that they switched up seats in his class, which they do often, and he is sitting by Hailey.  He says, “This is my worst nightmare”.  I asked why and he said, “because she wants to kiss me.”  His life is pretty rough.

Both kids love going to the library, I remember doing this as a kid, and it makes me happy.

On a side note, my parents celebrated their 35^th wedding anniversary and I am so happy for them and for being able to watch and learn from their marriage.  Congrats!!

Thank you to Mark and my parents for coming this weekend to help put a new water heater in.  What a pain, but I am so happy that we didn't have to pay a billion dollars for labor.  Just pay in food and physical presence :) 

 

We were also able to knock out some valentine's day cards for the kids - thank goodness.  Maybe next year we will be back to buying the store bought kind.  But, they are super cute! Can't wait to have them delivered. 

 

The other day, I dropped the kids off at daycare and could not find my purse.  I ran out of Connor's room kind of frantic, checking the car and running home only to find it.  When I picked Connor up, he said he was kind of sad that morning and then told me it was because I couldn't find my purse.  He then said that I could have his iPod and he has some money that I can use to buy a new phone.  So sweet.  I told him, that I found it (luckily) and that he so didn't need to worry about that. But how kind to offer to help.

 

Casey has been showing off his great dance moves.  At school he received prize box for his moves when dancing to Ghostbusters.  He will tell you he is good and actually, he isn't bad :)  He has some rhythm.  I love when he starts dancing or singing for no reason.  The other day he woke up and was singing "I'm on the edge of glory and I'm hanging on this moment with you" and on and on and on. 

This last month has seemed to initiate many new things for Connor.  All of a sudden, playdates seem to be taking over our weekends and he had his first sleep over! 

 

Casey's obsession as of late has been his hair.  ("Does my hair look okay?")  *Keep in mind, there is nothing fancy about his hair, but he will ask about the front and the back.  He is also into rolling his pants up at the bottom.  It was a two roll up deal, which makes for some amazing flood pants, but I have talked him down to just one roll, which is not AS bad... Even if I try and sneak the rolls out when I tie his shoes, they come back. 

 

They continue to crack me up every day with the things they say:

Casey asked me if the dinner I was making (pork roast), was throw up.  Really??? But, he then had two helpings of it :)

He also heard on TV someone talking about how their mom left their family and he looked at me and said you won't leave us, right?  (Of course not!)

 

The kids started swimming last week and have seemed to pick up right where they left off.  They are amazing! Connor's teacher even pulled me aside to tell me how good he was doing and then couldn't believe that he just had surgery 4 weeks ago.  I am so proud of them.

 

We love the holidays that allow us to be with our family.  We were all truly spoiled this year and should never want for anything ever again.  We spent Christmas Eve at my parents house where we looked at Christmas lights, read the Night Before Christmas and just played.  It was a great time and the boys are now proud owners of a new bike and off roading scooter!  While I was up that way I got to meet Shelly's precious baby, Emma.  She is adorable and I was so lucky to meet her. 

Christmas Day was spent enjoying what Santa brought and visiting with Mark's side of the family.  The chaos continued.  It was great.  The kids would even pose and call me from a different room to come take pictures of them.  Gotta love them.  Connor is now the proud owner of a new tv for his room (he is extactic and will be even more so when we get it set up).  Casey has a green machine, which is really the coolest hot wheel ever.  Can't wait for Springtime.  We also got to see Ben and Tabitha's new place in Crystal Lake, which is very nice.  

New Years Eve we went bowling as a family and it was so fun.  Connor did loose his ball across a few lane at one point and Casey had to will his ball down the runway (or whatever it is called) at one point and both kids managed to get 0's with the bumpers up.  Didn't think that was possible.  However, Connor did great and even broke 100 and gave us a run for our money!  We will definitely do that again.  We celebrated Rob's bday on New Years Day with the family.  We are so lucky to have each other and this New Year we all need to take care of ourselves (and each other) and be conscious of our health.  *I think the treadmill is calling my name.... 

We got up early to go in for Connor’s surgery.  He was not nervous or scared.  He is pretty amazing.  He knew exactly what was going to happen and even asked Dr. Rabin if he could take the plate and screws home.  The doc said yes.  While he waited, they decorated Doggy and gave him an ID bracelet and let him watch Spongebob.  The surgery started at about 8:30 and ended about 10.  We had him in the car to go home at 12.  Amazing.  He was groggy and tired and in pain.  That night Casey rolled over his leg in bed and Connor was in a lot of pain.  It was so hard to bear.  Casey, needless to say, went to his bedroom.  Tuesday was another hard day with the pain factor and he has not really started standing yet.  A bit when he goes to the bathroom, but he is not really standing on the bad leg.  The doctor says it is NOT a no pain, no gain situation.  Go at his own pace. 

We had our first visitors yesterday with Aunt Tabitha and Uncle Ben and Brooklyn.  Connor slept through most of it, but it was a nice way to break up the day.  I have off all week to help get Connor back to normal and boy am I glad that I took all those days.  I would not be okay to go back tomorrow.  Lucky for us, my mom and dad will be staying with the kids next week while Mark and I still have to work. 

I am thankful for doctors and family. 

What a busy week! 

I had the opportunity to go to Orlando (again) on Wed – Friday for work.  It was an award event called Pride (Professional Recognition of Integrity, Dedication and Excellence).  It was a great experience with not one but two gala’s.  Yes, I had to find two dresses to wear!  They treated us like a celebrity the entire time we were there.  As soon as we got off the bus, there were people there clapping for us.  Then in the lobby more clapping and more clapping as we kept walking.  It was such a nice feeling!  The hotel even had alligators in the middle of it!  They also had wonderful speakers (one Olympic athlete that will be competing in the 2012 olympics – Will Brady and the Be Legendary group) and discussions among all of the DeVry schools.  We were at a mixed table and it was great to meet new people.  Besides the two days that we were able to dress up, get awards, have a great dinner and dancing, there was a great last day where all 400 of us made over 100 bicycles only to find out that there were kids who earned these bikes waiting for them outside the doors.  We counted down and watched them run in in excitement.  It was so wonderful and exciting.  Truly lifechanging.

 

On Sunday we visited the Polar Express.  It was so wonderful; it was a train in South Elgin that went to the North Pole and met Santa and Mrs. Claus.  They read the story and there was hot chocolate and cookies.  There was music from the movie playing and we sang Christmas carols with someone playing the guitar.  Finally, Santa gave all the kids a bell.  It was so cute and definitely something I would like to do again.

We have been so excited for our trip and the countdown finally said ‘0 Days’.  Mark and the boys picked me up early from work and we went off to the airport only to realize that the plane was delayed for another 2 hours.  We took our time eating (McDonalds) and the kids watched Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves and part of Transformers 3.  The plan boarded a bit past 9 and took off at 10.  The kids did great on the plane.  When we walked on the plane, the stewardess asked if the boys would like to say hello to the pilots and asked them back into the cockpit.  Good thing I had my camera!!  What a cool way to start vacation.  Casey was so funny during takeoff.  He was so excited that the people sitting next to them were laughing at his exclamations.  Connor wanted to watch the takeoff and then was nervous and would close the window, then open it and close it.  Con then fell asleep, while Casey lasted longer.  Mom and Dad picked us up about 1:30 in the morning and we then travelled to the condo.  Everyone got to bed between 3 and 4.  What a long night!

Wednesday:

The next day, we all packed up and went to Magic Kingdom.  Connor was a bit cranky and emotional as he was not working on a lot of sleep.  We went to Pirates of the Caribbean which was SO cool! The kids each got leather bracelets that have their names on it and skulls.  Connor also got Mickey ears that were a pirate theme.  We also went on the Buzz Lightyear ride and the tea cups.  Both boys love the tea cups and really try to get me sick going as fast as they possibly can.  It is hilarious.  The Mickey’s PhilharMagic show was great.  However, Connor lost his new bracelet and we spent quite some time looking for it.  Other things lost that day (and found) were Mom’s purse and all of Dad’s packages J  We finally made it to a Mickey and Minnie Dream Show and Connor fell asleep (which was a good thing).  It was right in front of the castle and pretty cool.  We headed home after that to rest up.  (and the kids took a quick swim in our pool). 

Thursday:

Universal Studios!! What an amazing day and what a difference a full night’s sleep makes!!  We went straight to the Wizarding World fo Harry Potter.  Hogwarts castle was great (mom and dad went in), we went on the Hippograph ride.  We also waited in line for them to buy their Harry Potter wand (which they have been saving for forever).  They knew about tax and brought their wallets.  We even got to see the wand pick a boy and try out a few wands to see what was to be his wand.  They were so excited to play with their wands, but man o man was it packed.  Literally shoulder to shoulder.  We were also able to try Butterbeer and have cool beer mugs to drink from.  The kids enjoyed so many rides this day:  Spiderman, Shrek 4D and Simpsons – all of which are 4D type shows that you can feel water coming at you, flames, wind, etc.  We also took the kids on Twister, which was a tough decision as Connor is terrified of tornados.  It was quite scary, but they liked when the cow flew by.  We went on the Woody Woodpecker ride and saw McElligott’s Pool in Suesstown.  Casey passed out on our way home at 7:30, so I held him all through dinner (as he woke up each time I tried to move him).  He likes his sleep that is for sure!  We could have stayed here for two days for sure.  We had spells and wands going galore this day.

Friday:

Magic Kingdom again.  We had a plan this time and raced to use Fast Passes.  What a cool invention.  However, you cannot get more than one at a time, so much for our plan.  BUT, it was still very good.  We went on the Mountain Railroad again and the Haunted Mansion, which Casey said he was scared, but liked when he was a ghost at the end.  We Fast Passed Peter Pan’s ride and also did the crazy tea cups and Buzz Lightyear again.  After eating at Casey’s Diner, we saw the Disney Dream show again; except Connor was awake this time and they both loved it.  Then we came home early to play at the condo.  I must say, it has not been super warm here in FL.  We have definitely needed pants (well I have) each day and on some days sweatshirts during the day.  After fooling around in the pool/hot tub area of the clubhouse and the arcade, we came back to relax.  Lucky for us, Dad had brought Harry Potter 7 part 2 and we watched it, the kids with their wands of course. 

 

For dinner, we met up with Mark’s cousin Marty and had a wonderful meal at the Olive Garden.  Again, Casey fell asleep though dinner.  Two nights in a row!  Dad, however, was very impressed that they had Ranch dressing for their salads.  Apparently, this is not an option in Illinois.  So, his ranch packet that he brought with can be saved for home J

 

Saturday:

The day we have all been waiting for!  Hollywood Studios.  We got to the park early at 8am thinking we could get in early and be ready to run to the Jedi Training Academy to sign the kids up.  We heard you had to do this early as they only take 15 kids per show.  One of Mom M’s friends gave us hotel cards for us to stay at the park later. We tried to use this to get in early.  Dad was able to get in, but the rest of us were stopped and told we had to wait until 9am.  This did give him some time to get his scooter and he signed the kids up and got them in on the 11am show!!! We were so excited.  When we all finally got in the park we went on the Star Wars simulated ride.  While Mark and the kids waited for the Training session to start, Mom, Dad and I went to get Toy Story Fast Pass tickets.  They said to come back between 7:30 and 8:30 (at 10:30 in the morning-holy cow!!).  Anyway the show was so amazing.  The kids did a great job going from Younglings to Padawans.  They were able learn moves and then fight Darth Vader (while donning Jedi Robes and light sabers).  Mark got this on video thank goodness.  And continually throughout the day, Casey would ask me, ‘What am I again?’  I would have to remind him he was a Padawan.  He wants to continue his training and become a Jedi.  It was the BEST and so worth it. 

After this, our friend Aaron (from circus) was playing Indiana Jones at the Stunt Show and we were able to receive VIP tickets.  It was great!  He did a fantastic job and Connor was able to take a picture with him after the show (Casey decided to be shy at that time).  During lunch, we watched other Padawans go through training.  Other fun rides we visited was the Tower of Terror (Elevator dropping), Muppet 3D, Backlot Tour (how sets are made, etc), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (playground) and the Toy Story ride (which was awesome).  Connor was funny at the Toy Story ride telling the workers all about his eye and how he fell on a tinkertoy, etc.  He also exclaimed to workers on the way out that this was his last day at Disney.  And he says he is shy…To finish the day, we saw Fantasmic, which is a laser and light and water show.  It was so DISNEY and amazing.  Mickey talked about imagination and the show was spectacular.  All of the characters were there and it was a great way to end the evening, besides our last ride on Star Tours J

Sunday:

The plan was to get up early and go see Gram E in Winter Park.  However, Casey was up at 6am with a fever.  We instead got him some medicine and let him sleep until 10am.  We are not looking forward to going to the airport (most likely with delays) with a sick child.  However, medicine and rest do wonders.  He was great.

 

Other things to note about Disney:

The park is SOO clean!!  When Mom spilled her popcorn, a worker came out from her post and gave her a new box.  When Mark had his beer knocked over at Fantasmic, a worker told him to go get a new one and they would refill it for him.  On the way out, one of the workers from that show remembered us and stopped us to make sure we had a good time. 

 

Thank you Mom and Dad M for a great vacation!

This weekend we drove to Spring Grove to do an early Thanksgiving.  We love holidays that revolve around food.  It was a great weekend.  Saturday, we played games, took a walk, and listened to Connor read us books.  There were so many funny moments, but one was playing I Spy.  Casey said 'I spy something blue'.  Connor guessed something and then Casey said no.  Con said you can't change your mind after I guess it.  Casey said he didn't, then said, 'I spy something orange'.  Funny kid. 

Sunday, we picked played a game of flag football in the morning which everyone loved!  Then we picked up Grama and then headed back to Mom and Dads to celebrate and wait for Ben and Tab to get there.  Food was great and company was great too.  There were Thanksgiving jokes that were hidden in the centerpiece and Connor read everyones out loud.  He is SO into jokes lately.  It was a very nice time. 

 

This next week is Connor's Star of the Week.  He is all prepared to bring a poster, Spongebob CD, Ben Ten toy and the article from the Daily Herald where he and I were in from two weeks ago. 

The kids were so excited for Halloween this year.  Running from house to house, Casey insisted on showing us each piece of candy and announcing what it was.  Connor was more into getting to that next house fast.  Both were Luke Skywalkers, but didn't take their light sabers on their mission to get candy.  

This is the month of birthday parties.  One (or two) every weekend!  Makes for fun and highly anticipated weekends.  Connor's real bday was this last Tuesday and he wore a Birthday crown at school and was able to hand out stickers that were puffy.  We went to gymnastics after school and then home to open a present from us and Casey and cake of course.  It was a great day for him.  

What a great weekend!!  The weather was beautiful and we had two birthdays to celebrate.  My dad and Connor!  Saturday we spent the gorgeous day at Marmion Academy, Abbey Farms.  The boys played on bouncys, watched a lady making a rug (I think) on a loom, went for a hayride, and went through a corn maze.  The corn maze is always fun.  There are 8 different posts that had to be found and they were hard to find, but everyone was so excited when one was actually found.  Then we had to choose the perfect pumpkins.  Luckily we drove, so we didn’t have to walk them back home.  After a nice dinner, we came back to prepare for Connor’s Star Wars party. 

We were like a machine and a flurry of activity.  Mark was on blowing up balloons and stuffing figures in the balloons for the Save Princess Leia game, Dad was on making the Darth Vader masks, I was on stuffing the goody bags, while mom was stringing the glow sticks to the necklaces (one of which was strung to her earring – absolutely no idea how that happened). 

Friends and Family arrived at 11 on Sunday and Connor had what he said later to be ‘the best birthday ever!’  As the kids arrived, they were instructed to write their name on a paper lightsabre, make a starship (paper airplane), and they could color a Yoda picture if they wanted.  When everyone was there Mom then started them with some games:  Gotcha, a Passing game (pass to the other side if you have been to Disney, wear glasses, have a brother, etc), and Pass the Asteroid/Meteorite (Star Wars gummies with different star wars character stickers on them wrapped in tin foil).  We played the Star Wars theme music and the kids sat in a circle and passed two at a time around.  When the music stopped, they put it behind them.  More were passed out until at least everyone had one asteroid.  They then opened them and were able to have a snack and whoever had the Chewbacca stickered gummies received a prize. 

Lunch was served and then more games:  Pin the Lightsabre on the Starship (while wearing a Darth Vader mask with blacked out eyes).  This would have gone much better if we also put black tape over the breathing holes for the mouth.  Many of them (I’m not saying who) may have been looking through those holes.  J  Finally, Save Princess Leia was played.  With lines of 4 each, the first four came forward and had to sit on the blown up balloons with Star Wars characters inside.  They grabbed the character that was inside and went to the back of the line.  The next four were up.  Whoever had Princess Leia in the end received a prize.

Darth Vader also made a visit during the party and only those that were brave enough took pictures with him.  We did Connor’s cake and presents and he is SO lucky.  This year is the year of the lego.  He received 4 sets of legos and they are all four completed.  He gets obsessed and he was up at 7am and downstairs all by himself going through the directions.  When he opened Ben and Tabitha’s gift, he thanked the new baby as well and with Nana and Papa’s, he stated he won’t have to go to the library to rent the Wii game.  I was very proud of his manners.

After everyone left, we cuddled up and watched one of the Star Wars movies that night (thank you Rob, Shannon, Madison and Jordan) after practicing some gymnastics on the new mat.  The night ended with me discovering the lifesize cardboard cutout of Luke in our bathroom.  Needless to say, there was some screaming.  We figure he used the force to get up the stairs to the bathroom.  It was a great weekend!

Connor, 'Booya!!'

Telling Casey to not spoil the end of a movie, 'Don't Spill the Beans!'

Casey, 'I have a bad feeling about this...'

Casey addressing Connor (a lot lately), 'Connor Alan.....'

Connor to Casey after Casey told him that he was playing on his computer in his class, 'I didn't see your Profile'

School has continued to be a great experience for Connor.  He comes home and likes the friends he has made and talks about things that he has done.  In a few weeks, they are actually going on a field trip to Keller Farms which sounds like a great time.  This Friday, they had a Film Night at JB Nelson and the kids were looking forward to this all week!  Spooky Buddies was playing and we were able to bring sleeping bags and set up in the gym.  The kids quickly made friends and found friends to hang out with during this time.  What a great event.

 

We are excited for Connor's 6th birthday party and can't wait to celebrate with family and his friends.  Star Wars has been an obsession for the last few months for us.  I am quickly learning about the movies, however, still have not seen how it ends.  Connor has briefed me though.  Mama and Papa watched the kids last weekend while we went to a wedding for Mark's cousin and took the kids to get their Halloween Costumes.  They will both be Anakin Skywalker with green light sabers.  They also have a Storm Trouper costume which is really cool. 

 

This weekend we had our annual Carol Stream Treasure Hunt (CSTH) and it was our first year of being non-exempt.  That means we could not come in 4th or 10th or we would have to  plan it again.  Lucky us, we came in first.  This year by 2 minutes.  We had a great time, but missed Shannon who could not attend this year.  This is always so fun.  We wear our Bears gear and try to be as ready as we can for each site on the 5 hour hunt across Dupage County. The kids hung out with Nana and Papa and watched a Dolphin Tale which they loved!

 

 

 

This week was Connor’s first day of Kindergarten!! He was so excited and ready to make new friends, ride the bus and eat lunch at school.  One of the kids, Jordan, from his before and after care place is in his class and a child in our neighborhood, Max.  It seems he has taken to Jordan quite a bit as we hear he plays with him on recess and eats with him at lunch.  He has two teachers Mrs. Wiltshire and Mrs. Parks (they job share), both he thinks are really nice!  Mark, Casey and I went with him to school on the first day.  We played on the playground while we waited for school to start.  Then he had to line up in front of the Kindergarten and 1^st grade doors.  It was still bright and sunny and a great morning.  After I saw all of the kids with stuffed animals, I remembered that I had forgotten to have him pack one!  (AHHH… I remembered lunch and though I was good to go).  So, we asked Casey if we could borrow his Zoobie Pet (puppy with a blanket in it).  He said yes and Connor had a stuffed animal to show.  Whew…   I took lots of pictures and videotaped his walk into the school.  When I couldn’t see him, I did get misty eyed.  I can’t believe he is in school (real school)!!  When he got home, he said he wanted to stay at school because ‘it made me feel so good’.  He went to Art class on the first day and read a book called ‘Art Dog’ and colored some pictures.  He said recess was inside as it started pouring the moment after he walked into school.  He played with legos and puzzles.  He also ate his lunch but didn’t know the bottom of the lunch bag opened (this is where his juice box was), so he didn’t have a drink.  (Guilt again… I made sure to show him how this opened and what it was for).  He did, however, discover that the lunchroom has food that you can ‘charge’.  So, we quickly had to add money to his account and then tell him how this worked and he cannot just buy whatever he wants (white milk only and no food when he has cold lunch). 

He did tell us that one girl (his desk is tripled with two other girls) that he sits with was not nice to him.  She pulled his shirt.  I asked what he did to make her do that and he told me that all he did was say, ‘You don’t know how to read??’.  I, then, had to explain to Connor that kids go to Kindergarten to learn how to read.  So, many of them will not know this yet.  As he knows how to read yet , that is great, but she was probably insulted that he asked that question.  He told me he didn’t know (which I am sure he didn’t  - all of his friends from Kids Kampus know how to read as they were all in class together).  **He has since said she is very nice and that they are friends. 

We have received many papers home already, but the first day, we got a poem noting that they had read ‘The Kissing Hand’ (one of the best books ever), with a little poem and his handprint with a heart stamp on the palm.  Too cute. 

Connor does love the bus (which has seat belts J).  He also has seen his next door neighbor at recess and also some other kids from Rogys as well.  I think he will be really happy here.

Friday, he experienced another first (for me as well).  I received a call from JB Nelson that Connor threw up (or spit up a bit) in the hallway.  He was doing fine and perky and wanted to go back to class.  About a ½ hour later, I received another call that he thought he was going to throw up after PE class.  So, I went to get him (he was sleeping in the nurses office) and we went home.  Unreal.  I was hoping he would not be introduced to the Nurses Office until much later in his schooling career.  He is fine though and I am attributing it to the school lunch (pizza) and running around outside in the hot weather. 

Side Note:  I love that Casey says ‘Carstoons’ for Cartoons; ‘Starbursts’ for Star Wars; and ‘Justin Beaver’ for Justin Beiber. 

Today was the kids first day of their new daycare.  Casey is now in Pre-K and Connor is in School Age.  I was nervous and excited for them today.  They had been with Kids Kampus for SOOO long that this would be quite a change.  Connor was excited and Casey was ready to be in a new class as well.  The drop off went well, I was kind of disappointed that there were not any other Kindergarteners that will be attending JB Nelson with Connor.  I was hoping he could meet some friends before school starts on Tuesday.  But, there are some other kids in different grades (that he will be riding the bus with).  He admitted that he was shy this morning but then he got use to it and he made a friend.  He talked about his friend alot (tomorrow his job is to find out what his friends name was).  Then he said he made a few friends.  I am so proud of him.  He even said during dinner today that 'School is Amazing'. 

 

Casey did well too.  I was afraid he was going to be clingy to me, as he does that sometimes, but he was not.  He was introduced to other Pre-K students and they said he had a great day playing with friends and puzzles and the sand table.  They both came home happy and excited to go back. 

 

SO HAPPY!  I hope next week at JB Nelson goes just as well.  This Friday is a meet and greet with Connors teachers (Mrs. Wilshire and Mrs. Parks) and we can drop off the school supplies and set up his locker - yes a locker for Kindergarten! 

 

On a side note, Happy Birthday, Mom!! 

Casey went in early (really early!) on Tuesday to get tubes in his ears.  He had a hearing test at school which he failed.  As a result we had taken him in to an ENT doctor to have them check it out.  He had fluid in his ears and we did some nasal spray for a month to see if it would help.  No luck.  So, tubes it was.  We prepped Case and he knew what was going to happen.  When they took him back, he was able to bring a stuffed animal (one he got from Cole last week -- thank you!).  He received cool red socks and a nice blue gown.  AND the nurses brought out a small DVD player for him to watch a little Lilo and Stitch while we waited.  Case was at home.  They also brought him some stickers that he put all over his puppy.  He smiled as they wheeled him away. 

 

When I was able to see him again, he was happy and told me that the gas was stinky.  He also told me the tubes were not in yet.  :)  It literally was less than 10 minutes for this procedure.  About 1/2 hr before I got to see him.  He was up and running/playing with no side effects all day.  He was also saying that he could hear better "for real".  Very proud of him.  His next surgery will be for his adenoids and tonsils when he reaches 35 pounds (he is only at 29 right now).  But, we need to get those out at some point -- he is a loud breather and snorer.  

 

On a side note, Comcast came today to switch services for us and when Case was telling me about it, he said "The Table Guy came today".  When I corrected him that it was the Cable Guy, he said, "No, the Table Guy"  -- maybe those tubes aren't working so well after all :) 

We had a great week at my parents house visiting with our relatives.  Carrie the Great, Craig, Dane, Cole and Spencer were in and there was a LOT of pool time.  Connor is getting SO good!  He swims in the deep end, under water and can hold his own with a 10, 12, and 15 year old.  Casey practiced a bit without his lifevest and is also doing great.  He even learned how to do a front flip off the side of the pool - all by himself, just jumped and did it (repeatedly). 

 

We celebrated Cole's soon to be 13th birthday, made bead bracelets and necklaces (dropped a few as well...), went to Independence Grove to enjoy a picnic, bike, feed fish and fly kites.  The batting cages were visited and Connor did get beaned by a ball - but recovered fast, we visited Miller Park for a Cubs/Brewers Game.  The stadium is awesome with lots of things for the kids to do.  Gram joined us on that trip :) 

 

The kids said so many funny things.  Casey declared that he was 'growing up and was able to watch adult movies'.  Connor barged in on Mama in the bathroom (who screamed) and he ran out saying 'My bad...'  I can't even remember all of the other things, but we definitely laughed. 

 

It was a very nice time and I appreciate all the family time we can get as it does not happen with them very often.  Thank you for the memories!!

There was so much that happened over the last two weeks - ups and downs.

 

 

Casey celebrated his 4th birthday!!  He is getting more articulate and such a spunky wild child.  He is full of funny faces and loves to wrestle and play fight and cuddle.  He does know how to turn on the tears though.  He knows how to play me for sure.   

 

We then found out my father-in-law had another heart attack.  It was a very emotional last week and a half traveling to the hospital and not knowing what was the cause or what could be done.  The doctors explained to the boys that Papa’s heart was broken.  Connor asked the nurse, as she was showing him the heart beat on one of the machines, why it wasn’t red – so she turned it red for him.  She also said that the doctors were going to fix Papa’s heart.  Which they did!  He was able to join us on our vacation in Indiana on Wednesday and with some new equipment (vest), we were able to have a family vacation that included lots of sun, family, tubing, skiing (first attempts for Megan and Connor!!!), wakeboarding, ice cream, first ever McElligott Cup run/swim between Jordan and Tim, Casey’s party, a broken pier repair, golf cart rides (that included no broken bones – but a nice seat belt addition), and lots of playing time with the dogs.  It was a great way to finish up a week full of emotion. 

 

One more week of work for me and then I get to visit with Carrie, Craig and the boys from Alaska!  Yippee!!  I love vacation and the summer!!

What a wonderful Fourth of July Weekend.  The weather was great and we were able to meet up with great friends and meet new babies (Carrie, Megan and Shel - it was so nice to see you!!) on Saturday. 

 

Sunday, we prepared for Casey's birthday party and seeing my Aunt Linda, Uncle Mike, my cousin Megan and her boys Jake and Ryan.  It was a great time.  Mama and Papa let us use their house and have a Triwizard Tournament swimming party.  Casey and Connor both loved the Harry glasses and the lightning scars.  Jake and Ryan have not experienced the Wonderful World of Wizardry of Harry Potter yet, but we will get them there :)  The kids were in and out of the water like fish and eating up a storm.  Ben was able to make it and Tab and Brooklyn later in the evening.  I wish that Megan lived closer so we could get together and play more often.  It was a great visit and a wonderful day.  In the evening, we put Harry Potter on and then paused to watch our very own fireworks show in the front (and back) yard!  Glow sticks were had and the kids were wiped out.  Tomorrow we head to a parade in the morning. 

 

We can't wait to add the following costumes to our everyday dress up routine (Harry Potter Quidditch costume, Dementor, Death Eater and Dobby) We are set!! Casey is a lucky boy and he even got wall stickers of Harry Potter for his room and his very own camera - which he insisted on taking pictures of me taking pictures of him!!!

 

I can’t even begin to believe how proud I am of Connor.  He has taken another step in growing up.  How much can he do at the age of 5!! First reading, then graduating, now riding his bike!  He is a bike rider now.  We will need to work on stopping and turning, but he has going straight down pat!  This after about half an hour of dedicated falling and getting up.  Mom, Dad and Gram were all witnesses.  Connor, however,  credits it all to what Daddy taught him over the winter in the (unfinished) basement.  (Video under the videos section).

I went to the bathroom with Casey and closed the stall behind me with him and he told me he needed privacy.  I said okay and stepped out holding the door closed.  He said, I’m not kidding and then proceeded to lock the door.  Funny kid.  Connor has taken to addressing me (when he wants to cuddle) by ‘sweetie’ or ‘honey’.  Love it! 

We are still dealing with Poison Ivy.  Connor is now seeing it spread a bit.  Calamine lotion is our friend.  Can't believe how long this goes on for.  UGH. 

We love the basement!  The rest of the couch came today and we put up a shelving unit and now it is finished.  We are open to visitors now J

What a week…

This weekend, Mark woke up with a swollen eye that only got worse as the day went on.  On Sunday, it was really bad and he went to urgent care only to find out it was poison ivy!  Where did this come from? We racked our brains trying to figure out what we did (fished, trimmed our bushes and weeded in your yard).  Who knows.  Poor guy got meds, but it still spread to the other eye and on other parts of his body.  I was grossed out and we changed sheets and I would not let him touch anything.  So, I freaked out today when I found a spot on Connors and my wrists and on Casey’s ankle.  Unbelievable!!!  So, after talking to Nurse Carrie (and Craig who has had this a zillion times), our PA friend Josh and reading up on the internet.  Poison Ivy is not contagious.  You get this from the oil on the leaves.

I made Mark go check our flower bed and sure enough, we are growing our own stash of poison ivy.  So, it probably wasn’t a good idea that Mark was pulling the ‘weeds’ out with his bare hands.  I had gloves on and was trying to cut it all down and the kids were helping to bag it all up.  We need lessons on what is a weed, flower, bush or poison ivy. 

This evening, I was very thankful for a finished basement for our tornado warning.  We had games and all sorts of things to do in the comfort of a hidden area under our stairs.  The kids loved the ‘secret spot’ and we were able to have good family time – plus no tornado actually came. 

On another note, congrats to my niece Brooklyn on being dedicated and happy Fathers Day to my dad and my dad-in-law!  The men spent Sunday racing cars and being competitive.  They had a good time though.

We are so excited the basement is finally done!!!  Mark was busy all week waiting for just about everything.  Carpet (on two seperate days), a couch, the lights, and Molly Maids to come and clean up.  Poor guy - no one ever shows up when they say they will.  So much for the windows of time that they give you.  Anyway, we are just missing one piece of our couch and it is done!!!  I couldn't be happier, nor could I have imagined what having extra space in the house would be like.  AMAZING! 

 

Fathers Day is this weekend and I just wanted to take this time to tell Daddy how much I love him and appreciate him.  He manages to handle everything at home, plus always making time to help the rest of us out with just about everything - motorcycles stuff, basement stuff and lord knows what else.  Thank you!!!  

What a great day!  My baby graduated private kindergarten today.  The class was really great and put on a wonderful circus themed show.  They had written a book and played out all the aspects of what they learned this year (addition, subtraction, sounds, tricky words, colors, shapes, money and time).  It was really such a wonderful showcase of everything.  I am so proud of Connor and am so happy with Kids Kampus and all they have taught him (and Casey). 

 

They have had great field trips, teachers, made great friends and learning experiences.  I know that Connor will be ahead of the game when he goes to Public Kindergarten next year.  This Friday is the kids last day at this school and it makes me sad to leave behind trusted caretakers (that have been with us through both kids, a broken femur, and a cut open eye).  Friday is also a day that Casey's and Connor's class gets to put on a show (80's themed).  Some songs we'll hear will be Spiderman, Scooby Do, Thriller and the Right Stuff -- awesome!

 

On a side note, Casey has been practicing crazy eyes and it is really disturbing.  There is a picture in the June album.  Connors video of his graduation will be up soon as well.

We have been very busy this week.  We met up with some of Casey's friends at Chuck E Cheese on Tuesday.  The boys had a blast with the 5 other boys.  It was also nice to get out with other women and just talk and relax.  Hopefully, we will do that again. 

In the meantime, our basement is at its finishing touches.  We spent last week priming the basement and the kids were even able to help out.  Friday was spent trying to find paint for the walls.  There are too many decisions in this process.   Luckily Saturday we were able to relax at the boys final tball game.  It was HOT!!  But, they did great and they were awarded trophies at the end of practice.  Not just ordinary trophies.  Moveable trophies!! 

After, the kids had some friends over and we cooked out.  It was great. We played with a remote control boat in the lake, fished, bounced on the bouncy, hung out and  just had a good time.  Sunday, Mark worked graduation and we all went to Mama and Papa's.  It was our first time in the pool.  The boys were able to show off their swimming skills. We love summer!   

Last week our basement started to get worked on and it is slowly but surely looking more like a somewhat finished basement.  Mark and I are looking for furniture to fill it and he is loving every minute of it!  I can't wait for it to be done.

 

Mom, Dad, and Gram came to watch t-ball and it was COLD.  Really COLD.  Two hours in the cold watching them play (which was hilarious) was two hours too long.  It was a good thing the coach is very funny and is a great commentator.  We also watched Casey hit the ball and run to what he thought was first base, but was the next fields 3rd base.  The coach was busy telling everyone to run to other bases and the fielders to throw the ball, that he looked to first and then was looking all around for Case who was standing so nicely on the third base in the next field.  Tears were flowing as Mom and I were just laughing so hard.  Ahhh... 3 year olds.

 

Connors class has been learning about the circus for the last two weeks and when I spoke to the teacher that Mark and I were in the circus, I suggest that maybe we stop in and show the kids some things we had learned.  So, we did!  On Thursday, we went to Casey's class (I was late as I was coming from work), but, we used all of Mom's awesome supplies (balancing feathers, golf sticks, lasso's, balls, small and large scarves and flags).  Not only did we demonstrate and show them how to use these awesome, fun things, we also juggled pins for them and tried passing.  Mark and I did a front angel and then both Connor and Casey did two person tricks with me for their respective classes. They had a blast and I had fun too.  It is nice to work about 30 seconds from School to be able to go over there and do this type of thing on lunch. 

 

I didn't get fantastic pictures as I was presenting some of the time, but it works.  I knew Mark was a good teacher, but watching him interact with the kids and engage them was really amazing. 

I love my family and so anytime we can get together is a cause for great memories. 

 

During the week, Mark brought Connor to school for Take Your Child to Work Day.  This is the last year Maine West will be putting this on.  It is very extravagant with about 7-11 sessions for kids to choose from each period of the day.  The kids in the classes assist or teachers put on classes in their off periods.  Mark borrowed juggling equiptment and taught the kids balancing feathers and juggling.  Connor was able to do some dancing, go on a scavenger hunt to the roof of the building and below the pool, make water bottle holders (for him and Casey) among other things.  Casey and I stayed home as he had a fever, which turned out to be a double ear infection.

 

Saturday we were able to watch the boys tball practice/games.  It was SO cold!  I couldn't wait for it to be over -- even though I love watching them.  Casey kept pulling up his shirt in the outfield and Connor was turning around in circles on third base waiting for the batter to actually hit the ball.

 

We met up with Ma and Dad McElligott and Kathy, Tim and the girls for dinner afterwards - which was really good! And the waitress really knew how to work us by giving the kids goodie bags and a quarter to get a gumball on the way out the door. We were able to hang out afterwards and go home exhausted. 

 

Sunday, my boys gave me beautiful earrings - which they kept arguing which ones I should wear.  We drove to Mom and Dad's and had a great day celebrating Grama's birthday (82!) and Mother's Day.  We played outside and took a trip to see the horses.  In the afternoon, we decided to make stepping stones with all of the kids - they take much longer than you would think, but they turned out great!  As we were setting up for this in the garage (over a 3 car garage), the kids were running around barefoot and ready to go and guess who stepped right in the concrete?  Casey ... with a 3 car garage to run around in, he steps in the 12 inches that were off limits.  Honestly.. he then proclaimed he was done.

 

All in all, it was a great weekend!

 

Easter Sunday at Nana and Papa's was fantastic!  There was an Easter Egg hunt, t-ball, great food and family.  We also were able to tell the kids about going to Disney World over Thanksgiving this year.  Nana creatively blew up baloons with pictures of the kids, Mickey/Minnie, Harry Potter, etc to help give them clues as to what we would be doing.  They were happy especially to get a Harry wand.  We have to review some videos online to get them excited - they don't even know this will be the coolest place on earth yet.  I can't wait.

 

Ben and Tab brought Brooklyn over to try and go through some of our stuff.  (Our basement is getting redone in 2 weeks!!!)  She is getting so big and Connor loved holding her and trying to make her laugh.  She is talking, cooing more and so good.  We now own about 1/2 of a candy factory though :)

 

 

What a great extended weekend!  Connor went to school on Friday to go on a field trip to see Charlotte's Web and then we had swimming and went to the movies to watch HOP.  It was cute and the kids enjoyed it. 

 

Saturday, Mama, Papa and Great Grama came up.  It was very fun!  We had a great day doing an Easter Egg hunt, playing outside (mom and her gardening - thank goodness for her love to kill our weeds!), finding worms, reading books, doing word finds, putting Harry Potter legos together and coloring eggs.  It was perfect. 

 

This morning, the Easter Bunny came and left a note for the kids saying what a wonderful job they did with their eggs this year!  He also left some fun sunglasses, airplanes, bubbles, Mario Sheets, outside scoop game and dinosaur shirts.  That Easter Bunny is pretty great!  Mark noted how the Easter Bunny neglected him this year.  I told him he better stop complaining as Santa might hear and decide not to visit him this year as well. 

 

We are off to visit Nana and Papa and the cousins this afternoon.  We can't wait! 

Connor, "Oh yeah!  I forgot to color that picture --- thanks brain!"  talking to himself

Connor, "Watch out.  This will be awesome!"

Casey, "Can I put this in your mouth?"  Me, "No, and not in yours either -- GERMS"  Case, "Can I put it in my nose?"  Unreal.

Connor, "Come to Papa!"

Connor, "When I grow up I want to work for the CIA"  after deciding that he was going to be a spy and creating all of his spy gear (including a hand scanner that is on his door).

 

Today was an exciting day as it was the first t-ball practice for both boys!  They both did great - seeing that one had to wait a full hour for the other one to be done.  They learned the proper way to throw a ball, they ran bases, and how to stand when fielding a ball.  Then they played a mini game to practice fielding and one time at bat.  It was a blast!  However, who knew that it was going to be 73 degrees today!  Sitting for two hours, Mark and I have some really strange sunburn on our faces. 

 

We also started a different swimming time for the kids (Fridays) and it turns out that one of the kids in Connors Kids Kampus class is in his swimming class!  That was a nice surprise. 

 

Mark and I have been exercising and Mark has really taken to walking.  He does it almost every day for about 2.5-3 miles each time (in about 35 minutes).  I am so very proud of him.

 

Next week is Circus!!  We are so excited to go back down and stay at a new hotel (on campus!!)  We have seen previews of the new acts and it looks like it will be good.  I can't wait to see what Marcus has done with the group. 

We have been waiting and waiting for Spring Break to arrive and it finally came on Sunday.  We drove up to Lake Geneva, WI with Mama, Papa and Great Grama to spend the next few days at Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark.  The Condos were awesome!  They had a loft where the kids stayed (with their own bathroom and closet) and a kitchen/dining room/family room and master bedroom/bath downstairs.  It was really a nice set up.  Plus a balcony that was really too cold to use, but cool anyway. 

 

We immediately went swimming when we got there until our rooms were ready.  I forgot my camera in the lockers, but luckily Papa had his phone (in black and white -- but they are some of my favorite picts)!  The kids loved playing on the rope course and going down the tube slides.  Connor actually really enjoyed the lazy river -- which wasn't too lazy when there was a bunch of kids packed in it.  They also had one other slide that was quite scary!  It was sooo very dark and threw you around like a rag doll and spit you out.  Ahhh it was fun though. 

 

On the last day we discovered the hot tub that went inside and outside.  Both kids liked this as it was actually somewhat warm water (like their swimming class which keeps the water at 92 degrees).  They also liked going outside to inside to outside to inside. 

 

 Other fun things that happened was playing in the arcade and attempting to play Just Dance, War, Uno and Charades.  Charades was pretty creative with Connor and one of our favorites was his impression of a laptop.  Check it out in the pictures - he even has a mouse! 

 

 On Monday, mom and I decided to take the trolley to the fitness center and try our hand at Zumba. Wow!!!  It was hard!  We both looked at the clock around 35 minutes in thinking it has GOT to be done soon.  It was not.  The instructor even went on to have us do push ups and abs! Wow...

 

I had a great time with my family, what a perfect way to spend Spring Break!!

This month Homie had a friend stay over (Sasha).  The kids (especially Casey) was so concerned that Sasha was doing okay and where she was at all times. 

 

This month will also be the month of babies.  Baby Showers (Carrie and Megan -- yeah!) and babies being born.  It is so exciting.  On a completely opposite note we had a horrible news from the kids school that one of their teachers and someone that I would consider a friend passed away this last weekend.  She was 30 and has a child and was going to be married this month.  It is sad that things like this trigger us to rethink what is important in our life, but really we all need to live our life each day and not take anything for granted.  You never know what will happen.  We also have been putting off getting a will for (well the last 5 years) and now have an appointment this Monday. 

 

Today, we went to a play at the Marriott (How can you race with a shell on your back) -- it was great.  They always have such good plays.  We are also anxiously awaiting Spring Break at the end of March for our trip to Timber Ridge Lodge in Wisconsin with Mama, Papa and Grama and Melissa and her family. 

 

For Lent we are going to commit to a 1/2 hour workout every day.  We'll see how long we can last.  I am making a chart! 

"Daddy, pull my finger.  I’ll fart."

After Connor was told he was not getting gummies after leaving school, Casey says: "Connor, Connor…relax.  I will give you one."

At the breakfast table: "Enough talking, Mommy"

We were so fortunate to be able to spend the last few days with Grama!  We did many things, besides exposing her to all of our germs.  She seems to have been lucky enough to walk away without a cold though, lucky her!  I wish I was able to say the same. 

We had many fun adventures including:  Seeing a play at Oswego HS (Narnia), Taking the kids swimming, Attending Kindergarten Preview at JB Nelson Elementry School in Batavia!, finalizing the change in Daycares for this upcoming August, and taking the kids to get xrays for their snoring.

 

It is always chaos with us, but that is our life and we sure did accomplish a lot.  Taking Connor to Preview was great!  The Kindergarten teachers taught to the kids with us as onlookers (drawing their self portraits -- Connors had a belly button as always -- and singing songs, doing a dance to a CD, and following directions making a smiley face and cutting it out with scissors).  They then got to have cookies and juice and free play while we got to ask questions and hear what everyone had to say.  It seems that there will be 2 full day kindergartens next year (YEAH!) and one morning and afternoon kindergartens.  We have to go back in May for an assessment of his reading and math.  He is doing amazing reading (even though we have to twist his arm to get him to do it).  They both love hearing us read and we are on Chpt. 9 of Harry Potter 6.  He is pretty darn good at Math as well.  I can't wait to see what the assessment will find.  They even get lockers as kindergartners!!!  (No locks though).  Pretty cool. 

 

As far as their snoring, we found a few things -- Casey has large tonsils and enlarged adenoids.  Connors tonsils are fine, but also has enlarged adenoids.  This is why they snore so loudly.  Our next stop is the ENT doctor over Spring Break (end of March) to see if these will need to come out.  (More than likely).  This is the same time that we will be going to the Orthopedic Surgeon for a checkup and to find out when the plate and screws can come out.  We also found that Casey is 28 lbs (at 3 1/2) and still in the 6th percentile.  Connor is 42 lbs (at 5 yrs) and in the 45th percentile. 

 

I go back to work tomorrow for a shortened work week - Whoo Hoo! 

 

 

Some updates with my boys:

Casey has taken to being the Red Mario to Weegie (Luigi) for most of every day.  He will tell me that he needs to go hit a question mark to get big or that he is the 'Fire' Mario.  Then he will walk around saying 'ping, ping' pretending to shoot fire at something.  I had to tell him I was Big Bowser and was going to make him small again if he didn't come brush his teeth one morning. 

 

Con has been practicing his cartwheels and WOW!  He is getting very good.  Mark has a line on the carpet for him to practice going in a straight line.

I was sick this weekend and Connor insisted on helping me prop my head up on two pillows as that is what you do when you are sick.  He was very thoughtful. 

 

This spring both boys are signed up for a t-ball league. We think they will enjoy it.   

I was in New Orleans this week and was lucky enough to make it back home (after a few flight reschedules) to experience the Blizzard of 2011 with my family!  We are currently at 13.1 inches in Batavia and 19 or so in North Aurora, we should be somewhere in between.  I have never seen so much snow, but am very proud of our snowman who had held up very well with all of the winds.  Our backyard is a pool of snow and the snowdrifts have it over the fence in some areas.  Most places and streets are closed. 

 

We were able to play in the snow a bit, but man was that wind fierce!!  Mark was snowblowing and it was whipping back in our faces.  Aiiyyy... but Con did he best to help and then came to play with Casey and Homie and I in the backyard. 

 

When we came in the kids enjoyed a late breakfast of pancakes and sausage with some hot cocoa and marshmellows to wash it down.  PERFECT! Mark will be off again tomorrow and get to enjoy the kids while I have to make it into work.  Did I mention how happy I am to be back in Illinois!??! 

We are so excited for the Bears vs. Packers game this Sunday!  The kids are talking about it and Mark is privilaged enough to be able to go.  Not only that, but Carrie will be coming in from Alaska to spend the week at my parents house.  She is not as excited about the game however. 

 

We are reading Harry Potter (6) each night.  The kids are into it and it has been fun.  It may take a month though as there are about 100 chapters. 

 

On another note, Casey was scratching my back yesterday and looked at my ponytail and told me, 'Your ponytail makes you beautiful.'  He's so sweet.

He did however tell me to go take a shower today and then started counting... '1...2...3...'  It worked, I got out of bed and took a shower.

The last of the glue fell off on Friday -- Hooray!  Connor has a tiny scar that will fade and probably be non-existent later. 

 

In the meantime, here are some funny things the kids have said lately.

Casey to me as I am struggling to open something.. 'Here Mom, I am strong.  I can do it.'

Casey:  'I don't want to drink more milk.  My bones are tired.  They are sleeping.'  (Because we always tell them that milk is good for their bones.)

Casey:  'When Papa Human (Newman) is done feeding Mama, can he come here?'

Casey:  'Daddy, we are buddies'

Casey after I told him to tell Daddy and Connor to come upstairs, 'How about this?  {yelling} 'GUYS COME UPSTAIRS!'

Casey in his undies (after a bath) jumps out of the bathroom and declares, 'Hellllloooooo Ladies!'.  This has now become a constant saying around the house.  No clue where it came from.

Connor after Mama asked him to do a staring contest -- a few seconds in to the contest and still staring, 'You know, you guys look amazing!'  (We found out later this was from Kung Fu Panda 3)

 

We visited the eye doctor yesterday for Connor to make sure everything was looking okay and there was no retina damage. His first time at the eye doctor was a great experience.  They put a movie on in the waiting area and gave them goldfish snacks while we waiting for his eye to dialate.  They also gave them water bottles.  They are going to want to go to the eye doctor all the time! 

The good news is that his eye looks great.  20/20 vision and no damage that she can see to the eye (and she looked with lots of microscopic things!).  So, I am feeling good and the glue is about ready to come off any day now. 

Mom M said that Connor probably had a guardian angel watching over him that day and ensuring no damage.  I think so too, I think it must have been Grandpa. 

This week was our first day back to school/daycare on Tuesday, pretty rough after being off for 12 days!!  However, on Connor's first day back he was injured.  I got a call saying that he had a cut on his eyelid and I should probably have it looked at.  I told them I'd be right there.  I was certainly not expecting what I saw.  I quickly put Casey and Connor (and Mrs. Jen) in the van and we were off to the ER.  Luckily they were able to get us in right away to ensure there was nothing wrong with his vision.  The ER was packed, so I was greatful for the front of the line entry.  I was also relieved that they said there was no eye damage.  We iced and waited and waited.  Luckily, I always carry the iPod Touch with me and Casey was busy playing that with Mrs. Jen.  Con was just tired and I was so nervous of him drifting off, but they told me this was okay as he hadn't passed out. 

 

They gave me a numbing liquid to hold on his eye (on a piece of gauze).  They then were able to examine it a bit more closely to see if it was deep enough to need stitches or if the glue would work.  Luckily, the glue was what we went with.  It took quite some time to glue it back together and have the cut stop bleeding (which it didn't do until the middle of the night).  When we finally got home, Connor proceeded to throw up three times all over me, the couch and a blanket.  On our way to the bathtub, he was apologizing for throwing up on my new soft blanket.  Honestly, could I have a more thoughtful child?? 

 

We have been icing for the past three days and I think you will see it is definitely getting better.  Day 4 (Friday) was the first day that he could actually open it and I could see part of his eye.  Day 3 he was leaning his head all the way back and saying 'I can see you'.  However, there was no opening of his eye... it was cute. 

 

He has been visited by Nana and Papa McElligott and Papa Newman spent all day Wednesday with him.  He has almost completed Super Mario Bro's for the Wii (they are on level 9) and has been acting like a normal 5 year old.  Thank goodness he is in good spirits and such a good kid.  There was only one time that he looked in the mirror (on Day 2) and said that he didn't like looking in the mirror and would wash his hands in the kitchen. 

 

We are taking pictures to show him how every day it gets better and better.  We can't wait for the yellow and green stage.  

 

Casey has also been amazing through this and not staring or acting different.  In fact, he tried to tell me the other day that he was, in fact, spinning and fell and got a boo boo on his eye.  I told him that that was not him, that was Connor.  He does everything his brother does -- or tells us he does.   

We have had a great Christmas Break.  Santa, Sledding, A Movie, Two Birthday Parties and NYE, and Grossology - a Museum in Rockford.  Way to round out this year and start a new one. 

 

The kids have a new years resolution to flush the toilet when they are done and put the seat down.  (I made this one for them).  For me, I think it is to spend more time with Mark.  Our New Year's Eve was a good time. We spent time with friends and played the Wii and some other games.  The kids had a mini sleep over until we left around 12:45. Movies, Food and Friends.. they had a blast! 

 

Wishing you the best in 2011!

This month Con and Case were able to celebrate with a Special day at their school where they are allowed to bring pictures and talk about what they do over the holidays.  This year, it was nice that both days ended up on the same day for me :)  Whew... Casey also visited the dentist for the first time and he did great!!  They turned on Spongebob, put sunglasses on him and started brushing away!  Both kids have 20 teeth and Con guessed that Mark has a thousand when asked how many he thought he had.  (That would certainly be a sight to see).  The boys have also progressed and received a few badges from swimming this month!  They are so excited when they master a swimming stroke.  Connor moved up a level and Casey needs one more badge for his breaststroke before he moves up. 

 

We have been counting down the days until Christmas all month and doing fun family things every day.  The kids Holiday Show was on Friday the 17th and they did great!! This was Casey's first show and they sang about 5 songs.  In the middle of one, he took off his sweater and then held it for the rest of the show.  It was too funny because that morning he didn't want to wear the sweater and I told him he had to wear it until after the Holiday Show.  Connor's show had a ton of kids!! and I had a bad seat apparently as I could not see him very well.  But, they made their own guitars (colored them) and rocked out to some Christmas tunes.  It was really a nice way to end the year before break. 

 

We went to Mom and Dad's on Thursday after Mark's gymnastics practice and just had a great time with everyone.  We made a gingerbread house, played outside in the snow, played games (Gram and I rocked at Jenga) and watched Harry Potter 6!!  Yes, they are SO into Harry Potter. Casey calls it Peter Potter - like Peter Parker :)  In the morning, we played in the basement and they did art projects and finally opened their first gift before lunch (one that they picked out for each other).  They were so happy and it was the perfect first gifts.  I love that they thought about what each other would want and told me what to get.  One funny moment of the late afternoon was Connor taking the Catch Phrase beeping thing and saying there was a bomb in the house and passing it off to someone else while proceeding to hide.  This went on for about an hour or so.  Hiding in closets and the ticker flying out of closets.  It was quite funny.  Ben and Tab arrived around 7:30ish and we got the opening show on the road.  It was really nice and we are so lucky!  We are blessed with a beautiful new snowblower -- yippee!! 

At home, the kids had already sprinkled the reindeer food and set cookies on a plate for Santa.  We got home at 11:30 and put those out for him and would you believe it, in the morning, the cookies and milk were gone!!  Santa left a nice note for each of the boys and presents!! (The video is in our videos section).  Then off to Nana and Papa's!  It was crazy as always -- a good crazy full of family, kids, running, accidents, and memories.  This year not only was there a ton of amazing gifts (including an iPad for me and a DS for Con, Batcave for Case and Bears/Packers tickets for Mark!), but it was hilarious watching the kids get so into Tim's Kinect.  They were dancing fools, even my boys!! Jordan broke out Glee and when Nana got a turn to sing, she was holding Casey, and he fell asleep!  He was so wiped from such long days (and no naps), at 6:30, he was out. 

 

Today was a recovery day for Con, Case and I.  We lazied around and played with EVERY toy received.  EVERY one!!  Cleaning comes next...It is nice to relax and soak it all in.  We are so thankful for our families.  We love you!

It has been a great December so far!  We love going to check out the Advent Calendar every day.  It was fun to go shop at Walmart and pick up canned/boxed food for those that might need it.  The boys picked corn, pasta, macaroni and cheese, etc.  They were practical with most of their food choices and were thinking about others ('I really think they would like some reeses pieces', said Connor). 

 

This weekend, Mark and I went to see Maroon 5 as I won tickets through the Mix.  It was great and we had a nice date night.  On Saturday, the boys went swimming and Connor got his first Bear Paddle Badge for his freestyle.  He has been doing great and I can see a difference in his swimming abilities.  He was so proud and we are so proud of him (he even brought his badge to show Mama, Papa and Gram on Sunday).  I got to see Legally Blonde with the ladies on the McElligott side.  While we had a ton of snow, it was a blast to play in it with the boys.  They insisted on helping shovel the driveway.  Con was a much better helper than Casey who just kept doing snow angels.  Con just kept throwing snowballs at me while I was shoveling, it was a lot of fun! 

On Sunday, we went to see the Wizard of Oz (awesome) and then to lunch in Long Grove.  When we were done, we saw that Santa and Ms. Claus were outside.  We rushed out there and they were kind and welcoming and adorable.  Both boys got to tell them what they wanted for Christmas and I was so grateful that I will not have to go wait in a line at the mall.  They then continued walking from store to store in Long Grove.  I love it!!! 

 

2010 Advent Calendar Ideas

 

1.  Help craft your own candy cane Christmas ornament.  Enjoy eating a real candy cane while you craft.

2.  Christmas is about thinking about others.  Let’s gather some cans of food to take food to a local food pantry or homeless shelter.  No one should ever be hungry.  Please help pick out the items to donate.

a.   http://www.bataviafoodpantry.org/

b.  http://www.aurorafoodpantry.org/id47.html

3. Santa will be here soon, let’s take some time to write a letter to Santa.

4.  Let’s make Christmas cookies! We will ensure there are extra’s that we can give to family and friends.

5.  Who doesn’t like seeing a play?  Let’s go see the Wizard of Oz with Mama and Papa today!

6.  Please help make our house festive and use these striped pieces of paper to make paper chains to hang. 

7.  We are so fortunate and have so many toys.  Let’s gather those unwanted toys and donate those in good condition to a shelter or other charity.

8.  Those serving in our military need holiday cheer too!  Write a holiday greeting card to someone in the Armed Forces.

a.   John Hersey High School
Diana Clarke
1900 E Thomas
Arlington Hts, IL. 60004
(847) 718-4865
7:30 am - 2:45 pm

b.  Liberty Tax Service
Brenda Hahn-Boisvert
224 S. Larkin Ave.
Joliet, IL. 60436
(815) 729-3900
Monday thru Friday 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday
Note: We proudly support Cell Phones for Soldiers!

c.   http://www.amillionthanks.org/How_To_Mail.asp#Rules

9.  Toys for Tots gives those that are not able to receive toys at Christmas a present during Christmas time.  You each have $15 to spend on picking a nice toy out that you would like to give to someone during this holiday season.  Let’s go shopping!

a.   http://foxvalleytoysfortots.com/locations.htm

10.  Pick someone that you would like to do something nice for and color a picture for them.

11.  How about pizza for dinner?  Use sausage and pepperoni to make a homemade pizza tonight!

12.  Let’s work together to build a gingerbread house!

13.  Let’s call friends on the computer and sing them Go Christmas caroling.

14. Let’s cuddle up and have some hot chocolate (stir this with a candy cane) and read one of our Christmas stories.

15. Let’s make Christmas Cards to send to your Nana/Papa and Mama/Papa.  Let’s use stamps!

16.  Tonight, we will eat dessert first, and then we will eat dinner.

17. Today, we will pretend to be on a train and read the Polar Express, make sure you have your bell and ring it when the story talks about the bell. 

18. Let’s go out to dinner tonight!

19.  Let’s build a snowman in the backyard and give him eyes, a nose and stick arms. 

20.   Christmas lights are beautiful.  Tonight, let’s put Christmas music on in the car and look at all of the lights in the neighborhood.

21. Today is the Present Game.  Find something that you think your brother or family member would like in our house, place it in a gift bag and present it to him.  We will practice being grateful for whatever is inside.  You will need to say ‘thank you’ and pay the giver a compliment about the gift.

22.  Sock it to me!  You each have new holiday socks to keep you warm. 

23.  Let’s spend tonight watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas

24.  Color this picture together as a family.  It’s Christmas Eve~

 If anyone would like to also send Holiday Cards to those in the military, let us know.  We can deliver them for you.

 

Connor, 'It smells like rotten eggs!'  After we asked how he knows what rotten eggs smells like he maintained he just did.

Connor on Captain Crunch and numerous other topics this week, 'I am a big fan'

Casey on a starburst that we saw on the ground at the movie theater.  I told him that he was not allowed to touch it as it was probably gross.  He then proclaimed that, 'It's the Cheese Touch!'  For anyone who has seen Diary of a Wimpy Kid, you will understand.

Connor to me when Mark and I were talking about something (literally just talking), 'Mommy...just calm it down.'

Casey came up to Mark in the basement when they were playing and handed him a $20 (play money) and told him that he 'worked hard today.'

Connor has been saying 'That's wicked dude' lately

When one of Connor's friends was crying, he told his friend to, 'Just take a deep breath.'  I tell the boys this all the time when they are upset.  Too funny what he remembers. 

Connor asked me the other night where Daddy was.  I told him he was outside.  He said, 'Is he fixing the skin.'  I said, 'What?', he repeated it and still confused, I asked, 'You mean the siding on the house?'.  He looked at me like of course and said 'Yes'.  Weird kid, but good metaphor to the siding of the house!  Unfortunately, Mark was not fixing this... we are still waiting on help.

 

Casey still makes me laugh by wanting to go to 'Old McDonalds' all the time. 

Both kids have taken to saying, 'Pause' if we are in the middle of a conversation, game, or you name it... if they have to leave to go to the bathroom or stop for any purpose at all.  It reminds me of my friend, Paige, who use to always say, 'Hold Please...'  (Which by the way is still a saying going around DeVry). 

 

I had my first conference for Connor's Private Kindergarten and it went pretty well.  He is in the high reading group :)  and Casey gets to go on his first field trip this week to the Children's Museum (see picts from there posted today as we just went for a visit).  He is very excited. 

We have been anticipating Connor's first kid birthday party for quite some time and today was the day!!  Mama, Papa and Grama came early to help us get set up and ready.  Then it was off to Bear Paddle for a swimming party.  This is where the kids take their swimming lessons.  Connor was surrounded by his family and friends and it was great to see him have so much fun.  They played great games in the water (a bucking bronco game, tug of war type game, a horse ride game, among others).  Gram helped wash 3 lbs of grapes to bring and guess where they still are?  In our fridge, we will be having grapes for days!  But, we had good food and Connor had an amazing cake that he had helped pick out.  It was shaped like a swimming pool (surrounded by marshmellows).  Then he hammed it up while opening presents.  Everyone had to wear name tags that said 'My name is: ___, My Child, ___ swims like a ____ (rock, shark, eel, puffer fish, loch ness monster, etc).  Mama helped finish the party off with some of her great kid games.  She is so good with keeping them on task and moving on from one game to the next.  I really think everyone had a good time.  I am so thankful that everyone was able to make it out.  I asked Connor what he liked best and he said 'everything!'

 

Earlier this week, we had high winds and before we left for school there was a tornado watch and warning.  So, after we came up from the basement I noticed there were pieces of siding in our backyard.  And while I was hoping they were from someone else's house, I was wrong.  The winds were just that strong.  So, our next house project has been defined for us and we will have to get on that soon.  Not only did it take the siding off the house (which Casey keeps saying that our house is 'broken'), but it also took away some Halloween decorations; ripping some graveyards in half and taking one away as well as taking some of our ghouls that were coming out of the ground away.  Looks like we will be on a hunt for some good deals after this Halloween is over for some replacements. 

 

My Casey is such a sweet little boy, but he is an unbelievable garbage disposal!  He is the slowest eater alive, but 5 minutes after finishing a meal, he will be asking for more food as he is hungry or thirstry again.  For being such a little guy, I cannot believe how much he eats. 

 

He still talks about watching 'carstoons' and likes 'Mamaduke'.  He also has been walking on the 'lions' (lines) in our kitchen that we have  put up to practice walking straight for Connor.

 

On Connor's real birthday, I was telling Con the birthday story and in the middle of it he told me to 'Pause' and he ran off to the bathroom.  When he got back he told me I could go again....I think I can use that one myself sometime. 

 

Our friend Joey got married this weekend and it was very nice.  We had a great time seeing some friends we have not seen in a long time and relaxing.  I have uploaded a few pictures of this event.  Congrats, Joe!! 

What a great birthday weekend for Connor.  He will be 5 on Monday!  Amazing how fast time flies.  I love the little man that he has become.  He has a great sense of humor, a contagious laugh, is incredibly handsome, but more than that... he is loving, considerate, and genuinely grateful and appreciative. 

 

Megan and Kaitlyn started our weekend off by playing with us on Friday night to Saturday. On Saturday, Mama, Papa, and Grama came to say Happy Birthday and start Connor's Weekend Celebration.  Then it was off to swimming and to Nana and Papa's house to celebrate Uncle Tim, Connor and Kaitlyn's birthdays and take some family pictures.  We had a great time taking pictures and watching the kids play.  Sunday, Connor was off to his first Bears game with Mark.  I was so excited for him and he couldn't wait either.  They went down early to walk along the water and to meet up with friend and do some tailgating.  Mark got Connor a cool Bears hat and a bear claw.  However, he must have been wiped as he did end up falling asleep during the game.  They ended up leaving a bit early to beat the crowd and unfortunately the Bears lost.  But, Con has been singing 'Bear Down, Chicago Bears...' all evening.   

 

Tomorrow is his real birthday and I will tell him the annual Birthday story (as my mom always told us). 

 

On another note, we were very blessed to have known Grandpa Kane as he passed on Saturday.  He left a great legacy in his family that I am lucky to be a part of.   

We planned on enjoying a great Fall Day on Saturday to celebrate Papa's birthday and check out the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival.  We were surprised that it was 92 degrees!!!  Wow, who would have thought in October.  It was nice to see all of the cool scarecrows, have some chocolate shakes, and ride some rides (Casey lost his hat on the dragon ride and was really concerned about it.  The nice man running the ride stopped it and retrieved it for him).  We unfortunately, just missed the time frame to make the scarecrows (so sad...), but we went back on Sunday :).  But, it was a lot of fun.  We tried to get Papa to jump on the bungie trampoline thing, but maybe we'll have to wait till next year on his birthday. 

 

At home we hung out outside on the patio and had dinner as it was so nice.  What a great way to spend Daddy's birthday. 

 

Boys were lucky enough to receive both Bears and Spiderman silly bands from Mama and Papa.  They were so lucky and appreciative.  Casey dropped part of his snack in the car on the way to the Fest and I was getting frustrated and Connor said to me, 'I am a good picker upper, let me will handle it.  I love him.

 

At swimming, Casey had finished up his class and Papa had took hom to go change.  It was taking and awfully long time and when they finally came out, Papa looked exhausted.  Apparently, when I packed the kids swim bag, I forgot to include underpants.   I usually do not have them go to swimming in their suits so I did not even think of this.  Well, Casey did not believe Papa that there was no undies in the bag.  He had him empty it a few times and did NOT want to put on his pants on without undies.  Papa finally persuaded him.  I went with Connor and had a much easier time.  He just thought it was hilarious.  My commando boys.  

This weekend Gram came to hang out with us and we had so much fun!  Mom and Dad came and helped decorate the boys bikes for the Maine West Homecoming Parade that the boys were able to be in.  They looked fantastic!!  We got there about 5:30 and there was so much food and so many kids.  It was a very good time and they did great in the parade :) 

 

In the morning the kids came in to our room and Gram and I read them books and cuddled.  It was so nice.  (Mark stayed close to school as he had an Invite that he needed to be up for really early).  We then went and bought the kids Halloween costumes and went to swimming class.  Later that night, when Mark got home, we went to a movie.  It was a great day :)  Gram is probably exhausted and she and Connor have done about 5 puzzles, played Chutes and Ladders and Play Doh.  Today, we spent the day putting up Haloween decorations and going to the Marmion Corn Maze.  We should have went to the smaller maze instead of thinking we'd be fine in the 8 acre maze.  We made it to 4 of the 5 checkpoints though! 

 

Had a great Fall Weekend and Gram can come stay with us anytime!  **Case loved that she stayed in his room.  We finished the night off by having Breakfast for dinner.

Tie their shoes?

 

Connor! 

 

He watched me do it one time on Sunday and then tied them twice that day and on Monday morning!  He is amazing!!!

 

Just a few updates on Connor’s progress:  On Wednesday, I walked into daycare and saw him walking straight and upright.  This was the best that I have seen yet!  We went to the library and I took a video of his progress (see videos) and I couldn’t be more proud!  This must have been a turning point.  Even at therapy, one of the therapists said that she thinks he is further along than she would have imagined from when he had surgery on Aug. 4^th.  (Really, I thought?  But, I am just so happy).  I know there is still more work to do and I am very happy with the therapy place.  They engage him and give me ideas and exercises for home.  They are willing to send me home with their weights, their foot steps to put on the floor and the balance ball (which is really hard to do).  We have even bought a stomp rocket for home as it was such a good way to practice building strength – and the kids think it is fun. 

On another note, the kids are still loving swimming (as am I).  Mama, Papa and Grama came to watch last weekend and Nana and Papa came today to watch how well they are doing.  Today, one of the guys that watches over the swim lanes came over and gave me a small card that had a patch on it. It said ‘Great Job!  Cub Paddle – Paddling and kicking with face in the water while using floatation’.  About 10 min. later he came back with another patch got ‘Cub Float – Floating on back with assistance’ and said that we should move him up to the next class 15 minutes earlier on Saturdays.  How exciting!! My little boy has only gone to three classes and is moving his way on up!  He is gifted J

We are looking forward to next weekend for Homecoming at Mark’s HS.  The kids get to decorate their bikes and ride around the track in a parade with the other faculty’s kids before the game.  It is the first year we won’t be bringing a wagon and instead bringing bikes.  Then Grama will be coming to help me out with swimming next weekend and hanging out with us.  Can’t wait!

Finally, the Carol Stream Treasure Hunt was last weekend and we came in first! Whoo Hoo!  Our last year of being exempt, next year, we really have to come in first so we can save ourselves from planning it.  It is always a good time.

 

My mom is my best friend and one of the best people that I know.  She has been there for our family making her kids the center of her world since we were little.  She has been there for me coaching the entire way.  This was done by coaching little league teams, soccer teams, to coaching on manners such as respecting adults/neighbors (using Mr./Ms, how to treat others, etc) and the importance of a thank you (we always had to write personal thank you’s and have those out as soon as possible as someone took the time to do something nice for you).  Those things are things that I take with me today and respect when I see that in return.  She gives of her time, her house, her generosity to her family (these examples could go on and on). 

Growing up, she always ensured that we had the best Halloween costumes (and the coolest and scariest decorated house on the block).  You could guarantee that at any neighborhood party/street parade, 4^th of July picnic, soap boat race, Christmas and Easter event she had coordinated.  Not only did she coordinate these for us, but she brought with creative and memorable games that everyone could play.  She came to every soccer, marching band, cheerleading, and basketball game that we had, no matter how cold to show her support.    

My mother is one of the funniest people that I know.  Not only is she caring, but she loved us enough to get to know our friends and make our house growing up the house that we hung out at.  Welcoming anyone in and making them feel comfortable.  Even when she was sick, she was always there for us and never let us see a break in her love or spirit.  She is a strong person; I only wish that I could be as loving, giving, smart and funny as her one day. 

People gravitate to her and it is no wonder why she has a solid group of friends from College that rely on each other and are there for each other no matter what. 

Her support has only grown as I have grown up.  Through weddings, babies and life events, she is there as a sounding board, a support system and someone that I can rely on.  My babies love her and so do we. 

Family is something that should never been taken for granted, family is something that should never be forgotten.  I just wanted to let you know, mom, that I love you and appreciate you.   Everyone should have a Chris Newman in their lives. 

Therapy is going very well for Connor. We go twice a week and he is starting to walk much better.  This evening, I took the kids to the Childrens Museum and I was so impressed at how he was walking and he was moving much faster than normal.  When I remind him to put his foot and knee straight, he immediately refocuses it and moves forward.  As he builds his hip, thigh and leg muscles, this will straighten out.  One of his teachers told me that there was a fire drill this week and he called out and said, 'Ms. Chrissy, don't forget about me, I can't move as fast'.  Ugh..my heart...We are getting there, my baby.

 

I happily returned the wheelchair and walker today :)

Always remember to be kind, patient and thank those that help you out or are kind in return. 

Be your childs biggest advocate.  

Don't be afraid to ask others that may be hurt or have a disability what hapened or about their cool toys (wheelchair, etc.).  They probably like talking about it.

Never forget to call and check in on those that you care about.  (Whether they are struggling with something or not).

Through pain or uncomfortableness, sometimes all you can do is hug and hold on tight.

If one person can't do an activity, then find something else that everyone can do.

Be proud and excited for all accomplishments no matter what the size.

 

'Can this car go faster?' to Mark on our way to visit Molly and Kenzie.

'Can I have some fruit, you know..like some cheetos or something?' to Mr. Ryan while he was watching the kids.

'When I was a baby in your belly, I wore a spiderman costume.'  Me: 'Really?  The red or the black?' Casey: 'The red'. 

Casey, 'You can see my puter'  to Connor when talking about his computer

Casey, 'Eww...eww..ewww.. the spider will jump on your forehead.'  (Why his forehead, I have no idea, but apparently this is where spiders want to be)

Casey to me, 'Mommy, I need privacy'  as we are all sitting at the kitchen table.  Me:  'Okay'  Later, 'Come here, Mommy'. Me:  'No, I have no desire to see your poop'  Casey: 'But, I didn't poop on the ground..'  (While I am very glad that he didn't poop on the ground, I still didn't want to see his poop).

Connor was talking to Daddy on the phone and he said to give the phone to me.  Connor said,

'Okay'.  Then he changed his voice to a high pitched voice and said, 'Hhhhiiiii'...then 'I'm Mommy'  (Impersonating me already.  He is very funny..)

Connor walked out of the bathroom with a hand towel wrapped over his head and said, 'Mommy, I am a young lady'.  (What?  A young lady..where did he hear that term before?)

Finally, we were talking about outer space at the dinner table and I was naming the planets, 'Mercury, Venus, Mars, Pluto'  Then Connor stops me immediately and says, 'No, Pluto is not a planet anymore'.  Yes, I was floored!  He is a sponge for sucking information in. I love when they come home from school learning things.

 

The Doctor's Appointment on Thursday went really well.  The xrays showed that the bone was still in place!  (Thank goodness).  And I did ask about the screw that is in there that just seems to be floating around and not the same as the others, Mark maintains that is the one they let him do.  But, it actually is the screw they put in first to hold the bone while they put the plate on.  So, it goes in at a different angle which makes sense.  He says he ought to just start to explain that up front as everyone always asks about it. So, then he said Con could start walking!!  No running, jumping or sports yet, but this is what he was waiting to hear.  All morning he just kept saying, 'I hope the doctor says yes.'  He reached his arms out and looked up and said 'Thank you!!!'  It was cute. 

 

So, he walks and while it isn't perfect, he is gaining confidence and practice.  His knee and foot angle out a bit, so I keep telling him to try to remember to make his foot and knee face forward.  We also have a new script for therapy, so we will continue to try to go about 2 times each week.  I am so happy for Connor.  Now, he can do what he wants when he wants.

 

When I go thome from work yesterday, Mark had picked up the kids, I saw Connor outside on his bike!!!  (See the pictures).  Unreal.  He said he wanted to see if he could still do it.  He also can walk up stairs.  Isn't he amazing.  You think kids are amazing in general...But, having gone through this, I can't be more proud and amazed of my child and the determination and patience and attitude... amazing.  

What a great weekend!  Friday night, we fell asleep with the kids, this doesn't happen very often, but it's kind of nice to all be together as a family cuddling.  In the morning, we prepared for heading out ot the Bears game while the kids were going to have a sleep over at Nana and Papa's house.  They were SO excited!  I was excited too.  Our plan was to go 13th Street Beach and possibly see the Tall Ships on Navy Pier.  Unfortunately, Mark had a fever and had to sleep it off, so we didn't get down there as early as I would have liked.  But, while he was sleeping, I got to sit in the sun and start my new book, 'Mockingjay', which is the third in the Hunger Games series and I was so happy that it came in the mail the other day.  The beach was great and so was the Bears Game!  When we left at 10:30, it was 79 degrees - it was so perfect!  And on our way to the car, the Fireworks from Navy Pier were going off.  I can't wait for Mark to bring Connor this year the day before his 5th birthday.   I think he'll get a kick out of the atmosphere (the noise, the people, the food and the game). 

 

Today, we were able to go for a motorcycle ride (which never happens as someone has to be home with the kids).  Loved it (except when we were on a real street and going really fast.., he needs to put his windshield on).  I took the kids on a scooter ride when they got home too.  They love that (and yes, they wear their helmets).  They got new Wii games and Connor is turning into a gamer and getting really good at it.  We definitely started to play this more when he got hurt.  I also find it funny that when he concentrates so hard (like when he was itching under his cast) that he still sticks his tongue out in a Michael Jordan fashion.  It's too funny. 

 

So to top my weekend off, I went to make dinner tonight and Mark had just rearranged the pantry and it is so neat and clean.  However, he put the spaghetti on the top shelf, so as I went to grab the noodles, the 3 lb box tipped over and all the noodles fell down four levels of cabinet.. 3 lb box!!!  There were words, let me tell you.  And noodles in snacks and crackers and everywhere...ugh... this better be the best tasting spaghetti I have ever had.  We'll see in a few minutes. 

 

So, Thursday is our big day taking Connor back to the doctor.  I am praying that they say that he can start walking and putting weight on his leg.  He just wants to walk and I will catch him crawling on it from time to time, but he is so careful.  Saying he doesn't want to get in trouble by touching his toe to the ground.  He is such a good kid!  Tomorrow is his first day of moving up to the School Age Classroom! 

 

Casey just cracks me up as he has so many faces.  He can be surprised and angry and just make strange faces and I think that he practices!  Mark put a swim suit on him today that he use to wear with a diaper last year and it was fine... not so much now.. Mark thinks he is shrinking.  Folding the top over still doesn't keep that thing up.  Maybe next year for the Nemo suit.  Funny that was his suit when he turned 2, but not at 3...

Casey to Daddy - 'I want my belly to be big like yours.'

Connor at dinner when I gave two options for dessert, we had 1 juice pop or 2 ice cream sandwiches, 'Well... I will have the two ice cream sandwiches'.  Good choice!!

Casey after Mama and Papa mentioned that that this Christmas we would make our gifts.  Papa, 'What are you making, Casey?' Not even looking back in his carseat, 'Poop on a Stick'.

 

Connor had his first physical therapy appointment yesterday and it went great.  They said he was a different kid!  They did give me .5 lb weights to work with him at home on and an exercise sheet that we are to use to practice.  We plan on showing off to Mark tonight.  He just wants to start walking and we can't do that until we go back to the doct.  Which happens to be next Thurs, Sept. 2nd. 

 

 

We woke up to the excitement of going to visit Baby Brooklyn today and being able to swim for the first time in a really long time for Connor!  They were excited to get the day started.  We made it to Ben and Tabs about 10:30 and the kids were able to hold Brooklyn and check out her room and 'pet' her as Casey would say.  She is adorable, we are lucky to have such a cute kid in the family! 

 

We spent the day swimming and Mama and Papa's.  Connor had the floaties and lifevest on in the beginning, but eventually, I was getting braver and allowed him to take first the floaties off then everything else.  He was just doing so well!!  He was so happy to be able to go in and immediately put his mask on to swim underwater.  Then trying to dive was really hard with the lifevests, so they had to go.  I was so impressed.  He is our fish.  He was kicking and moving around everywhere, like nothing had ever happened to his leg.  I am sure he got some great exercise today.  Even after dinner, he asked if he could go back in the water.  Of course, I let him.  They were both asleep by 7:30 tonight.  What a great day!   

Casey to Me...,"Are you watching a movie or what?"

Casey sitting on Marks lap, "I want a big belly like yours"

Connor: "Do I look cool like I am a dude with this necklace and hat?"

Well, we are still in the process of setting up physical therapy.  Can you believe that it is taking so long!!  It has been two weeks since Connors surgery.  However, we brought his walker to school on Friday and he used it there just fine (along with his wheelchair).  Yes, I travel with things! 

 

Thursday after school (the kids first full day at school), we went to the Childrens Museum.  Both kids had a good time. We haven't been there too much over the summer, so it was a nice visit.  Yesterday, DeVry sponsored a Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and in 6 weeks raised 20,000 dollars!!  While we did not participate in the walk, we went to support and donated.  It was really inspirational and there was a lot of great people and things to do for the kids.  Lots of stuff to buy :) 

 

Baby Brooklyn is here and had her birthday this Monday.  I was able to go see her and Ben and Tab at the hospital and she is adorable.  They are going to be great parents and i can't wait for the kids to see their cousin in person.  We did skype the other day and they were able to talk to her and see her.  Congrats to Ben and Tab!!

Well, Connor went for his 1 week follow up last Thursday.  They said the bone was straight!!  Yeah.  But, they then said another 4 weeks of non-weight bearing.  Bummer...we thought that it would be the two weeks they initially said.  But, he is scooting around and making due.  I saw him scoot from the floor to the couch and stand on his good leg to get up on the couch today.  Amazing!  The doc also gave him the okay to take a shower!  Yes!!!  No pool or bath until next week though.  So, we will be making our way back to Mama and Papa;s next week for some real swimming.  (This weekend we visited and Connor was able to dip his legs in).

 

On Friday he went to his PT Evaluation and did well Mark said.  They sent some exercises home and we should hear back this week when we can go in for his appointments.  Hopefully, they can fit us in. 

 

Both kids go back to school tomorrow until about 11 or 11:30.  It will be an experience going back and dropping off.  Hopefully, I won't be too emotional and hopefully the kids will be kind and not leave him out.  Casey is super psyched about staring Preschool.  It is really cute. 

 

Connor was explaining a story to Mama and told her that the cat 'enslaved the dog'. Enslaved!!  He also told me the other day that the shirt I bought him was 'wicked'.  Casey has been cracking us up all the time as well.  Most recently, he was eating spicy food and told Mama - 'Be careful, it is hot on your tongue'.  Then, sticking his tongue out in pain said, 'It's hot agggaaaiiinnn..' 

 

 

 

We have been blessed by so many wonderful people that have been so thoughtful in keeping Connor in their prayers and trying to cheer him up.  Thank you to everyone who sent nice cards and/or gifts.  He has been kept busy and is so lucky. 

 

I am also so impressed everyday when I come home.  He has become stronger and stronger and his latest accomplishments are to stand on his 'good' leg for at least 50 seconds w/o stopping or leaning on his wheelchair.  He has a walker that he and Mark have been using to practice with.  He has gone at least 15-20 feet moving the walker and hopping on his good leg (sometimes Mark holds his broken leg, but he has started becoming braver and trying this on his own). I have seen him try to lift his leg from the laying down or sitting position, it is hard, but he can get about 3 inches off the ground when he concentrates.  He got a new wheelchair that is yellow, black and chrome and he thinks it is pretty cool (and it is).  There is a smiley face on the back seat.  He is in good spirits and wants to do more.  We are going in to a PT place on Friday for an initial Evaluation before it starts up for the next 3 weeks.

 

Today, Connor and Casey helped me wash my car.  They hosed it off and helped vacuum it.  Then they both sat in the backseat and pretended to go on vacation to Africa (??). Not sure why that seems like an ideal place to visit.  But maybe one day, they can go there.  Me, I'd like to go to Mexico again.

 

Casey starting singing 'Ohh what you do to me' at the dinner table tonight.  I don't know why that is so funny, but I love when he starts singing the Delilah song.  He also told us the other night that he was 'all the way filled' when he couldn't eat any more.  Finally, Con and Case were pushing and I made Connor move.  Casey then said, 'Thank you for saving me'. 

Tomorrow afternoon, Mark takes Con back to the doctor to see how he is doing 1 week after the surgery.  I am hoping for some more x-rays and some good news.  We have almost stopped giving pain medicine as well.  Today even marked the first day we took the bandage off of his leg to put a new one over the inside stitches.  He did look, but still couldn't see the scar beneath the little papers they put over the incision.  We are trying to show him other peoples scars to get him prepared for what it will look like. 

 

I am  nervous about Mark going back to work and starting daycare next week.  I wish we just had another week or two home until we could get walking under our belt.  I am sure he will love seeing his friends though. 

 

Today, we ate some breakfast late and then physical therapy came.  This woman was so wonderful.  She works with kids, so she was able to relate to Connor and used his silly bands to do the therapy - having it go over his knee and pop up and then using it for him to reach with his toes for flexibility.  It was definitely a long session where he worked.  There were tears of fear and pain, but she pushed him just right I think.  He sat up, tried moving by himself (scooting) and then she found a walker that he tried to use.  Both legs are so weak as he hasn't walked in over 2 almost 3 weeks.  So, holding himself up on his good leg was really hard.  Using his arms to hold himself up on the walker was hard too.  But, he did it.. after the fear and lots of distracting talk...wow.  I couldn't be more proud and so much more comfortable.  He is in his wheelchair now with both legs dangling down.  (Which is more flexibility in that knee than we have had yet!!) 

 

We will try to go to our special medical store on Monday to get a new wheelchair that fits him better now that he is not in the cast.  Then the walker, which will be used for therapy, but not walking until another 2 weeks yet.  We have progress and will be out of this hospital really soon!  He is smiling and laughing.  We are ready to take this new challenge on by ourselves. 

So, it did get better... We were able to get the script for Motrin to take in between the Tylenol and it has helped tremendously.  This afternoon, Connor had a visit from Papa and then physical therapy came at 2pm.  They had him sit on the end of the bed (screaming and crying) and he was not able to move his leg to a 90 degree angle sitting down.  It was being held out.  Then we tried to get him to stand on his good leg while holdin on to us.  This was hard as well.  He didn't put his good foot down and when he finally did, it was his toe.  But, this was a start...the nice nurse told him he would get a surprise for doing this and brought a popsicle out later.  At that point we were able to overlap the pain meds and he wasn't at his wits end every 4 hours when it was wearing off.  Whew...Connor and I decided to watch a movie (The Simpsons...not my choice) while Mark went to get us some new clothes and to the Medical Supply store to get the legs for the wheelchair.  (Didn't need it with the cast, but will need it now that the cast is off).  In fact, we wil be getting a pediatric walker from there at some point too.   

At about 6pm, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tim, Kaitlyn and Megan and Nana and Papa arrived.  They were a great distraction.  They played games and Connor was his happy normal self!!  Doctor Rabin came shortly after and said that the fevers and swelling was normal for only 2 days after surgery.  He did cut off the bandages and check it out.  Mark got a good look, the scar goes about all the way down his thigh.  Taking this off was traumatic and when they had to move him to rebandage, there was more crying and screaming.  But, the new bandage was not so tight which might help with the swelling.  We are icing it as well.  Dr. said we could go home or stay and do physical thereapy in the morning, so we are staying. 

 

This evening has been great, a complete change from this morning.  I am so happy.  I even moved him over a bit later this evening and he did fine.  Ahhh...

 

We talked to Mama, Papa, Gram, Ben and Tab and Casey a lot today.  Again, I love hearing Connor and Casey talk back and forth about whatever... movies, favorite colors, what they ate... I think we will all get a better sleep tonight.

Well, yesterday went pretty well, Connor ate his breakfast and then had a great nap (2 hours in the afternoon).  He didn't eat lunch - not hungry and the nap happened.  When he woke up he had a 101 fever and threw up all of his breakfast.  Trying to clean up was not fun as that involved rolling him over to change sheets, etc.  This was about 4pm.  Still no doctor. 

 

A little after 5, Dr. White (our 1st IL pediatric doctor) stopped by and he did not spend much time.  I feel like 1 minute.  We still weren't positive we were staying another night, but didn't want to go home as he wasn't doing well and we are not positive how to even move him yet.  So, he did say he would stay.  Ugh, I want Dr. Rabin.... anyway, Connor watched Goonies and we called home to talk to Casey and everyone.  They are cute when they talk to each other.

 

Mark slept with Con for most of the night and I switched off around 4pm.  This is when he had another fever.  This morning he has been in and out and crying.  His leg is about twice the size of the other one and so tight.  He moves his toes and ankle, but has not moved his leg.  He is getting pain meds every 4 hours (Tylenol with Codine).  We are going to see if getting some Motrin on top of that might help with the swelling.  We are trying ice on his leg now (while he is sleeping).  It has been emotional to say the least as he is so  uncomfortable today.  They said we will see physical therapy today at some point.  I am not so sure how that will go over, but looking forward to it none the less.  Mark says it can only get better... 

We arrived yesterday at Provena Mercy Medical Hospital at 10am for Connor's 11:30 appointment.  We had a lot of waiting to do, but Connor was kept busy with the iPod and when we were in the waiting room, the bed that went up and down and the tv.  We had great nurses who tried to engage him and keep us informed.  Nana showed up about 10:30 to wait with us.  At about 12:15, they came into the waiting room to take the cast off.  It was scary with the noise and the heat of the saw and Connor said forget it after a few minutes.  While it couldn't hurt his skin, it did touch it and not the best option for taking off the cast.  So, they took him back at about 12:30 to give him anestesia and take the cast off and get the surgery underway.  Dr. Rabin had come to talk to us before hand and Connor was his last surgery of the day so he could take all the time in the world (not that he needed it).  We all still felt pretty comfortable with him.  When the anestisiologist came in, they asked if Connor had any sicknesses in the last few weeks, we said no.  Connor was really engrossed in the tv, but looked up at this question and said.. 'Well... itchiness'  (Yes, this certainly felt like an illness for the last two weeks). 

 

So, there started our waiting...Papa arrived about 20 min. before they took Connor back. So, we all went to get something to eat as Mark and I had not eaten (because Connor couldn't) and were starving.  Then we waited in the lobby.  We got an update about 2pm saying it was going well, but they were still in there.  (Nice for the update).  Then Dr. Rabin came out about 4ish to tell us what they had to do.  He said that the bones had started healing, but as they were not straight and shifted down, they would have healed back short.  He couldn't do the flexible rods (nails).  So, the next option was the plate and screws (9 of them!).  This is the most solid fixture and what we need so that it doesn't shift back to grow back short.  However, this was more invasive as they had to do a larger incision down his thigh.  This will grow with him as he obviously has more growing to do.  He thinks the growth plates are still fine.  They will be able to tell more after a year.

 

Coming out of surgery was not pleasant.  Carrie warned us that he might not be himself and he was either scared or in pain.  I must say even having that warning, it was still hard for me to be waiting in recovery and not being able to help.  He did have an epidural in (yep, not pregnant, but those things should work).  It took about an hour after I got to the recovery room before they let us go to his room.  He was still out of it and just laying there.  We ordered dinner for him (no restrictions) - so he requested breakfast.  Unfortunately, by the time it came and he started eating it, it came back up.  We think his throat was still sore and it didn't even go all the way down.  (Another thing Carrie warned us about).  So, we moved on to dessert - ice cream!  He ate all of that so we requested more.  When the nice lady came back up with it, she said he had to say the magic words 'sprinkles'.  Which he did, but he thought he was going to get sprinkles.  And guess what... 5 minutes later they came back up with sprinkles.  He is a real charmer, this boy. 

 

So, Uncle Rob, Aunt Shannon, Jordan and Madison came to visit with some stuffed animals and silly bands.  They stayed only for a little bit as Connor was getting a bit sleepy.  By 8:15 everyone had left.  We watched some Wizards of Waverly Place and later tried to get some sleep.  Con and I together (awkwardly).  From what I remember, I made it back to my pull out bed at some point, but was up around 3:30 thinking he had a fever and then trying to move him (aiiiyyy he does NOT like to move that leg).  Then we tried to get more fluid in him for some time and I asked Connor about 5:30 if I could go back to my bed -- there really isn't much space in those beds.

 

This morning, he has eaten some French Toast (with sprinkles) and some bites of donut.  So, some solid food did go down.  He is just whiney and still saying there is some pain.  The doctor should be around to check on him either this morning or late afternoon.  Then we will see if we go home or stay again.  As he doesn't even want us to touch his leg or move it, I can see this being a problem if we go home.  (Give me strength).  So, more to come.... 

 

The lastest update in the Connor broken femur saga is that his bone has moved even more.  (See the lastes picture posted in the July -August 2010 photo album).  The new doctor, Dr. Rabin, that we went to see told us that the reason that it has shifted doesn't have to do with anything that anyone did.  It is from the aductor and abductor muscles pulling the bone in different directions.  There was no way of knowing that this is the way it was going to go, however, it doens't make me not think that we just wasted 2 weeks in a crazy cast.  But, this doctor has an impressive resume and specializes in fractures.  He teaches at Loyola and teaches others how to do this surgery.  (a little comforting)0.  He also rearranged his entire schedule to do this surgery today (8/4/10) first thing in the morning.  Unfortnately, we had to push it back from 8am to 11:30 as they couldn't get the right equiptment there in time. he spent lots of time with me answering questions and I did not feel rushed.  So, we are off this morning to Mercy Medical Hospital in Aurora.   

 

The best option is that Dr. Rabin will put flexible rods in his bones to straighten them.  No more cast and about 2-3 weeks for him to start walking w/o crutches/wheelchair.  If he finds that there is something else that we didn't see originally, he might have to put a plate and screws.  The last option is an external fixation that we don't want to think about right now.   

 

Connor knows what is going on and that even though his cast will come off that his bone will still be broken.  He knows that he is staying overnight tonight in a hopsital and thinks that is kind of cool.  Carrie called last night as well and told him all that he has to know about being in a hopsital (the cool bed with buttons, the bracelet that he will get with his name on it when he gets there and how he will have to count to 10 when they give him medicine to go to sleep.  She doesn't think he can get to 10, but he thinks if he counts fast that he can do it.  More to come on that).  No food or drink this morning, so we are all going without -- hmmm might be a long morning. 

 

Please be thinking of Connor, I know he will do great and I love him so much!  This doctor's goal is to get his leg back to how it was before.  That is our goal too.  With this surgery, there wouldn't be possible limping for a year or two or recasting.  These are all plusses in our book.

 

Also, thank you to mom and dad who have Casey and Homie.  I think Casey has been talking their ears off and Homie I am sure is quiet as a mouse.

What a good weekend.  We spent yesterday at our friend Caeli and Jason's house for a housewarming and then today at Pinocchio and at Lambs Farm.  Lambs Farm was hot!  But, we were able to visit the pet store where there was an iguana, huge turtle, lots of dogs/cats, parrots and fish.  Then we saw all the farm animals.  We got to brush the goats and lambs.  It was so funny.  These animals poop so much!  The kids were getting a kick out of it (and so was I).  We were dodging poop and then the goats loved rubbing against Connor's wheelchair. One goat was playing footsie with Papa and another tried to eat Mama's necklace!  It was a good time.  There was a cow that must have been on steroids, it was huge!  At least 7 ft tall with a collar on!  Wow, the kids were exhausted after that and Connor slept for 3 hours and Casey for 3 1/2. 

Last week they visited the zoo and tomorrow their plan is to visit school.  They can check out their new rooms, have the kids sign Connors cast and pick up a school supply list for Connor now that he will be in private K. 

Casey says, 'Sweet!' while thrusting his arm in a yes fashion.

Casey says to Mama and Papa as they are leaving, 'but are you leaving the chips?'  He's got his priorities you know...

So excited every time Connor did well on the Wii, 'Connor win again!' and would announce this to everyone while jumping up and down.

Connor saying, 'I don't want to be a giant' as he watched and felt his thigh swell on our way to the hospital (after breaking his femur).

Connor telling Mama that he was a teacher, then he whispered to Mark, 'I'm just kidding...'  (as if we didn't know :)

Casey using 'or what' after everything.  'Are you watching the movie or what?'

Connor to Uncle Ben, 'Did Baby Brooklyn come out yet?'

After stopping for icees, Casey said, 'I so lucky!'

Casey started singing, 'We are the champions, we are the champions, I am the champion...' in the backseat as there was nothing else going on in the car.

Nana telling Casey, you need shoes.  He replies with, 'Thank you though, I don't need shoes.'

Connor asked if he could see Bolt 2.  Mark said there wasn't a Bolt 2.  He then asked if he could see Bolt 3.  Mark tried to explain that they sometimes don't make second or third movie.  So, he thought about it and then asked if he could see Despicable Me 2... Good listening...

Casey has been repeating 'Hey you Guys..' from Goonies all the time lately.

We went back up to Indiana last Thursday to finish our vacation and had a good time.  We were able to still play with everyone and Connor even went on golf cart rides (in the front seat).  They played Wii, watched movies, ate lots of ice cream, had a relay race/water balloon toss (with a poncho over Con's legs), and made tie dye shirts. 

 

Mark took Connor back to the doctor last Monday.  He took more x-rays to see if the bone was still in place and unfortunately, the bones have shifted.  Unbelievable.  I don't really know how bones can shift when you have 1/2 your body casted!  I was so sad.  It has been really emotional going through all of this and trying to make his life normal and being there to help him do those normal things - pick things off the ground, move to sit up, go to the bathroom, etc.  When he itches (which is crazy - how long have they had casts and why haven't they solved this problem yet?), it is so hard as you can't do anything.  There have been about two days where he has mentioned some pain.  Today was a good day.  We will see about the night - those have been our challenges.

 

He has been doing really well though.  We have been playing baseball and boy can he hit that ball!  We even ran bases and tried to teach him about strikes and foul balls today.  It was fun.  Nana and Papa brought over lots of art supplies, so anything to keep his mind off of thinking about it is perfect.  We are so lucky to have such supportive families and friends.  Our next appointment with a different Specialist in Fractures for Pediatric patients in on Tuesday.  (I wish it was earlier).  He will see where the bone is at and discuss surgery options.  We believe this would be a plate and screw surgery.   

 

Connor said this the other day, 'I didn't mean to fall off' and 'I should have held on'.  It just breaks your heart. 

 

Casey, on the other hand, is not treating Connor any differently.  He is growing up so much.  I talked to him on the phone today and he sounds like Connor.  Talking in full sentences and being witty.  He has such big belly laughs that it is contagious.  Mark took him to the doctor today for his 3 year check up and he is in the 3rd percentile for weight (26 lbs) and 15th for height.  He is such a little guy, but he is starting to have a big mouth.  He wants to be heard and will state his opinion. 

 

Wish us luck on Tuesday.

Wow, we have been so busy since we got home on Monday afternoon!  We went immediately to our Pediatric Orthopedist and were there for about 3 hours.  They took more x-rays to see that it was sitting okay in the cast.  The doc was wearing a read shirt and a lime green tie.  A little loud, but he said basically the same thing the IN doct said.  Surgery is an option, but it would be two surgeries.  One to put the plates and screws in and one a year later to take them out.  But no cast.  He didn't recommend for kids under 5.  And we decided against it.  Connor is doing well with the cast and he doesn't need unnecessary surgery.  After that appt. we went on a hunt for a wheelchair.  We found a great place in Wheaton that was so friendly.  Con tried out about 4 chairs and they kept going back to get others.  They found a lightweight one that he can work so easily.  While I was talking to insurance, they were reading every greeting card to Connor and taking him to see the other cool toys in the store. He was into the chair and so am I.  I like that he has some freedom. 

 

The next day, Mama, Papa, and Great Grama came up with surprises.  New pants and some cool superhero shirts.  We have raided Marks drawstring shorts/pants for Connor to wear.  Mark says he knew Con would be wearing his clothes one day, just not this soon. We went for a quick walk outside, played lots of Wii (they brought Monkeyball which Connor can't stop playing and Casey yells 'Connor win again!!' and jumps up and down every time he does good).  After dinner, we roasted smores over the stove.  Sooo yummy.  (Connor really wanted to do this as we didn't get a chance to do this in IN.). 

 

On Wednesday, Con went with me to Bed, Bath and Beyond to pick up a present.  He was great and held the gifts on his lap and next to him.  (My own personal shopping cart).  Then Hope and Lisa from work came to have lunch with us.  They signed his cast (of course).  Paige and Logan and Carter arrived around 2ish bearing fun gifts.  The kids played with the Spiderman balloon (a huge one) for quite some time last evening.  so much so that the 10 foot strings came off. But, Casey and Logan played with the train table - Logan was way into it.  Connor now has a new Ironman waterbottle that he loves and a plate among many other things.  Paige also made cupcakes and we were able to decorate them together.  Do I have great friends or what?? They piled on the spiderman candies and sprinkles and gummies.  A kids dream!  Later, we went outside to water flowers and Connor and I played catch.  he has quite the arm.  We also did bubbles.  Con would do them and Casey would chase them down.  too funny.  Finally, if this day weren't jam packed already, we got a call later in the eveingn from Connor's friend Joey's mom Martne.  So, they sotpped over for a bit and signed Con's cast and played games.  Connor even spent some time on his belly (I am so proud of him).  What a great day.  Unfortunately, the itching has set in though.  Wow, the hairdryer trick is not working so well -- any ideas anyone??

 

When we turned our mail back on yesterday one of hte first items we got was a card from one of his nurses in IN.  It was from her personal address and had some sitckers and a nice note in it.  How sweet!!!  Today, we are gong to head back to IN till Saturday.  We will surprise the cousins.  More to come on that later. 

 

We went up to Lake of the Woods, IN on Saturday morning and the kids were so excited!  Casey woke up saying, 'cation!'  Once we arrived, the kids were immediately down by the water scoping it out.  We had a speed boat this year to play with, in addition to, a wave runner.  Oh the toys!!  As we tried to unpack, Tim took the kids and the dogs into the water.  (Which is so nice - it is shallow up till past the pier.  Casey can stand).  Homie and Payton were loving the water!  We staked the dogs in the yard and Payton was so anxious to get back to the water that he pulled the stake out and dragged it after him as he leapt back into the water.  (Crazy dog). 

 

The ladies took a trip to Walmart to go shopping (luckily this year there was no fainting spells by anyone).  We did, however, have to stop as there was a deer nursing her fawn in the middle of the road.  Then on the way home, we saw a horse drawn carriage being driven by 3 Amish boys - the oldest was maybe 9 (?). 

 

Back home, we went for a few speed boat rides and then had some dinner.  Nana and Papa came up and the kids tried to collect lightning bugs.  Then they tried to get me to watch Twilight.  About 1/2 way through I fell asleep.  Maybe I'll attempt that again one day. 

 

In the morning, it was not sunny, but the kids were back in the water!  We did a little baseball (and Casey had his feet taken out by Payton and his chain -- Bad placement of the baseball game.) and collected bugs -- mostly ants.  The afternoon there was an isolated storm which had high winds -- so high that it split the next door neighbors tree in half!  Not just a little tree...crazy.  Mark and the boys finally got the waver runner working.  They had tried many things including a new battery and starting fluid, etc.. Finally, we all had a chance to go out.  The kids loved it.  Connor more than Case.  But two years ago Casey had fallen asleep when he went for his ride on the wave runner.

 

After dinner, most of us went to Eddies to get ice cream.  The kids walked on the way there and on the way home took the golf cart.  When we were just about into the driveway from walking back, we heard Connor screaming that he broke his bone.  He had fallen off the back of the golf cart (in our yard next to the house).  He was holding his thigh and it was instantly swollen.  We rushed him into the car and down to the Bremen Community Hospital.  He was so brave and thanking me for holding him.  He was in obvious extreme pain.  They had to take some x-rays, which weren't fun - but then Connor asked to see them and they brought them in for him to view.  They said he had fractured his right femur.  They were bringing an orthopedic doctor in to give him a hip spica cast.  It goes around his waist and 1/2 way down his good leg and down to his foot on his bad leg.  Between the knees is a bar that we can use to lift him.  It is not ideal - but it is blue!  We got to the hospital around 8:30 and got home at midnight.  The night was rough.  But, this morning when he woke up, all of the kids signed it.  We are headed back home and plan to see a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon this afternoon for a second opinion on what to do next.  Thankfully, Mark is off this summer and can be with him.  We are in need of a wheelchair to get around the house though.  I can't tell you how proud I am of him and how brave he is.  The nurses even put bandages on his doggie (that Rob and Nana brought out to him) so they could be the same.

Casey had a great birthday weekend.  On Saturday, he woke up to find a Spiderman bike, helmet and bell.  We then spent the rest of the day with Aunt Kathy, Megan and Kaitlyn at a carnival in Westchester.  There were a ton of rides for the kids to play on.  It was hot, but luckily we hitched a ride back the car on a golf cart on the way home. 

 

Sunday was his party and there was Spiderman and Iron Man everwhere.  His head was pasted on a picture of Spidey and Ironman.  He called this Spiderman Casey and Iron Man Casey.  Mom organized the kids to play lots of field day games and she is so good at it.  They were moving along and having fun.  The kids played with Water shooters and then a Spiderman Sprinkler that shot water out of his hands.  More amusing was watching Koda play with it.  She would not leave it alone -- too funny.  Case was thorougly excited by every present he opened.  Connor even said at one point.  "We always wanted this bed tent!"  (He is so funny, yesterday he asked Casey if he wanted a thing he saw on TV and Casey said yes.  Then he thought about it and said, "Do you want 2?"  - Case said yes.  That boy is very sneaky). 

 

Other funny things said by Casey:

While opening presents, "I can't do it, this one is tricky"

"I'm little Iron Man" after putting on his new Iron Man costume.

To Tabitha while she was holding baby Ryanne, "Your baby came out?" -- Not quite... 

Today, we switched out cars at my work.  Mark brought the kids and they staying in the car as we switched.  As I opened the door Casey says, 'Secrets are not to be told'.  Interesting... I asked him if he had a secret.  Then I asked Connor if what he bought me for my birthday and he shyly looks at Mark and says 'I can't tell you!' in a sing songy voice.  Apparently Mark had been coaching them all day on what to say to me. 

Then at home Connor found a measuring tape and wanted to measure me.  He told me to stand where I was and continue what I was doing while he measured.  Then he got the stool from the bathroom and set it next to me pulled out the tape measure and said that I was too tall, he couldn't get my head. 

I just want to squeeze these boys so much.

This last week was so fun with the boys.  I wish I had the summer off to enjoy it with them more (I was definitely spoiled with one whole week off last week). 

At soccer practice Connor has been doing great and they have started scrimmage games/drills.  He will steal the ball from the kids and run down the field - running like a mad man.  Casey, however, is not as interested.  He will sit on his ball until coaxed into doing the drill.  They also went to gymnastics camp where Mark was working and got to hang out on the cool equiptment.  There was also Cheerleaders there and Mark looked over at one point and Connor was sitting on top of a mat just talking to a few of them casually.  (He has a way with the pretty girls). 

 

We have also started a Reading Chart for Connor and if he reads for 15 minutes at a time (sounding words out or just reading), he can color in an arrow that takes the Worm to the Books.  After reaching to Books last Thursday, he was so excited and we were very proud.  He is doing so good reading the words, I am just so impressed by him every day.  His prize was to go to see a movie -- the Karate Kid.  It was a very cute flick.  We had a large popcorn that we all shared and Casey held.  Casey put away so much popcorn, Mark says that he ate more than his body mass.  Mark would reach for some and Casey would either say, 'That's it, Daddy.' or cover it and say 'No more for you, Daddy.'  :) 

 

This weekend, we came to Mama and Papa and Grama's and went to the Fox Lake parade on Saturday morning.  It was hot, but great!  Man, my kids can collect the candy!  They are way into it too!  We then swam in the afternoon and had bought some of the diving sticks.  Connor hardly takes a breath as he goes down after each one.  He is an underwater machine.  Mama says it is like he is dunking himself, how fast he gets up from under the water and goes back down.  Cannonballs are the new trick (off the side of the pool and sliding down the slide cannonballs).  We then went to the Peterson Park fireworks and hung out with Ben, Tab (and some of her family) and Jason and Lindsay.  It was great - a great show and great company.  Casey kept trying to catch the fireworks and then was pretending to eat them.  They both kept talking all day about how excited they were for the fireworks.  While Casey sat with me, Connor sat with Tabitha's cousins Tiana and Katina - again cuddling up to the cute girls in the group.  He is really something!  Eating apples this morning, Casey kept saying, 'These are delicious!' 

Looking forward to enjoying the rest of this long weekend with family!

Woke up early on Thursday to drive back to Aurora for soccer practice and the kids did SO good!  They were great listeners and talked when the coach was asking questions and did so well. I was so proud of them.  The hour long practice had quite a few (self made) water breaks by Casey :).  Came home and played in the pool and went to Ft. McHenry.  This park is amazing!  It was very hot though.  Later that evening, we went helped pick up Baby Brooklyn's new dressers and helped put one together.  It looks great.  On our way to Ben and Tabs  to put this stuff together, Connor was saying how he wanted to go there and after hearing this a few times, Casey says, 'I know, I know... Relax!'  HA, I love it!!  Casey has also been all about Baby Brooklyn, he says cute things about her and keeps asking if she is coming out.  (Not for another 7 weeks).

 

Today, Uncle Rob and jordan and Madison came over to play in the pool.  We also had Tab and Joe and Shelly stop over, it was great to catch up and just relax in the nice weather.  Then we were off to the Wonder Lake Ski Show only to find out when we got there that it was cancelled by the health department due to high levels of ecoli in the lake.  So, we had to head off to do something else fun -- Dairy Queen!!  Then a kid friendly movie of the Tooth Fairy - not the best flick ever.  Tomorrow is our last day and I will be so sad.  Connor is so brave, he has been learning how to swim w/o his lifevest.  He can swim underwater great (with his mask on). and spent a lot of time today swimming to touch the bottom of the pool.  I have fish for kids.  They have been so cuddly and wonderful and I am so lucky. 

Had a great time at Rob and Shannon's on Sunday.  The kids played on the trampoline and we celebrated Father's Day and Madison's 8th birthday. 

Monday, we hung out by the pool all day and then decided to go tothe drive in to watch Toy Story 3 and the Karate Kid.  Ben and Tab and Gram joined us and we had a hot evening.  We tossed the ball around before the movie and snacked.  A little into the movie it started to rain, so we moved inot the van and into Ben and Tab's car.  Then it really started raining.  (and there was mosquitos!! the poor boys have so many bites we had to go buy calamine lotion). When we finally closed the back of the van, it was hard to see as the windows kept fogging up and we had to keep the wipers going.  Ben and Tab ended uop leaving to take Gram home and we were going to tough it out till the end of the movie.  But, then the power went out.  5 minutes later it came back on, but we heard tornado sirens.  So, we moved the the consession stand bathrooms and stayed there for a bit.  After a while, we drove home, but the radio station kept saying move to the nearest building and take shelter.  (Repeatedly!)  It freaked me out.  But, we made it home and sought shelter in the basement.  No tornado hit us, thank god.  But really, there are way too many warnings lately.  It is a good thing we had so many talks with Connor about tornados these last 3 weeks, as now he knows exactly what to do.  But, he was so frightened of them before this week.  Now, it's just a normal occurance.  Anyway, it was an adventure at the drive in and we missed the last 20 minutes of the movie.  Looked cute though.

 

Tues, we went to Great America with the kids (my work took us all there).  It was fun and HOT!! They did the Wizzer and Connor did the Demon.  Then we did lots of other littler rides including the Fiddlers Fling and the log rides (which Casey got SOAKED!! and loved it.)  I sat with Con on this ride and said, 'Unbelievable' as we sat in the front seat.  He says, 'Believable! You are going to get wet'.  Nice...   When we got home, we swam -- but the water was up to 90 degrees -- ugh not refreshing on a hot day.  But, we floated anyway.  Then Ben and Tab, Gram and the rest of us went to Chili's for some supper.  Tab sprayed perfume on before we left and Casey said, 'Why do you have lotion on?'  She said, 'It's not lotion, it's perfume'.  He says, 'Ewwww.. yuck!' 

 

Today, we lazied around as it was raining and gross.  They played the Wii and we went mini golfing this afternoon.  Then the rain started, there was another tornado warning until 9pm.  Hopefully, it is dry enough tomorrow as I am driving back home to bring the kids to Soccer Practice at 9am.  Can't wait to see it - this will be the only one I get to see as normally I will be working. 

Having a great time.

Yesterday was the first day of vacation!  What a great day.  We woke up and played some air hockey and shuffle bowling and played on the bouncy.  Then we all went for a bike ride to the horses.  Unfortunately, Casey, fell off his bike and was not happy the rest of the way to the horses.  (Thank goodness he was wearing a helmet though).  After that we swam and swam.  Connor, Grama and I played croquet after naptime and Connor beat all of us.  We swam again later and watched a movie later that night. 

Things said today:

Connor playing bowling 'More power!' and 'Oh no...a split.  I'll never get those' -- he's 4!

Casey in the pool insisted on addressing me as Mary Jane while he was Spidey.  (gram was Aunt Mae.

Biking with Connor: Me:  'There's a dragonfly'; Connor, 'Oh no, don't blow fire!'

 

Today, we are headed to Rob and Shannon's and the guys are going golfing.  We just plan to relax and watch the kids.  Can't wait, just hope the rain holds off.

Today was Connor and Casey's first Cubs game.  We met up with Uncle Rob, Jordan, and Madison and drove in together.  We watched batting practice and Con took a little nap til the second inning.  It was an exciting game that the Cubs won in the bottom of the 9th inning.  The cheer of the crowd woke up Casey.  Con did great singing take me out to the ballgame, and Go Cubs Go!  They had typical baseball food, hotdogs, peanuts, and crackerjacks.  We all took home bobble heads to help us remember our first Cubs game. 

Went bowling with the kids last night.  It was part of the Kids Bowl Free in Chicago.  We had to pay for bowling shoes and ended up eating pizza there (so not so free, but fun).  In the lanes next to us was a little league baseball team who had gotten rained out of their game.  They were so into Casey and Connor as they bowled.  They would oohh andn ahh as the ball slowly went down the lane and when it knocked over some pins, they would jump up and down and ask for high 5's.  It was so great.  There were about 10 of them and this happened for about 8 frames.  I think more bowling will be in our future this summer. 

 

On another note, there was tornado warnings all over the tv last night for towns south of us.  Connor was very concerned.  H ewanted to know if Ironman could get rid of a tornado andwhere to go if one came and what people w/o basements did.  This morning he decided that it would be best if tornados only existed on other planets.  I agree. 

He has also been saying 'My bad, my bad..' if he screws something up.  Casey has been obsessed with giving kisses (butterfly, then eskimo, then a princess kiss followed by a big hug), which I am WAY okay with. 

We spent the day at Mama and Papa's and swam in a 90 degree pool.  It was amazing.  Both Connor and casey wanted to swim by themselves.  Connor did some backard and forward rolls in the water by himself and can swim underwater with his facemask for LONG amounts of time.  He was also very brave about going down the slide.  Casey wanted to swim without a lifevest, but I think he has to wait a few years. 

 

Connor also had his first Ice Cream man experience.  It was going so fast, it almost passed us up, but good thing that Mama knows how to whistle to slow them down. 

 

On a side note, Casey told me yesterday when I picked him up that he missed me.  Awwww....

What a great weekend.  Saturday we picked up Megan and Kaitlyn and went to a softball game at Maine West.  It was hot!!  But, a good time.  Then we came back home and Mom and Dad McElligott and Kathy and Tim joined us for a cookout.  We made monkey cupcakes - good thing Kath was there as I would have not figured that whole thing out.  But, I was inspired by my friend Kelly's cupcakes, and while these did not turn out like hers, they were still very good. 

 

Sunday, we met up with my cousin Megan and her twin boys Ryan and Jake (both 2) at the Shedd Aquarium.  I don't remember the last time I have been there, but it was very cool.  The Fantasea show was great and the kids were happy to see the whales, dolphins, and seals.  We met up with Jeff (Megan's husband) for lunch at Ed Debevicks.  I'd forgotten what a fun that was!  I was amazed at how quickly her kids warmed up to me and let me hold them.  It's too bad they don't live closer.  This evening the kids played with the next doore neighbors (11, 8, 5) and we cooked out together.  It is something new for us to have them play together and run from yard to yard, but it's also comforting to have more friends for the kids so close.  The last week they have been barefoot and dirty from jumping on trampolines, bouncies, playing soccer and on the playground area. They are outside kids!

 

Tomorrow we are off to my Mom and Dad's to swim and enjoy the last day off before the workweek begins again.  I can't wait!

What an awesome weekend.  The weather was perfect.  We spent the afternoon yesterday breaking out the summer toys - slip n slide and plastic pool.  Casey walked down the slip n slide cautiously but many times.  Connor just ran down it and jumped in the pool of water at the end.  Sunday, we spent the morning outside - kids playing with the neighbors on their trampoline and in the sprinkler and a little soccer.  We then packed up to go to Medievil Times.  What a blast.  Connor said it was his 'first castle'.  They really got into 'booing' the bad knights and cheering for the black and white knight.  I even was thrown a flower from my knight - so dreamy!  Very fun.  Then we wrapped it up with some scooter rides around the block and some relaxing.  I got to finish a book and start a new one.  What a great start to summer!

Casey is obsessed with his pajamas.  He will change them repeatedly during the course of an evening and get thoroughly upset if they get wet (from a spill).  Our bedroom ends up being a PJ graveyard every morning.  Thank god they have a few to choose from.

 

Connor started singing 'I kissed a girl and I liked it' at dinner the other night (weird coming from him) and then proceeded to tell us that he was NOT Riley's boyfriend, he was Tabitha's.  (Watch out Ben)

 

I lost my voice this last weekend and Connor tells me that I sound silly.  I told him that I sound better when I whisper.  He thinks about this and says, 'Well... maybe you should shut your mouth all day.'  Mark might appreciate that solution.

 

Is it weird that Casey insists on wearing his underpants on backwards in order to see the pictures?

 

Connor to Mark, 'Mommys don't fart, they puff.'

 

I asked the boys, 'Who's going to vaccuum?'.  Connor says, 'That's a mommy job'  (What?  When did we get jobs??)

 

I was talking to Casey in one room and Connor was waiting for his turn to speak from the bathroom...'Mommy...mommy...I am raising my hand...'

 

 

 

I had a great weekend with my family!  Saturday we got up and did some roller skating outside before really getting ready for the day.  Then Uncle Tim came over and we put him to work with Mark while we took Homie to the vet.  After a nice nap, we wen to see Ironman 2!  The kids were so excited as we just watched the first one.  Ironman and Spidy might be neck and neck now as the favorite superhero.  Connor can recite lines from the movie (he's only seen it once) to Uncle Ben (who also loves this movie).  sunday, we lazied around and got haricuts (too short), did some errands and went to a carnival with Nana, Papa and Megan.  it was fun.  Then another nice nap and we took the bikes out as a family and took the Prairie path to the river.  We stopped at a part on the way and then skpped rocks in the river.  We only had one near miss with Connor jumping off his bike, Mark thinking it is okay to pop wheelies on his bike while pulling the bike trailer (and tippling the entire thing), and Casey chasing geese. 

 

Mark was able to spend time playing with Connor individually (games) and I was able to do art projects with Casey.  Who is getting really good at cutting paper!  Casey is still way obsessed with his pajamas.  If he could wear every single pair in his drawer at once, he would.  He will change a few times a night if he can.  His potty training is pretty much done.  He goes all day and even wakes up in the morning dry (mostly).  I might give it one more week at night in pull ups before I take those away.   

Connor:  'I gotta poop... all that sugar is making me poop.'

Casey to Kaitlyn:  'You are my friend.'

Connor:  (At school they were talking about their mommy's names) 'My mommy has 2 names:  Mommy and Abbey, but I am not allowed to call her that.'

Casey: (On a card sent home from school for mothers day): 'I love Mommy. We go to Target.  My mommy plays with toys and cleans up the kitchen, and plays on the ground with me and Connor.  Mommy makes food.'  (Mark disagrees with the last sentence.)

Connor: (At school there were free samples of pizza as we were walking out of the building.  I told them they could each have a piece) Con pauses and says, 'Don't we have to order it?'

Connor: (At dinner with Mama, Papa and Grama after a waitress passed and he was ready to go) 'There goes a human!'  (As opposed to... aliens??)

Connor:  'Casey is putting the rocks in the hole.'  Us:  'Well tell him to put the rocks back.' Connor: 'That is not my job, that is your job.'  (????? when did we get assigned jobs?)

 

 

Mark and I have been prepping for this Aztec Assault (a 5K) since about Januaryish.  Today was the day and we all made it.  It was so much fun.  A great day (although all of us are burned).  There were obstacles of going through tires, swinging on a rope over mud, climbing large bales of hay, hurdling pallets, walking planks and crawling through mud.  Mark and Paige took off and did amazing, Caeli and Jason did great too.  Mom and I brought up the end.  About halfway through themud puddle mom just started rolling in it.  It was fantastic and i don't think I have laughed so much in a really long time.  Good times with good friends.  I think this is something we may do again, for sure.

The boys in the meantime had a great time with Nana and Papa.  I can't believe all the things they packed into one day, mini golf, shopping for shoes, monkey joes bike riding and the park all before 5:30pm.  Amazing!   Madison also had her 1st Communion this weekend and looked just stunning.  We are all very proud of her. 

This weekend we went to Maine West to see Joseph and the Amazing Technocolor Dreamcoats with Mama/Papa and Grama.  During the part where Joseph's brothers sold him as a slave, Connor says loudly after the clapping has stopped, 'I am not clapping for that because they were being mean'.  A little while later, the Pharot's wife was dancing seductively with pelvic thrusts and Connor says, 'What IS she doing?'  He is so honest and funny. 

 

We also went to the Special Olympics gymnastics meet this weekend as Mark was judging the rings.  The boys both liked playing outside much more than actually watching the events.  But, it was very neat. 

 

Today as Mark is reading Connors daily sheet, he says, 'Con...'  He says, 'I am sorry...'  Mark says, 'Do you even know what I am talking about?'.  Connor says, 'I had a rough morning...'

Mark had a hard time keeping a straight face though that one. 

This weekend was jam packed.  The boys had their cousins, Megan and Kaitlyn sleep over.  They played outside, Mark made an awesome fort, and just had a fun time playing with each other.  We also tried out peanut butter and jelly on graham crackers, it was so fantastic and my new favorite. 

Sunday, we went up to Spring Grove and it was a gorgeous day.  We went on a walk to feed the horses and the boys were so kind and gave some of their carrots to another little boy checking out the horses.  Tab, Mom and I went to an Art store and on the way there had a run in with a puddle and my car.  It led to an unexpected shower for mom as her window was slightly open.  It was hilarous (Sorry mom).

 

This week at school, it is National no TV week (I think).  Anyway, we spent the night playing every game that we own.  So during Twister, Mark and Connor were up and Connor says to Mark, 'I'm going to eat you for breakfast!'  Seriously, where does he get this stuff. 

Con and Case had a sleepover on Friday while we had a date night.  Nana and Papa took them to see How to Train Your Dragon and out for dinner.  They had  a good time. 

 

Some other fun quotes from these kids are:

Connor kisses my belly and says 'Are you having a baby?'  This is not the first time he has done this.  I think I need to start working out more...

 

Casey after daddy was eating spicy hot popcorn, 'It's hot!, blow on it daddy'  Mark 'That won't help, Casey'.  Casey then blew on the popcorn.  It didn't help...

 

I had said no to two Mickey Mouse pancakes and Mark said, 'Come on baby..'.  So, Casey looks at me and bats his eyes and says, 'Come on'.  It cracked everyone up.  Yes, we got two sets of Mickey Mouse pancakes.

 

I asked Connor what he wanted to be when he grew up and he thought about it for a minute and said, 'A waiter'.  I asked why not a doctor or a vet and he said he wanted to serve people.  He is going to make one heck of a husband isn't he? 

We had an awesome weekend up in Spring Grove.  We went to an Easter Egg hunt on Saturday and even met the Easter Bunny!  It was cold, but worth it.  Both kids picked up their 10 eggs in about 10 seconds.  The next day after a sleep over, The bunny left a mesage for the kids that there was a surprise inside the house and there was a ton more eggs.  They were ridiculously excited.  Jumping up and down as they picked up eggs and squealing in delight.  Especially Connor. 

 

Some of the things Con has said lately are:

After tooting, 'PU!  Mommy, come and smell this.'  -- yuck...

At Nana's work in her board room, Connor grabbed the microphone and said loughly 'Ladies and Gentleman...'  Is this a circus boy or what?

 

Today on the way home, I was talking to Papa (who is out buying a rocker for Ben and Tab) and I asked if they were going to get a glider or a recliner.  Connor yells from the back of the car, 'Get a Glider, that is what the Green Goblin has!'  Everything can relate back to Spiderman...

 

Casey is doing so good on the potty.  I am very proud of him and pretty soon it will be underpants all day.  Maybe if he can do a week at daycare and be dry.  He is also shrugging his shoulders a lot.  It is so funny. 

Casey has said two very funny things these past few days...

The first is saying, 'I want to go to Old MacDonalds'  when referring to McDonalds.

Then today at dinner Mark was blowing on Casey's Mac and Cheese and Casey said, 'Don't eat my mac and cheese, Daddy.  It will make me so sad.'

 

This is Mark's Spring Break so the kids will be having so much fun hanging out doing whatever they want.  Tonight they spent this nice cold 50 degree day in the sandbox  and apparently taking the sand for a ride down the slide.  Aiiyyy...  It is very cute that they get along so well.  They are always with each other, even if it always ends up in someone crying, they still want to be around each other. 

We went to an Orchesis show at MW on Friday and it was great.  The kids choreographed their dances and were in charge of making or buying their costumes and they had programs that had dedications in it.  It was so similar to circus.  The boys had a good time, but were ready to go when it was over at 9:30.  At the intermission the boys got very large suckers.  When someone asked Casey what flavor his was, he said, 'Pink'.  Then she asked, but what does it taste like.  He said, 'Good'.  It made me laugh .

On another note, Casey has pooped on the potty three times this weekend!!  All by himself in 'Privacy'.  Connor is so proud of him and will say this repeatedly and get ecited for him.  Let's hope this stays exciting. 

Today should be fun as I have a Baby shower to go to and Connor and Casey are off to a Birthday Party.  After that, we will be meeting everyone to celebrate Nana and Jordan's birthday.  A day for celebration :)

This last week we were able to enjoy going to Key Lime Cove with all of the aunts/uncles and cousins.  Connor and Casey had a blast.  They had a countdown going every morning in anticipation.  There were only two injuries throughout the course of the two days.  Madison had an incident with a door that left her with an inured toe, a call to the EMT doctors, and a great looking bandage.  Casey had the other injury (which left noone surprised) on Sunday.  He fell at the top of the kid slide right on some concrete rocks and Kathy ran to save him as I was waiting for him at the bottom of the slide.  He was bleeding from his nose and mouth.  I ran to find the First Aid place and noone was there.  I had to barge in and show them that he was bleeding!  Ugh.  But, all was well.  He was back up on those slides in no time. 

The kids got some miniture hamsters at school that are pretty cool.  They like to go check them out every day.  On the way to school on Friday, Casey's pants were falling down and I was singing 'Pants on the Ground' to him.  Con and Case now know the chorus and will sing it on occasion.  Too funny.

 

This weekend, we went to Mark's school for a carnival.  The kids friends, Molly and Kenzie were there and they had so much fun running from bouncies and fishing games, to bozo buckets and hockey games.  We now have lots of small little plastic toys that will soon find their way to the garbage :)  Today, we spent some quality time with Paige, John, Logan and Carter.  Carter is 5 weeks old and so cute!  He is an incredibly good baby, both of Paige's boys are though.  Casey insisted on saying he was the baby and wanted to sit in Carter's bouncy chair.  Connor was just interested in Paige and I stopping talking so he could hear the tv. Nice.

 

Connor Sayings

Connor: 'I always have a good rememory!'  (He really does, this child remembers everything!!!)

 

Connor: 'Daddy, I know what hamburgers are made out of... Ham!'

Daddy: 'No actually, ham comes from a pig, hamburger comes from a cow.'

Connor: 'I know what else cows make - milk!  Do you know where milk comes from?...a cow's penis'

(Not quite...) 

We had a busy weekend, spending Saturday at the mall at Build A Bear for the first time.  Very cool.  They named their puppies 'Woof Woof' (Casey's Star Wars Puppy) and 'Spiderman' (Connor's Batman Puppy).  Very original.   We then met up with some of my friends from home and had a great time at dinner.  Sunday, Mama, Papa and Great Gram came before our snowstorm here and we went to eat at Chili's and then out to Hollywood Palms to see the Lightning Thief.  This was a very cool theater as you can eat real food (or alcohol) during the movie and you are sitting in high back leather chairs.  Each theater is different and decorated to the max.  We just happened to be in the Disney one with all of the superheros and Scooby Do.  It was perfect!

 

Here are some of the funny things the kids have said this week...

Casey (falling asleep on the way to Nana's) 'I'm NOT falling asleep, Daddy!  I'm fine!'

Connor 'Duh' after I told him something  (Is that really coming back???)

Casey after I put on some washable tattoos ' I have three tats!'

Connor during the Lightning Thief (after someone said 'It can't get any worse than being in hell) Loudly after everyone stopped laughing... 'What was that all about?!?'

I overheard Casey saying the other day, 'That's not cool...'  It made me laugh.  Then randomly at the dinner table last week, he looks at me with his sweet little voice and says, 'Mommy, your butiful'  AWWWWWW!!!  Mark was even shocked.  So, then Con told him he was handsome :)  Mark had a snow day last week so they got to stay home and play and due to President's Day on Monday they will be off again.  Lucky them! 

 

Ben and Tab stopped over last week and the kids were able to put Ben to work playing and showing him lots of stuff.  Koda was introduced to Big Sasha (who we are watching) and Homie.  As she is getting bigger, she is starting to get braver.  I was able to show Tab the entire 1/2 of our crawl space with stuff that will eventually be in their house :) 

This weekend, we had a playdate with one of Connor's friends, Joey.  We went to a bouncy place (Airtastic) and had a great time.  Case has no fear, which is not anything new to us, but still surprises me when he jumps from so high up or bounces and flips this way and that.  We had a great time and finished it off by going to Steak and Shake (kids eat free on the weekends!). 

 

The kids had their Valentine's Day parties at school and Connor made a beaded keychain for Mark.  Very nice!  They had so much junk but were really happy!  What a good day.  We are working with Connor on sounding words out and it is going really well.  He likes to try it out and is excited when he gets what the word is.  I hope he stays excited about it.  He can also write all his letters, really only having trouble with Y and L (which sometimes looks like an I).  He is growing up so fast and has the most amazing memory - he can remember something from a year ago or farther, it is unreal. 

 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

Well, this weekend was jam packed. We went to Mama, Papa and Great Grama's house and visited the horses and fed them carrots.  What a blast -- those horses have big mouths!!!  We then met up with Uncle Ben and Aunt Tab and had pizza and peanuts (which we could throw on the floor) and played some video games at Tammy's Pizza.  

Sunday, we had a family day as Mark is still in gymnastics season which means he has a LOT of meets.  Only about 2 weeks left.  :)  We went to All Aboard Diner in which they bring your food by a train.  Awesome atmosphere.  Unfortunately, Connor had a fever when he woke up from his nap and we are all home today just resting. 

 

I took a shower yesterday only to get out and hear Connor saying he couldn't come when I was calling because he was cleaning up a mess.  I looked out and saw that Casey had taken dry erase marker to our walls, doors and baseboards.  AHHHH!  Connor was trying to quickly cover up Casey's mess by taking a pencil eraser to the marks and some wipes.  The eraser was sort of working.  At the same time he was telling Casey he was in 'Big Trouble!'.  He also said, 'Mommy, I know you don't like me saying this but, Absolutely Not Casey.  This is very bad'

 

Some cute kid quotes:

Me: 'What do you want for dinner, Case?'  Casey:  'Poop on a Stick'

Connor:  (Looking at his new spiderman baseball cap which he wears every day) 'How did I ever live without you? 

Casey:  Dislikes:  Being Cold, Socks  Loves:  Doing the Truffle Shuffle and answering 'Chicken Butt' when asked 'Guess What?' (Thanks, Papa)

Connor:  'What is the big idea?'

Casey:  'Yeah Baby'

Casey:  'I so handsome'

On another note, our thoughts are with all of the McElligott Family as we had some devestating news about Dad's brother on Friday.  We love them all soo much. 

 

 

My kids, while it seems like they don't listen sometimes, pick up on a lot.  Mostly words that they should not be saying (Goonies has a few).  It is a good thing that they know what those bad words are and don't repeat those after being told.  However, it is nice to know that they also listen to good thing too.  This weekend I heard Connor tell Casey on more than one occasion 'Absolutely not' to something that he was doing.  I now have been catching myself say this when I see something that should not be happening.  It is funny how they can teach you about yourself - how to have fun, how to act properly (or not), and how to live and love freely. 

 

So, for the embarrasing part of today... when I went to pick up Connor today we went to his cubby and he pulls out a pair of my underwear.  What???  Yes, my underwear!  I asked what that was doing there.  He said, he didn't know... but when he was laying down for nap, it fell out of his blanket.  His teachers put it in his cubby though.  Oh my god.... yep, they saw my undies.  And no, they weren't even some cute thong. But, they wern't granny panties either.  So, at least I have that going for me and that they were clean and just out of the laundry with his blanket.  Unbelievable.  Static cling is not my favorite at this moment.  So, I talked to his teacher and embarrassing apologized and asked her to erase it from her memory.  Probably not going to happen huh?  Oh well. 

 

I hope you all feel a bit better about yourselves now or your day. :)

Mark and I have decided that Casey will not be living in Illinois when he grows up.  He is so opposed to the cold weather.  After about two minutes outside, he maintains that 'I cold... I cold'.  I do believe that he will grow up to be a Superhero.  He will throw himself in front of people in some dramatic superhero move or pose just cause. 

Today one of Casey's teachers (Ms. Carla) told me that Case took a toy from one fo his friends and then took off running.  But as he was running he pants started falling down until they were around his ankles.  He started saying, 'My pants, my pants'.  Ms. Carla told him to pull them up, but he waddled over to her so she could do it for him.  That's my boy. 

 

We played the Wii last night and the kids were able to do the many games that are available.  When Case got up for one of his turns I hear him say, 'Yeah boy!' -- What is that about?

 

 

We had such a great break.  We did lots of family things and just enjoyed ourselves. 

Here is our breakdown:

Monday the 28th:  We took the kids downtown with Uncle Rob, Aunt Shannon, Jordan and Madison and visited the Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier.  There were so many people and so much for the kids.  The bouncy things and slides were everywhere.  They were able to make cookies with frosting (which tasted horrible, but was fun to do).  We ate McDonalds in amongst the shooting streams of water.  It was a great day!

Tuesday the 29th:  We woke up and Mama and Papa came to go with us to the SciTech Museum in Aurora.  We stopped at the library and did an art project and got some books as it was right next door and then made our way to this hands on museum.  It was a lot of fun and then to top it off a lady from the Bomb Squad walking in and started gathering kids for a show.  She started blowing things up and talking to the kids about how it works.  She even put her hand (with a glove on) in some liquid nitrogen and then when she pulled it out, the fingertips of the glove crumpled off.  This freaked Connor out.  But, he was okay when she actually showed that her fingers were okay and just higher up inside the glove.  We went home for a quick nap and then made our way to Mark's work to see his Maine West Invite (gymnastics).  The kids hung out with the older gymnasts who had come back and watched daddy do his thing.  What a great day!

Wednesday the 30th:  Relaxing day at home.  Mommy got to play with her friends. Daddy learned how to hang drywall.

Thursday the 31st:  Connor went to his friend Molly's 5th birthday party and then we all joined the party for a New Years Eve celebration. 

Friday the 1st:  We went to Uncle Rob and Aunt Shannon's new house to help celebrate Uncle Rob turning 40 :)  The kids LOVE playing together and we are able to enjoy ourselves.  We played a few rounds of Telestrations (my new favorite game) and had a good time.

Saturday the 2nd:  All of the Christmas decorations were put away, with some help from the kids.  They were very good with handling the ornaments.  Only one met its end and it was my fault. As the Casey would say...'Moooommmmmyyyyy....'.  We then found a cheap movie theater and went to see the Chipmunks the Squeakquel, have some popcorn and get out of the house.  (It is absolutely freezing here, with the car thermometer stating 4 degrees, who knows what the windchill was). 

 

I wish we could have Christmas Break more often.

Casey (breezing by me after naptime):  'Where is my daddy?'

Connor: 'Can we go to a movie vador?' (movie theater)

Casey:  'Chicken Munks!' (Chipmunks)

Connor:  'I was being sneaky and I tried that before when you weren't here' (They are so honest)

Casey: 'Guess What... I love you too'  (He'll say this out of the blue)

Connor (asking to do something and after receiving an answer):  'I thought that was what you were going to say'

Casey: 'At Jordan and Madison's house when we celebrated Uncle Robin's birthday...' (Uncle Rob is usually said along with Uncle Rob and Aunt Shannon - Casey interprets this as Uncle Robin)

Connor at dinner yesterday:  'My bad...'

Casey (while wrestling with Mark): 'All you got, Daddy?'

 

What a great holiday!

We went to the Mama and Papa's on Wednesday night so when we woke up on Thursday, we would have all Christmas Eve to play.  It was a fantastic day.  We started by coloring snow with food coloring in spray bottles and then having a snowball fight.  A few Wii games later and a nap, we opened some preents and the kids got a box full of every superhero and villian known to man.  They were in heaven!  Not only that but bio information on each one of them.  They spent the afternoon webbing and playing with the action figures.  We then played a game of Twister, where I was very impressed with Connor's knowledge of right and left.  Soon after, Tabitha and Ben came over and we were able to dig in to all the presents.  We left late so the kids could sleep in the car, however, they did not.  They were still awake at midnight when we got home.  They put out the cookies and milk and were asleep. 

Santa came in the morning and left so many cool things like the kids very own laptops.  How did he know that they like to steal our laptops?  They also got superhero wall decals.  They now have the coolest rooms ever!!  We then went to Nana and Papa's and the kids raced around after each other and tore open their endless supply of presents.  Con got a very cool race track and some Monsters vs. Aliens toys and a Leapster.  Bob chased most of everyone around the house at least once.  Casey received a sled that he was pulled around in for most of the night, a Tigger that does somersaults, and Batman sheets. 

We had a nice show of all the kids and I doing the Hannah Montana Hoedown Throwdown.  Too fun!  Thank you to everyone, what a magical season!!

We started a new tradition this year and it was having the kids open one day of an advent calendar each day in December.  We came up with the ideas in the calendar so we would be doing things as a family, doing kind things for others, and just think about what Christmas is about.  It was a blast.  Each day there was something to look forward too.  Here is what our month of December looked like: 

1. Color a picture for someone special.  Look behind the pillows in the front room for a special surprise to help you.
2. It is important to always be clean.  Spongebob would like to help you this Christmas season.  Look for him in the bookshelves.
3. Look for a surprise in your breakfast!
4. Let’s watch a Christmas movie tonight!
5. It’s time to make cookies!  Tonight, let’s work together with Mama and Papa to make some Christmas cookies.
6. Time to go Christmas Caroling!
7. You are sweet, just like this candy.  Have a great day!

8. Secretly, do something nice for a friend.
9. Let’s cuddle up and have some hot chocolate (stir this with a candy cane) and read one of our Christmas stories.
10. Put a bounce in your step with these bouncy Christmas characters.

11. Santa will be here soon, let’s take some time to write a letter to Santa.
12. Today is the Present Game.  Find something that you think your brother or family member would like in our house, place it in a gift bag and present it to him.  We will practice being grateful for whatever is inside.  You will need to say ‘thank you’ and pay the giver a compliment about the gift.

13. Make a gingerbread house!
14. Let’s make Christmas Cards to send to your Nana/Papa and Mama/Papa.  Let’s use stamps!
15. Make a list of all the gifts God has given you---good at math, can make people laugh, pretty hair, good soccer player, family and friends, etc.

16. Many children are not as lucky as you.  Let’s go through your toys and donate what you do not play with to a shelter/charity.
17. Puzzles keep your mind sharp.  Try your hand at the few under the coffee table.

18. Have fun creating body art with these cool rainbow crayons.

19. Let’s go out to dinner tonight!

20. Let’s have an indoor picnic for one of our meals today. 

21. Christmas lights are beautiful.  Tonight, let’s put Christmas music on in the car and look at all of the lights in the neighborhood.
22. Tonight we will use puppets to tell a bedtime story.

23. Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow – Let’s make a snowman with eyes and a carrot nose.

24. Let’s get creative and paint the lawn by using food coloring in the snow.

 

 

 

Yesterday was the Holiday Show at Kids Kampus and Connor did great.  He sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Jolly Old Saint Nicolas, Up on the Housetop.  They did great and I posted some pictures. 

 

Casey can be so funny and sometimes we have no idea what we are having conversations about.  Our discussion yesterday was:

Casey:  I want that.

Us:  What do you want?

Casey:  I want that.

Us:  What?

Casey: That.

Us: We don't know what that is, Casey.

Casey: I want that.

Us:  That is gone.

Casey: What is gone?

Us: That

 

(WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT???)

 

Casey has taken to not waking up when I try to wake him and then coming in on his own.  When he comes in he announces himself by waving at me and saying 'It's me!'  (As if it would be someone else).

 

The kids went to Marks school yesterday for gymnastics practice as Connor could not go to daycare due to a fever the day before.  They had a blast jumping on the mats and being superheros.  The girls were worried about Casey throwing himself around like a madman and jumping as he is such a little thing, but he is a tough guy. 

 

Connor surpised me today by singing all the words to Hannah Montana's 'Pop It Lock It Poka Dot It'.  I don't know if that is what the song is called, but I am also told that he knows all the moves as well.  I might have to find this song on YouTube tonight and see what he is made of :)  Tomorrow is their big Holiday Show.  Connor has been practicing Christmas songs for quite some time.  One is even Feliz Navidad.  I can't wait!

Yesterday when we came home from school our whole neighborhood had no lights.  We went inside the house (through the front door) as obviously the garage was not working and lit every candle we could find.  It looked like we were having a seance.  The kids thought it was cool.  But, it was getting colder in the house.  As across our pond all of their lights were on in Batavia, Connor told me we should go over there as he thought their garage door would open.  (He was probably right).  While they wrote letters to Santa, I packed a bag so we could go to Nana and Papa's house when Mark got home.  Mark went to the house next door and found out that the lights had been out for about 1 1/2 hours.  As we were on our way out the door, the lights came back on.  The kids were devastated as they were really ready for a sleep over. 

 

On another note, Con and Case have slept in the same bed for the past two nights.  Connor has been reading Casey a book and then tucking him in when Case asks.  However, Case will get up and then ask to be tucked in again.  After the thrid time of this, Connor said, 'Okay, I will tuck you in but this is the LAST time.'  It made me laugh.

 

The kids Santa letter are funny too.  Part of Connors reads 'I love you, I hope you have fun giving the presents to the people.  Is Rudolf helping you this year? Down through the chimney our Christmas tree is in the living room.......I hope you see me sleeping and that I could have some presents.'

 

Casey's says, ' Dear Santa - Where are you..we got some work to do now...'  I think he got Santa and Scooby Do confused. 

 

Today with our Advent Caldendar was to have the kids find someting in the house that the other would like, put it in a gift bag and present it to the other.  The other person would have to say 'Thank you' and something nice about the present, whether they liked it or not.  They are loving this and have been doing it for the past 45 minutes.  Connor is excellent about saying that extra something.  'Thank you for the book, Casey.  I will read it at night time.'

 

On a side note:  I found the milk in a cabinet where I keep the kids cups today.  (Do you think I was distracted yesterday??)

Every night Connor seems to want to research what things are made of.  He will ask me lots of random questions like, 'What is string made of?' or 'What are toys made of'.  He told me tonight that he knew what crayons and markers were made of... very matter of factly..'rainbows'.  He is so smart :)

 

Today on the way home, Casey said, 'I can't see my nose.'  Connor then said, 'Casey, you aren't suppose to see your nose!'

 

We had Thanksgiving a few times this year.  Our first was with Mom and Dad McElligott on Thanksgiving.  We went to see Planet 51 with the kids and then were on a search for any open restaurant.  Our choices seemed to be Burger King or the Fox and the Hound (a pub/grill).  So, the Fox and the Hound it was.  We had a very nice time and the kids passed out on our way home. 

Friday, we decorated all day!  Our tree is up and the train track underneath.  Always a fan favorite.  This year we have an Advent Calendar from Mama and Papa and the kids are always trying to open all the doors.  It is going to be a great addition to our traditions.  I learned how to make bows a few weeks ago and have been making then for outside our house and all over inside.  It is so great what a few bows can do to spruce up the house! 

 

Saturday, we went to the McElligott household to have Thanksgiving with Nana and Papa and Aunt Kathy, Uncle Tim, Megan and Kaitlyn.  Megan, unfortunately, was not feeling so well.  But, we had a good time.  As Connor was the oldest of the kids running around it seemed like he was in charge.  They played School and Connor was the teacher.  It was cute. 

 

Sunday was Thanksgiving at our house for the Newman side of the family. My parents are so good about coming and then finishing what we have started with the food.  Thank you!  We had a great time as well.  I think there was at least 3 puzzles that we went through.  Turns out not only is Connor good at puzzles, Gram is not bad either!  Ben and Tab's dog, Koda, has moved from 4 lbs to 8 lbs, so she is getting bigger, but still needs some meat on her bones to catch up to Homie. 

 

We have lots to be thankful for this year (besides Spiderman as the kids keep maintaining).  First and foremost, we have been blessed with a great family!!

We had Thanksgiving with the kids today at their school and it was great.  They do such a wonderful job with the kids and it is so nice to meet the other parents and see the kids interact.  Casey made Mark a great hat (that he proceeded to wear) and in Connor's room they were playing songs by Kids In Motion.  (See the new video).  What a great CD that is so interactive and gets kids going.  Everyone loved it and I am now on a search to get it :)

 

On another note, when I have been waking Casey up in the morning, he lays there and says, 'I want to sleep...'  then I leave him there to think about getting up for a few minutes and go back.  He is just like his dad with his sleeping...

 

Connor, the other day was saying 'What is your problem' to Casey and I was telling him those are not nice words.. I was wondering where he got it from.  Then yesterday driving to school, Casey was crying in backseat and I had no idea why... I was saying, 'Casey, what is your problem.  Use your words.'  Then I caught myself.  He got it from me.  UGH...

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

Connor had his first friend over from school.  Joey and his mom, Martne, came over and the boys played while we got to know each other.  It was a nice time.  We made homemade pizza and the kids were eating pepperoni from the package - so strange.  Connor has been counting down the days until Joe was coming over.  We will need to do it more often!

This week was very active with activities at Kids Kampus. 

When I picked up Casey on Tuesday, the teacher was telling me that she asked Casey who put his pants on today, he said, 'Mommy'.  I looked at Case and sure enough his pants were goofy, they were on backwards!  He was a schmo all day long.  I said, why didn't you fix it? But she said she had just discovered it.  My poor child.  I am going with the fact that he is starting a new fad!

 

Connor was told the day before that he and Alyson cannot pretend that they are getting married, but they can talk about being friends for a long time.  He was also informed that there is no 'webbing' at school.  Some people do not like being webbed - I don't blame them.. I don't like it either.  However, my kids love Spiderman and chasing each other pretending to web each other.  The other item that came home this week is that Connor is very affectionate and likes to kiss his friends.  So, we need to talk about only kissing family, hugs are for friends. 

In summary, Connor wants to get married, get the bad guys at school, and kiss all his friends.  Hmmm...  Some people would call that a productive day.

'That's cool, Mommy' after I told Case what my ponytail was called.

'So, how was your day....Tell me about it'  Connor everytime we sit down to dinner.

'Do you have the corrections?' Connor on if I had the directions to the library.

'I am going to color in the lions' Connor on his coloring. He is SO good at coloring now.

 

Casey will lay next to me in the morning and just rub my arm.  Like he is trying to comfort me.

Connor knows his colors in Spanish and also his letters.  He is learning so much. And as Mama said, he gets jokes now.  He is too funny. 

 

 

Halloween finally arrived!  The kids dressed up on Friday at school and had a parade of costumes.  Neither classroom had another Batman or Robin -- Casey's did have a Murray from the Wiggles though! 

Today, we went to the Brookfield Zoo, as it was Logan's first birthday party!  It was chilly out, but we dressed warm and in our costumes.  They wanted to switch it up and so they decided to go as black spiderman and the red spiderman.  What a blast!  Logan was adorable in his Monkey costume.  We had a great time walking around and hanging out.  Connor talked to everyone - once on a topic, he can go and go...  Julie played thumb wars with him for quite some time -- thanks, Jul! 

Then it was off to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Tim's house to go trick or treating.  Nana and Papa were there, too!  We changed costumes and the kids all went off from house to house.  Con was so into it. He was the first one at every house and Case was not far behind.  Sometimes saying while running, 'I coming... I coming...' 

After cleaning their neighborhood out, we came back home and Mark took Connor out around our neighborhood, while Case (who had passed out in the car) slept on the couch.  We didn't get too many trick or treaters after 5:30 when we got home, so we are now stuck with lots of candy... hmmm.. what to do with it... 

It was a great day - and tomorrow, it is off to the Bears game - whoo hooo!

We visited Uncle Ben and Aunt Tab this weekend to see their new puppy, a Boxer named Kota.  The kids couldn't wait and she was SO tiny!!  We also were able to all get haircuts as well - thanks, Tab! 

On Sunday, we went to a Farm out that way and had a blast.  Connor rode on a Combine that was made out to be like Frank from Cars.  Awesome... then there was a cannon that shot pumpkins - very cool and they also had big play areas (like a sandbox) that was filled with corn kernals.  The kids loved playing in it.  It was very fun to watch them .  Mark even got corn thrown at him by a random girl not once, but twice in his face.  That was interesting...

 

Connor has been a great big brother and it is showing as of late.  He held Casey's hand all around the mall as Case didn't want to be in the stroller anymore, but this was the only way I would let him walk around without me.  He will always ask for something for himself and then for Case (and Case will do it for him too).  They get into giggling fits together and will just look out for each other all the time.  I love my boys.

 

We went to the library today and Connor and I got library cards.  It was exciting.  Believe it or not, the library has puzzles!  The kids were in heaven.  While we didn't check any books out, we did get some books on CD.  We have listened to two already.  One on our way home and the other before bed.  I think I am falling in love with the library.  The main reason we went there is that you can actually 'check out' passes to local museums (including the zoo!!)  Thanks for the info, Paige!  We will go back on Saturday to see if they are available so we can get some free tickets on Halloween for Logan's birthday. 

 

Connor has taken to lip synching (don't know if I spelled that right) while playing the guitar.  He squints his eyes and opens and closes his mouth to the words from 'Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can...'  Mark and I were rolling when we watched him get so into this.

Yesterday was Connor's birthday.  We have been planning a spiderman party since January.  We hung plastic black spiders all around the house and had red balloons.  The family came over and we made super hero masks - to be decorated with stickers, pipe cleaners, spiders, letters and jewels.  They had to think of what their super hero name would be.  It was a lot of fun.  We had many birthdays to celebrate, so Uncle Tim, Papa Newman, Kaitlyn and Connor all had a spiderman cupcake cake and got to celebrate. 

 

We are now the owners of more spiderman things than any person could ever think of!  Connor is a very lucky boy to have so many people that love him so much.  He got some awesome clothes - including spiderman underpants/shirt, a spiderman blanket (for school), spiderman guitar, bop bag (that Casey was having too much fun with -- he would pull his arm back so slow and just bop the thing so hard - I'll have to capture it on video.)  He has some great books and a new Chutes and Ladders game, spidey matching/crazy 8/go spidey games, and a Wii game - my boys love games and we truly haven't stopped playing them since we got them. 

 

I had to remember the birthday story to tell Connor exactly how he got here.  (From the hospital on, people) and who was all there to welcome him.  I can't believe my baby is 4 years old!!  Thank you everyone!! 

After bathtime tonight, I asked Mark what he was going to be for Halloween. Connor yells 'A Princess!'  I said, 'That is an excellent idea!'.  Mark did not think so.  I asked Connor what I should be and he also said a Princess.  I said I would like to be a scary pirate maybe.  He said I should be 'a nice man who sells yummy food like peanut butter and bread and jelly.'  That just might be a good possibilty.  I think I could pull it off...

Day 1 – Sunday

We woke up at 3am – I rubbed Connor’s head and said ‘Do you know what time it is?’.  He said, ‘Airplane!’ and immediately jumped out of bed saying, ‘I am so exciting!’  We were off to the airport – no one slept.  Almost all of the 22 folks attending the wedding were at O’Hare – what a big party.  At 5:15 we boarded the plane and the kids were excited as they knew about airplanes and that they would get to watch ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ once we were up in the air. 

Take off – our family held hands and loved this.  They even got to feel some turbulence.  Immediately afterwards, both of them fell asleep in my lap.  About 50 min. before landing, we put the movie in – and I also proceeded to spill apple juice in my chair.  It is amazing how much apple juice also smells like pee. 

After a bus ride to the resort, we saw flamingos and had mimosa and filled out paperwork.  We checked out our room, got our suits on and checked out the snack bar.  We then swam for a long time in the pool – Connor practiced swimming without his life vest – and did great!!!  After dinner at the kids show, Con and Case made friends and danced and ran across the front of the theater.  They had a blast, but it exhausted me watching them. 

 

Day 2 – Monday – Ben and Tab’s Wedding Day

We woke up about 8am and colored in some new coloring books from Mama and Papa.  Connor was coloring a special one for Ben and Tab.  We then ate and I went to go grade some papers, while Mark took the boys to the beach.  After we swam in the pool for a bit – Connor and Casey love playing with Gabby and Ali (Tab’s step-sisters) – Connor is calling them his best friends.  Casey and Connor also love going to the swim up bar and sitting on the stools and ordering fruity drinks.  There were pool games and Connor wanted to try what looked like a slip and slide sitting out into the water.  I got conned into this as well.  Con did pretty well, and I actually ended up winning!  It was not however a slip and slide – they wanted you to run down this thing (as you are sinking in the water) and hit a guys hand at the end and then as more people got eliminated, they kept upping it.  Run down and back, now 3 times, now 4 times.  I have never been more exhausted.  However, everyone in the pool now seems to know my name and that I was the one from the pool game.  Too funny.  After this, we went back to the room for some room service and a short 50 min. nap before the wedding time. 

The kids got dressed in khaki’s and white polo’s and we all were dressed and hopped the tram (or what Connor likes to call the Roller Coaster) to the beach.  It was gorgeous - the blue water and the white chairs.  We all walked down the walkway through the beach to stand in the gorgeous sun and await the 2^nd marriage.  Connor and Casey went first and we had forgotten to take Casey’s shoes off, but as we watched them walk down the walkway, as soon as he got to the sand, he sat down and took his shoes off before making it to the front of the aisle.  (Connor did not wait for him – as his shoes were already off).  It was just amazing, the passages that the man read and the words he recited were so moving.  There were a lot of onlookers as well and they have continued to comment throughout the week how wonderful it was.  After it was over, we had Champaign and took a thousand photos.  Then, we headed to dinner at the Mediterranean. 

More theater time this evening, Mark, Tab’s Dad, had a father daughter dance in the front of the theater that was really nice.  The kids got to play/run and dance some more and then they did some games.  Ben and Tab, Tab’s dad and aunt were all a part of it and it was great.  At one point, they had Ben yelling ‘Cocktail Party, Cocktail Party…Cocktail Parrrttyyy!’ and doing a little dance that involved shaking his booty.  The show was great – it involved Spiderman and Madagascar.

Day 3 – Tuesday

Con woke up this morning with about 10 bites all over his legs and back.  They are very big – we luckily brought a first aid kit and put some cortisone on it.  But, these things were just huge – Case had 2 bites, but they were not bothering him.  We went to the local store to buy some itch cream and there were other folks in there asking for the same thing – they said it was mosquitoes.  We headed to breakfast (only to barely make it) and then go hang out by the pool – Mark went to get some After Itch cream at a different store, while we headed to the pool.  Connor and Casey took a picture holding an iguana – Con even had it sitting on his head!!!  We just relaxed – had fruity drinks and ice cream and hung out with family.  Ben and Tab were getting noticed everywhere as others saw the wedding or their pictures.  After another short nap, we went back to the beach with shovels and buckets.  It was great and very sandy!  We had a sand castle, made some water/sand mixtures and then buried Connor in the sand.  Papa (who has been getting quite the workout here came from the lobby to tell us we had to be at dinner in less than an hour.  Ahhh… we hurried to the room and showered – sand everywhere!  We made it to the Japanese restaurant and the cook made the food in front of us – quite the show.  The food was also great.  After that Mark went to get Connor new shoes from the room and we hung out at the theater.  Connor and Casey did a limbo contest and Con won (in bare feet) – he got a hat and was so proud!  There were some Mexican games played after that and we then went back to the room for a movie of Monsters vs. Aliens before bed. 

Day 4 – Wednesday – Daddy’s Birthday!!

Ben, Tab, Dad and a few others went on a Snorkeling Adventure, while we ate breakfast with Grama and Gram E.  Mom showed up and joined us later and we then went to the lobby for some internet time.  Mark took the kids potty and went to wash his hands and threw out his back – what a time to do that.  We then decorated daddy’s room with posters, banners and balloons and headed to the pool.  Gram joined us and we had a great time!!  The kids are going to think that every time we go in a pool that they can have a drink.  Mama and Papa may have to invest in a bartender.  We then met up with everyone for lunch and then a nap.  It was beach time after that – Connor found a huge leaf that was hard and shaped like a boat so we played with that and made sand castles.  At the pool, we met up with Jason, Ben, Tab, and Mom and Dad for our final swim.  Connor learned how to do a back flip under water and was swimming under water a lot!  He is awesome.  Then we went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner.  They sang to daddy and then gave him a shot and shoot his head (tequila bang bang).  We then watched Ben and Tab’s video in the lobby until bedtime. 

Day 5 – Thursday

Up at 5:45.  We met for breakfast at 7 and said our goodbyes, took the bus to the airport and had another great flight home! 

 

In Summary:  A beautiful wedding, awesome weather, a lizard, the limbo contest, pool games, Mom’s ‘Watch me dive’ comment, kids that said thank you after each tram ride, running in the theater, learning how to do a back dive in the pool, snorkeling, the scorching hot vacuum cleaner like hair dryer, one cut on the chin, multiple monsterous mosquito bites, the long walk from the lobby to the pool, and a great first time on the airplane.

Well Ben and Tabitha's Mexican themed shower was pretty cool.  Mom did an AMAZING job of decorating the house.  It was pretty authentic :)  When folks walked in they had to put name tags on that said interesting sayings on them about Ben and Tab (most of them were just goofy - some were real -- 'I use to know Ben when he didn't like to watch the Flinstones because it was not realistic').  This was a great conversation piece for people to start talking.  Check out the pictures, the basement was completely transformed -- it had so many colors and sombreros and parrots, it was fantastic.  Tab's Mom and Stepdad made the food - it was SO good!  We had a Margarita machine that went through over 10 gallons of margarita mix.  All in all, a good time.

 

We are so looking forward to going to Mexico tomorrow.  The kids are psyched and Connor is telling his friends all about going to the airport and what we will be doing.  He even told a few to meet him there -- he so wants everyone to be included :)  He is also learning Spanish in Pre-K.  So, it will be convenient.  He can say 'Rojo' and 'Agua' and 'Hola Amigo'.  So, I think we are set.  We have our own little translator for this upcoming week! 

 

I got a call from Casey's teacher yesterday stating that he had fallen twice in the last half hour.  He had a scrape that looked like it was going to bruise (from falling off a stool while playing the piano and pulling the piano on top of his face -- I am going to go with a Grand piano to make the story more interesting.  After recovering from this, he went to jump on a pillow, but jumped into the poles holding up the slide in the Large Motor Room.  His forehead now has a cute little red mark.  -- Really is this surprising?  Why wouldn't one of my kids have some sort of injury before a big event. 

 

We will be waking up at 2am this morning to leave around 2:30 for the airport.  What an adventure -- I bought some handheld games that has taken me a few hours to figure out.  Hopefully, it will help keep the kids busy. 

 

Talk to you in a week after Ben and Tab are married for a second time.  I hope to come back either tan or pink, I'll take either.

The boys have been playing with each other so much lately.  They were wrestling today with Casey taking the lead, it was hilarious.  They have also been obsessed with the bouncy that they got for Casey's birthday.  Connor can turn it on and off by himself (which is great for me!!) But, they can wrestle and just throw themselves around in there.  They go in at least 2 times a day.  We took them to see 'Ice Age 3' and the kids loved it.  Casey started repeating what some of the characters were saying (of course the inappropriate stuff), which made Mark and I laugh of course.  Con calls going to the theater going to the 'Movie Vader'.  A mix between movies and darth vader???

 

2 weeks till Mexico and we have been talking about taxing down the runway and taking off and then the turbulance that can occur.  They should have their history lesson down pat.  I hope that they will do well.  I can't wait!

Sunday my brother got married!  It was a beautiful ceremony in my parents backyard.  There were about 43 people there and I couldn't have been to a more fun and intimate party!  There were so many wonderful and funny things that happened.  As I was dressing the boys in the bonus room where Ben was banned.  Casey was taking his clothes off to help me out.  Ben said, 'Whoa, wait, Casey not your diaper, it's dirty...', but before we knew it it was thrown off.  I scooped Casey up and went to change him.  When I got back and dressed him, he was walking around and found his shoe and showed Ben and I that there was poop in there.  Ugh...I told him to go show his dad.  But, on the way down to go show Mark, he tripped with the shoe.  Luckily... the poop stuck to the shoe.  There was no damage to anyone involved...

 

Ben looked so handsome and we were so lucky to have my Aunt Carrie fly in from Alaska to be there.  She helped my mom, dad and grama with all the set up.  She was also one of the photographers. 

 

Some of the other highlights of the night were, the flowergirl dumping all the flower petals out in one spot at the front of the aisle.  She then ran off toward the swing in the next yard.  It was adorable.  Connor and Casey did very well walking down the aisle, but got antsy waiting on the stools for the ceremony to be over.  Casey and Connor discovered a bug on Tabitha's dress, Case fell off his stool many many times, both ended up laying on the stools on their bellies, there was a point when Case was hitting Connor in the head with his ringbearer pillow, and finally Casey ended up sitting up there blowing bubbles.

 

Ben's face when he first saw Tab and throughout the whole ceremony was just stuck in a constant smile -- the bride was beautiful. 

Tab giving her flowers to her brother when she got to the end of the aisle, who then passed them along to me.

The Sand Ceremony - not much more to say about that - hilarious!

Connor caught the garter and was so proud!! He is still talking about it! 

There was dancing, including a greek dance that was amazing.

Mom popping the rose off of Ben's boutonierre.

The food was great and the cake said 'I love you so much, I'd marry you twice!' (We are ready for Mexico!)

Taking pictures on the slide and in the sunset

A great speech by the best man, me :) and the maid of Honor, Brandon

 

The evening ended with the kids in the pool and eventually the bride and groom.

What a blast, it will be hard to top in Riviera Maya.  Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Newman!

 

 

 

 

Boys will be boys.  But my boys are accident prone.  Casey had a black eye on his 2nd birthday in July from falling into a table.  He now has a scratch under one of his eyes from some manly attempt at something.  And just yesterday I was dropping the boys off at school and Connor ran out of the bathroom right into the corner of a wall!  (How do you not see that?)  He had the largest lump on his head that I had EVER seen.  No blood was shed, but it was certainly there puffing up into a softball on his head.  However, his teachers were very good about putting ice on his head and by the time I picked him up, it was not as bad, just a bruise. 

 

As he will be a ring bearer in Ben and Tabitha's wedding this weekend, I was concerned that another photo opportunity would be caught with black and blue bruises.  However, I think his hair might hide it nicely now. 

 

Connor has been practicing walking holding air and smiling in an attempt to rehearse for his big day.  Casey has not practiced, but we should start :) 

 

These kids continue to crack me up everyday.  Connor told me yesterday, 'Good Sinking, Mommy' after I put a movie on for him.  He is so cute.  If I ask Case for a kiss, he will pucker up and smack one on me (repeatedly).  I love that too. 

 

Hopefully we will have more pictures after this weekend that we can share of the upcoming big day!

There are many things that I don't hear about until much later.  So today was one of them.  As I was trying to clean up the bathroom and wondering why the Desitin was on the counter which I was more than likely going to mix up for toothpaste, I heard the story.

 

One day last week, Mark was home with the boys and Casey was off (for probably a long enough time to be worried).  Mark sent Connor upstairs to see what he was doing.  As Connor came to the stairs and yelled down, Mark discovered that Casey had decided it was Art Time in our bedroom.  He had taken a new tube of Desitin and spread it all over the windows looking out into our backyard.  He was also covered in the white lotion.  After Mark thought he was all done cleaning it up, he looked over at another window in the room which looks out toward our neighbors and discovered another nice piece of artwork.  You can't leave these kids alone...

 

Casey's new sayings as of late have been, 'Casey do that' or 'So and So do that' - if he wants to let you know he's done something great or tattle on Connor.  He also likes to ask (repeatedly), 'See that Mommy (or insert name of choice)'.  The other day at dinner he was yelling out to Uncle Ben, 'Ben...Ben...'then when Ben looked, he would show him his tongue.  

 

School started for the boys on Monday.  Connor went to Pre-K and was SO excited about it.  He looks forward to school and his friends.  On the Sunday before school, we layed in bed after I read him a story and he was dreamily looking into space so I asked him what he was dreaming about.  He said, 'Pre-K'.  Then he asked me if I was dreaming about work -- what a silly question...

Casey is also in a new classroom - the 2's room.  This room has fish (Connor's does too).  He gets to help feed it in the morning, but has been having a rough time with drop offs.  He does enjoy playing with his friends after he is over the fact that I have left.

 

Both boys are so very excited to be going on an airplane in October for Ben and Tabitha's wedding.  Connor is also very excited to snorkle in Mexico - he did such an amazing job in Mama and Papa's pool last weekend.  He does wear a mask in the bathtub and goes back and forth under the water (which is difficult with two kids in the tub - but he manages.)  When Papa introduced the snorkle, I thought no way is this going to work.  The child swam around under water for at least 5 min. straight.  Unbelievable.  Now he can't wait to see fish in the water. 

 

Connor and I said a quick prayer tonight to God.  We asked him to watch over our family and make sure they were happy and healthy.  We then named everyone.  Connor asked who God was and I told him he was in heaven watching over us and listening to our prayers.  He then wanted to know if God brushed his teeth.  I had to think about it and told Connor that he probably does brush his teeth.  He then said, 'But he is dead.'  I said, 'Yes, and in heaven you are surrounded by things that make you happy, so if he enjoys brushing his teeth, he probably still does it.  But, you need to always brush your teeth.'  He then wanted to get out of bed and brush his teeth again. 

 

I wonder if this has to do with the Jesus bandaids that Uncle Tim gave to us.  (The only bandaids we had at the beach when Connor scraped both toes).  Yep Jesus went for a few swims and eventually fell off in Lake Michigan.  These bandaids are also contained a surprise when we opened them -- a small little Jesus that we could pop him onto the top of a pencil.  Thanks, Tim!

We woke up this morning and decided to spend the day at the beach.  As Uncle Tim and Aunt Kathy were watching the kids, we conned them into going as well.  Luckily, Tim has some hook ups and we met up with his dad (previous Superintendent of the Chicago Police) at a huge Cop Motorcycle run thing.  It was crazy!!  So, free parking for us :) 

 

The beach was great.  Con loved rolling in the sand and then called himself the 'Sandman' (a Spiderman reference, of course).  The cousins get along so well, it is so great to see them play together.  Ben and Tabitha were able to meet us down there too as they were on their way to watch a circus at Navy Pier. 

 

What a fun day! 

 

At home, Casey wants to make sure you have seen everything he does.  So, if we are watching a movie, he will say, 'Mommy, See that?' and then turn to Daddy and say the same thing, and then to Connor.  But, this happens every 5 minutes, and he is not to be ignored.  You must answer  :) 

 

I love my boys!

Well my Casey turned 2 on July 10th.  He is our giggle boy, he is the one that gets hurt and shrugs it off, and also the one that just wants to be held.  He has perfected the art of the 'fake cry' which consists of pushing your bottom lip out just so much and looking up with sad eyes.  We think he practices in the mirror. 

 

His party at Mama and Papa's house was great!  All of the cousins/aunts/uncles were there.  They had a great time swimming, playing with the bounce house and buddy walkers (thanks mom!).  And we made Sand Art and put treasure in them to find later.  It was a blast.  Casey had an awesome cupcake cake from Target.  I was completely impressed - they did a great job!  All in all, it was a fantastic day and when we got home we finished it off by watching Finding Nemo and eating popcorn before bed.  I can't think of a better way to spend a 2 year old birthday! 

 

Thanks to everyone who came over, we had a great time!

We went on a cruise vacation with the McElligott family to the Caribbean last week.  It was amazing.  Mom and Dad M renewed their vows and I celebrated turning 30.  What a nice vacation.  Despite being nicknamed '2%' on the trip, and hearing 'That's What She Said...' the entire time, it was awesome (really that was fine too).

 

Casey and Connor vacationed at Mama and Papa's house and swam everyday.  They played with new toys, read new books, went to dinner, saw Cinderella, and played with a new bounce house that Casey got for his birthday from Mama/Papa, Grama and Uncle Ben. 

 

Mark and I were so happy to get to see them on Saturday night. Con said, 'I was so worried about you!' when I gave him a hug.  They both proceeded to tell me everything and show us a thousand things.  Con told me that, 'Papa said we were having poop on a stick for dinner, but we didn't have poop on a stick, we had Smashed Potatoes with Vegetables - Vegetables are the best part!'  Nice :)

 

Casey turned 2 and will have his Nemo party this weekend.  We are very excited!  They both seem to be taller/older and have super blonde hair.  I missed them.  Casey seems to be way into loving Homie and just as into Spiderman as Connor.  Con even put on his red and black spidey costume so he could be 'good' and 'bad' at the same time.  They are funny. 

'Mommy, Am I a Schmo?' After he dressed himself and his hair was a mess.  I had to tell him the honest truth, that yes, he was in fact a schmo.

 

Connor:  Come look at my poop.  There not like big ones, they are cracked. 

Me:  Wow, Con.  That's a lot of poop.

Connor:  They are all together like a family! 

 

After telling Connor that he was going to Nana and Papa's tomorrow and they may go to the pool.  He asked if it was 'Scotts in Dales'.  I asked him to repeat himself and he said 'Scotts in Dales'.  I said 'Oh.. Wisconsin Dells?' and had to explain that no he was not going to Wisconsin Dells.  But, then explained the real name and asked him where he heard about Wisconsin Dells?  He said from TV.  Obviously, this child has been watching too much TV. 

 

Today, Connor said to me, "You are looking fine, dude"  I said, "what?" as usual and he then said, I was not talking to you... Ha, I can't even get a compliment from my son.

 

Casey has been saying 'Yesssss' every time we ask him a question.  He even says 'Awesome' sometimes.  It's cute.

Today was the first day of gymnastics. It didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped. Con did great, he was in a class without parents. He listened and took turns, it was great - he loves to throw himself around...  Casey had just woken up and did not listen.  There was only two kids (including him) in the class, so when he wasn't listening (or crying and screaming), it was very noticable.  Hopefully, next week will be better.  He did love jumping on the trampoline which is not surprising.

 

I finally talked Mark into getting the boys these reclining chairs that I have been dreaming about.  As the living room is finally done, I just kept thinking that the boys needed a chair of their own to read all the great books that they have.  (Thank you Carrie the Great for the most recent box of books!!)  I am happy with all of it - the shelves and the chairs.  We can't ever move now...which is fine by me.

 

 

The kids last day at daycare was Friday.  This was also a day where Monkey's and More came.  Connor had a taranchala walk on his shirt (unbelievable since he screams when he sees a spider).  Monkeys and snakes were there too.  They have cool field trips. 

 

This was a rough family week with a wake, funeral and a birthday party.  It is time to look forward to good things, while never taking for granted anything that you have.  Smell those roses and freshly cut grass! 

 

We had to explain to Connor about what happens when you pass away and about going to a wake.  When I was talking about going to heaven, he wanted to know if you 'could fly there' and 'if you could see Sasha'. 

 

I caught the two boys in Connor's closet today (doors closed) reading - one on one side and one on the other.  I would be happy if they did that everyday. 

 

On a closing note, Connor wanted to be called 'Peter Parker' last night and did not want me to put spikes in his hair because Peter Parker does not have spikes.  I, then, was Mary Jane for the rest of the evening...

 

Mark is off starting this week and it should be an eventful summer with field trips on Tuesdays and Get Togethers and Gymnastics on Thursdays.  Let the summer begin!

After weeks of practice today was the big show at school!  Connor has been singing daily Take Me Out to the Ball Game, among other baseball songs that I don't know.  He woke up at 4 am and gave me a kiss and went back to bed.  Then at 6am, he was up and decided he wanted to put on his clothes (Cubs gear for the baseball themed day).  On the way to school he explained to me that 'You are going to be so excited and it will be so much fun'

 

He did a great job!  He sang his songs and held up a 'Do the Wave' sign.  Too cute!

 

Casey didn't have a show, but made lots of decorations and art projects.  It was fun to see him interact with the other kids.  He was so excited to see one little girl Aly.  He just throws his little body all over the place.  He was amazing jumping in the bounce house and often just jumps off blocks in his classroom.  He does have a terrible bruise on his forehead from standing on a truck that flew out from underneath him and caused him to land on his rocking chair.  It is a lovely shade of yellow and green seeping into his eye.  Both of them are fearless which means bandaids and hugs.  And I must say, he is becoming quite the dancer and talker.  When he wants he can say 'I love you' and names the kids in his class. 

 

On another note, our bookshelves are almost done.  Each day we come home to see what new things 'The Man' has done in our house.  By next Wednesday, it should be done. 

We had such a blast this weekend.  We went to a Maine West softball game so Mark could remince about coaching.  It was great, the sun was shining, we were all sitting in our folding chairs drinking slurpies and watching airplanes (and softball).  It was amazing!  There was a foul ball that came flying at us and Mark jumped in front of the boys leaving me to fend for myself (luckily the guy in front of me took it like a Man).  But, that was not the end of our fun day... we drove up to Spring Grove and spent the evening and all of Sunday swimming in Mama and Papa's new pool.  It was 84 degrees and the kids were not afraid.  Casey was jumping in, being thrown in the air and going down the slide repeatedly.  Connor was great once he knew he could touch in the shallow end.  He also loved the slide and the noodles and kickboards.  These kids as Mama says, 'Do not have a healthy fear of the water'. 

 

We were also able to take a bike ride around the neighborhood with the new kid trailer.  Mark is still complaining about his thighs.  He just needs more practice :) 

 

Casey also told me 'Good idea, Mommy' when we were playing dominos.  Twice!  While Mark notes that this can't be true, I tend to think that all of my ideas are brilliant.  Mama witnessed this.  Casey is my favorite :)

Mama, Great Grama and I went to see Suessical the Musical on Saturday, while the boys installed our new tile around the fireplace (which looks great!).  Casey wore his red/white stove top hat (from his 1st birthday party) and Connor wore his Horton hat from his Horton game.  It was a big hit.  The musical really centered around Horton and even mentioned McElligott's Pool.  Besides Casey insisting on taking his shoes off repeatedly during the play (which was just the second half), it was a lot of fun. 

 

Today, Con and Case and I were outside while Mark was finishing up grouting and the boys are sitting in their chairs drinking and I hear Connor say, 'Casey, you drop this a thousand times'...then, 'If you do this again, I will take it away'.  (Which he proceeded to do when it  happened again).  But, after Connor did give him his waterbottle earlier today, clear as day, Casey said, 'Thank you, Connor'.

 

Connor also asked me on the way home from school on Friday if I loved him.  I told him that was a silly question.  But, he wanted to know if I also loved Casey and Daddy and Homer.  And I said 'Yes, of course'.  He then said, 'You love all of Your People'.  (I apparently have people...that's pretty cool!)

Connor had his first dentist appointment today.  He sat on the chair and they lowered it down, he said, 'Hey, what is going on here?'  But, he layed back and they turned on a cartoon.  He was in heaven and kept telling them what movies he had at home.  He smiled repeatedly showing them his teeth.  When I asked him why he brushed his teeth so well, he said, 'Because I don't want my teeth to fall out like Grama'

 

They brushed his teeth with toothpaste and then painted them with vitamins.  He got a bag of goodies - stickers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss.  He shared one of his toothbrushes with Casey too. 

 

He did great!

 

Mother's Day was great - I got the picture I wanted with my boys and Billy Blanks :)  Connor and Casey both sent home awesome gifts from school - Casey a photo booth type of picture saying Eye (pointing to his eye) love (holding up the words) you (holding up the words).  Connor sent home a sheet sayig that this award goes to 'Princess Mommy' (which is often what I call myself).  That it is for:  Letting him watch movies, bringing him things, going to the park and loving him to the moon and back.  Is that not the sweetest thing ever?

 

Also posted on the wall at daycare was a sheet that said:

My mom is 1 yr old

She is the prettiest when 'she has a dress on' (this is like never)

My mom likes to make 'Chicken and Veggies'

My mom always says 'You cannot put a c.d. on' (what about 'I love you, come cuddle with me, etc...' - I actually say 'don't scratch the cd's'

 

What a good holiday ")

I love that kids are so honest.  Which is why is it so great to hear Connor tell me that he loves me or that I look beautiful.  However, today he said I was stinky and proceeded to hold his nose.  I guess I will have to immediately go brush my teeth after eating asparagus and not stop to talk to him.  Aii Yii Yiii....

 

Tomorrow is Take Your Child to Work Day at Mark's work.  He is bringing Connor and it should be a lot of fun.  Each period of the day has 7 different options for kids to attend (Science Projects, Wall Climbing, Chocolate Dipping in the Kitchen, Soccer, etc.)  It should be great!

The circus was a lot of fun.  The kids were able to swim, have their face painted, eat junk food, and we went to Avanti's (which is one of the best reason's to go back to ISU).  They love playing with Megan and Kaitlyn.  Emma Jo was also there and it was a fun gathering for all of them. 

 

Casey has been very much into going potty lately.  And he will sit down and get up a few thousand times before deciding he is done.  But, earlier this week, I was changing him on his changing table and realized there was not any wipes.  I went to get them and when I came back, Case had gotten his diaper off and the poopy contents had fallen all over him...I was grossed out and so was he.  We had a big scrub down after that... gross...

 

Connor has been of course into Superhero's at school (especially Spiderman).  Today he brought his costume for show and tell and was able to wear it all day -- this is one of the best items that Carrie the Great has sent to us.  It gets a LOT of TLC.  He talks about his Spiderman birthday party that we have started planning in January for his birthday in October.  He is obsessed, but now wants not only a red spiderman costume, but a black one with a mask.  (Do they make such a thing?)

 

Not only does he play this game, but he and others pretend to be dogs -- for this reason, I think he has now reached 3 out of his 5 pants that now have holes in the knees.  Nice work...  The newest game that I have heard of is 'doctor'.  This game however, is one that I am told the teachers are having to show what 'appropriate' play is.  Geez...

 

 

Today, I picked Connor up from school and he has been very excited counting down the days until circus this weekend.  He knows there are three days left till circus.  He will hold up his fingers and count (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) and wiggle his Saturday finger. When I went to get him, he was telling his teacher and saying after counting down the days, stated that there would soon be 2, then 1 day and then stood there pointing his middle finger at the two of us, showing us the 1 day left on his hand.  (He has a weird way of counting). 

 

I asked Connor if he had to go potty before leaving school and he didn't.  So, I went to grab his stuff and put a sticker on his chart for having a good day.  Case wandered into the bathroom, so I finished up my stuff and turned around to get him only to discover he had taken his shirt off and was trying to unbutton his pants!  I asked if he had to go potty and he said 'yeah'.  So, I put him on the little potty (Con now decided he had to go to in the stall next to Casey's) and Casey went!!  It was exciting.  This is not his first time that he has gone potty, but we are not pushing it too much at this point.  Maybe we should ??

 

BTW - Both kids got sent home with an accident report today - a skinned knee on Con and a bump on Casey's head (in the same upper right hand side that he always manages to fall on)  These kids are accident prone.

Today, I opened Casey's bedroom door as he had woken up and was waiting for me to let him out.  After I opened the door, Connor appeared and proceeded to say, "So... What's going on?"   These are the first words out of his mouth for the day at about 6:45.  He is funny.

 

Later today, Mark and I were cleaning and Con and Case were playing in the living room.  Connor says to me, "Mommy, Casey needs saving".  I told him that since he was a superhero, that he should save him (I was busy).  We then hear crying from Case.  Turns out, Casey really did need saving.  He was stuck behind the couch and Connor was trying to pull him back up.  Casey didn't like that too much. 

I had the kids conferences this week and they went very well.  I love to talk about my boys.  In the conversation with Connor's teachers, they reminded me of something that Connor had said a few times before, but I had just forgotten.  They said that he was playing with Mr. Potatohead and then brought Mr. Potatohead over to show to Ms. Jillian.  He told her that he had made a Ms. Potatohead and that she had a 'girl penis'.  I just laughed as I had heard that before.  Where does he come up with these things?  Con has been having difficult drop offs, but the last two days have been just fine - thank goodness.  Today, before I left, he said, 'Wait, I have to tell you a secret'.  He then pushed back my hair and said, 'I love you so much.  I love you to the moon and back.'  I will take that anyday over him crying, screaming, and/or running away. 

 

Casey had his 18 mo. check up (at 21 months) and he is doing great.  He is 22 lbs. 14 oz. (6th percentile for weight) and 33" tall (41st percentile).  Casey was so happy in the doctors office standing on the scale and just jumping.  He did get a shot and did not shed a tear or even let out a gasp.  Case is my bold, brave boy.  He is fearless and can just pick himself and go on with whatever he is doing.  Con on the other hand needs a little more attention.  He has been showing everyone his boo boo (who taught him that word?).  He need bandaids and ice more than any child I know.  While fearless as well, he is the one to need you there. 

 

I can't wait for Easter - we have some cookies to make and some eggs to stuff!

We finished painting our kitchen - yellow with an accent wall of yellow on top and red on the bottom (with a chair rail in between to colors).  Connor likes the red and keeps trying to convince us to paint the ceiling red.  We keep telling him that he is outnumbered and it's not happening. 

 

While the painting was happening (all day one Sunday), we had to have dinner as a picnic in the living room.  Even Homer joined us on our blanket.  It was fun, now they want picnics every day.  (BTW - Watched Marley and Me and sobbed - Con kept asking why I had a sad face.  What a good movie, Mark and I hugged Homie for the rest of the day)

 

We played outside yesterday and Con is getting exceptionally good at kicking a soccer ball (without falling down).  Both like to hold their bats and try to hit the balls as we throw them - I am sometimes not the best pitcher though.  And while Con is my official 'Poop Finder', Casey isn't far behind.  But, he will yell poop and point to the ground and there won't be anything there.  It isn't the most effective way of finding all of the gold mines. 

 

Watched Mark judge a Special Olympics gymnastics (vault) meet today.  It was so very cool.  I am glad the kids got to experience it too! 

Last week was Spring Break, so Mark was able to re-do our bathroom (new baseboards, toilet, vanity and sink and paint) - it looks great!  The kids were then able to stay home and do a lot of hide and seek, coloring with chalk and tents. 

 

Randomly, I will ask Casey if he has to go potty - and he will say yes, so I will put him on the big (17" new) potty.  He went twice last week and yesterday. When I came out all excited and we told the rest of the family at my parents house, Connor said, 'I am SO proud of you!' 

 

Casey can say 'Connor' clearly now - it is so cute to hear it in his little voice.  He has been sick and getting fevers for the past 4 nights (not days), so it has been strange.  But, the doctor says that just happens when they are sick sometimes -- typical answer.  Anyway, I forgot to schedule his 18 mo. appointment (aren't they suppose to remind you of when they come due - seriously).  But, I am hoping that when we go next month, they just combine his 18 and his 24 together.  We'll see.  But, he is 24 lbs at 20 mo.  Mark put him in a 12 mo pj's yesterday and while they fit, I think they need to be put away (I'm not sure why they weren't already - but I guess I miss a few every once and a while). 

'Mommy, thank you for dinner, it was so tasty!' (Hamburgers and french fries - I am quite the chef!)

'Well, sometimes, I don't like to clean up because my belly is full'

'Can I put some of dad's jello in my hair?' (his 'gel')

'He talks alot because he has a lot of teeth'

 

Today, Casey took off his socks and Connor said, 'Wait' and then proceeded to grab Casey's feet and check for 'fuzz'.

 

Casey is crazy about his blanket, he calls it his 'BINKET'.  I am afraid that he might be too attached.  I remember my blanket growing up and having to throw it away on my way to Kindergarden.  I don't want to have to deal with that later.  Hopefully, he will grow out of this security item.

 

Connor loves to walk around with his hands in his coat pockets or sometimes in his jeans.  He looks so much older when he does it.  It makes me laugh. 

Connor says today, 'My belly says it is time to watch a movie.' 

Since when does your belly have any say in anything other than food???

 

Casey has been a tickling machine!  He loves to tickle and be tickled.  And when he laughs it is a full belly laugh - I love it!

 

On our way home from Mama, Papa, and Great Grama's, Connor and I took turns telling stories.  His were very creative, but mostly include fire lately (after the fire).  Mine always relate back to something that I want him to do (sharing or staying in bed all night or not pulling Homer's tail).  It is actually a lot of fun.  He would always start it with, 'Once a time...'.  Now he says, 'Once uPon a time...' And will correct you if you do not put the right inflection on the right syllable. 

We were so fortunate to have Carrie the Great (Connor gets a kick out of calling my aunt that) and my cousins Spencer, Cole, and Dane visit from Kodiak, Alaska.  We had a blast and it felt like we were on a mini-vacation.  They stayed at Ben's condo, while the boys and I stayed at Mama and Papa's old house and Ben and Mark stayed at the new house.  What driving craziness, but it worked out perfect!  We visited the Jelly Belly factory in Kenosha, went to Discovery World (loved it!) and The Safe House in Milwaukee.  We went to see Paul Blart, played the Wii and played on scooters in the basement of the new house.  It was so much fun.  I do wish they lived closer and that we didn't get together just every few years. 

Dane, Cole and Spencer were so great with my little guys.  I think that Connor really took to Spencer (7).  I was very impressed by them - great work Carrie and Craig!

We played Taboo and I must say I was very impressed by Connors acting ability.  He is very dramatic (once told what the word means). 

 

Today, we had a fire in the neighborhood.  The house was engulfed in flames, it was so scary.  Connor wanted to know if the popping noises were fireworks.  We talked about how fire is so very hot and to never go near fire and not to play with matches.  What a lesson to learn - things can be taken from you in a moment.  Don't take anything or anyone in your life that you care about for granted.  Hug them tight and for goodness sakes check your smoke alarms!

Casey seems to think that he is so funny.  He will say 'Poopy' repeatedly in his little boy voice and makes you think that he is actually telling you that he is -- he never is.  But, he'll get a great big grin on his face every time he says it to you.  This morning, I went into his room to get him to go back to bed (6:30am) and he was laying there (as I layed on the floor next to his big boy bed) saying to himself 'Poopy..poopy...poopy'.  What a guy.

 

Connor has been saying 'Yeah, Baby' when he gets excited or happy.  This is a phrase that Mama uses.  He is just so articulate - he makes me laugh a few times a day. 

 

When Connor was little, he was obsessed with looking between his toes for 'fuzz'.  Casey has been obsessed recently with taking his socks off and playing with his toes.  (He absolutely loves 'This Little Piggy' - also ABC's, Happy Birthday, The Wheels on the Bus, and Baby Bumblebee) I am wondering if we will have another little foot fetish on our hands. 

 

Connor continues to protect Casey.  Mark yelled to Casey, 'Bring that back here' and started walking toward Casey.  In a heroic attempt, Connor exclaimed, 'Daddy, Don't!' and spread both arms out wide in a 'stop' motion.  We are wondering now what Connor thought Mark was going to do.  If I tell Casey not to do something, Con will say, 'Well... he can do that if he wants to'  Maybe Casey will appreciate his big brother's attempt to protect him one day. 

We just had a great vacation at Key Lime Cove.  The kids loved the water and there was plenty to do.  Check out the new pictures in the album above.

7/20/2011 12:36:45 PM - 002006758789
So happy to hear your fil is doing better! Love all the indy pics!

9/10/2009 8:02:38 PM - 002087748465
Sounds like a very entertaining day! I could picture all of those things in my head! :)
I love the saying on the cake! :)

9/8/2009 6:07:40 PM - 002041799732
Yay! Congratulations to Ben and Tabitha! Sounds like such a wonderful wedding....it truly will be hard to top in Mexico!

7/21/2009 1:29:45 PM - 002006758789
Happy Birthday Abbey and Casey! Love the Nemo theme! Can you add my mom to the list for the blog? She is finally online! Email me and I'll send you her email if you don't already have it!
Megan

3/16/2009 2:48:23 PM - 002060992331
Abs, this is great! We love seeing all of your pictures and updates. Love it!!!
-Carrie & Jeff

3/15/2009 3:40:03 PM - 002060880297
I can't believe how big Spencer, Cole and Dane are! That is crazy!! We want to go to Key Lime Cove!
-Meg and Ryan

2/24/2009 3:05:21 PM - 002041799732
Ab - I love the videos & pictures - keep 'em coming!

Boys buying books at the Book Fair at JB Nelson
IMG_9180.JPG 2012-05-09

Free Ice Cream
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Artwork by Connor - May 2012 - Kindergarten
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Casey playing the iPads in Connor
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Casey and Mark at Steak and Shake
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Mark and Casey - why?
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Connor and Joey - May 2012 - Steak and Shake
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Ready to go see the Avengers
IMG_9191.JPG 2012-05-11

Connor as Iron Man
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Casey - 4 yrs old - The Hulk
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Mama, the boys and Robert Downey Jr.
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Mama, Papa, the Hulk and Ironman
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Casey with a ginormous slurpie
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Mark and Connor, Ironman - 6 yrs
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Daddy and I - he hates the flash on my camera
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Mama and Casey
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Connor practicing catching with Mark - May 2012
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Casey and Mark - playing catch
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Casey ready for the perfect throw
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Connor playing basketball
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Casey batting at Nana and Papa
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Kids playing baseball
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Mom M, Dad and Mark - enjoying the nice day
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More baseball
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Nana and Kaitlyn - May 2012
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Baseball in the cul-de-sac
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Connor - circling the baseball field
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Madison - up to bat
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Kaitlyn and Connor back to circle the cul-de-sac
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Abbey on Mother
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Shannon
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Kathy
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Mom M
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The Cousins - Mother
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And a not so nice picture
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Connor with a drill
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Connor helping drill
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Connor and Papa drilling
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Papa looking handsome
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boys on the slide
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Boys on the slide - May 2012
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Casey by the pool
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Papa and Casey
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Connor by the pool
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Papa and Brooklyn - May 2012
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Tab, Gram and Abbey - Happy 83rd Bday
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Gram, Ben, Mom and Tab
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Gram telling secrets to Connor
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Mom and Tab - Mothers Day gift
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Playing tops
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Ben and Brooklyn
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Dad, Gram and Mom
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Kids playing Bingo
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Dad and Gram playing Bingo
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Casey and Brooklyn playing blocks
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The winning card
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Gram and her bingo card
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More bingo
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Gram and Connor
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Casey, Brooklyn, Connor and Ava - May 2012
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Con, Casey, Brooklyn and Ava - May 2012
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Casey, Connor, Brooklyn and Ava
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Gram and her cake - 83 years
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Gram and her cake
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Gram - 83 years old
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Make a wish
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Gram and a new outfit
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Gram - present time
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Gram - presents
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Gram - looking good
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Gram
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Connor working on an airplane
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Abbey and Ava
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Papa and Brooklyn coloring
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Connor and Ben - airplanes
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Gram and Connor
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Connor - close up
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Ava
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Brooklyn
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Connor in a cowboy hat
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Megan and Connor - 1st Communion Party
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Storm Trouper
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Hulk and Storm Trouper
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Connor at his first baseball practice - May 2012
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Connor up to bat
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Connor fielding
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Casey hanging on the JB Nelson playground
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Connor
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Treasure box with his tooth
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Connor and his tooth
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Reading before gymnastics
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Connor with his letter to the tooth fairy and his bear bag for his tooth
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Letter to the Tooth Fairy (envelope)
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Connor
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Connor
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Casey
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Mom and Dad with Connor - first lost tooth (we are so proud)
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Tooth Fairy Loot
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The Letter from the Tooth Fairy
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Connor after he found what was left
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Connor reading his letter
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Casey and friends - May 2012.JPG
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Connor and friends - May 2012.JPG
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Connor in Naperville - April 2012
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Casey in Naperville - April 2012
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Kane County Cougar and the kids
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Craft Time at the Y
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Fooseball
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Policeman and the kids
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Kids in the backseat of the policecar
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Front Seat
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Connor doing tae kwon do
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Casey at tae kwon do
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Boys waiting for tae kwon do
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Kicking
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Tae Kwon Do practice
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Boys and Megan and Kaitlyn at Monkey Joes
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Casey - basketball picture - 4 yrs old April 2012.JPG
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Casey in blue - 4 yrs old.JPG
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Casey - professional picture - 4 yrs old.JPG
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Nana and Casey at dinner
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Emma Jo and Connor waiting to get into the circus
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MJ, Kaitlyn, Casey, Emma Jo, Connor and Megan at the circus
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Abbey and Andra
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Tim, Marcus and Mark at the circus
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Carnival Games
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Kids ready for the show to begin
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Casey thinks slinkys belong on your nose
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Trampoline
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Triple Trap
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Webs
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Kathy and Kaitlyn
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Abbey, Casey, Aunt Kathy and Kaitlyn
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Tumble Track
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Lyric Hoop
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Connor sleeping - he almost made it all the way through
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Marcus and MJ swimming
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Kids in the hot tub
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Kids - silly picture
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Emma Jo, Kaitlyn and Casey
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Uncle Tim and Connor
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Kathy and Megan
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Kaitlyn and Megan - ??
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Jen and Abbey at the Pub II
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Kisses?
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Sexy Mark
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Sexy Jen?
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Love
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Marcus and Jen - cute couple
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Abbey and Denise
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Abbey and Marcus - he did an amazing job!
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Denise and Mark
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Denise, Paul, Mark and Abbey - scary
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Walking back to the hotel, Mark fell in the water
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Wishing well
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Kids at the wishing well
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Downtown Normal (or uptown as they call it now) - directions
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I love the quad
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Emma and Connor
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MJ and Casey
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MJ blowing
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Kids by the trees
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Quad
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In the Bone - we are here
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In the Bone, up to no good :)
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Circus Room
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Fam in a tree - April 2012
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MJ and Jen
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The Music Building - watching someone play music
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Kids reading the sidewalk notes
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Emma
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Business Building - Rolling down the hill
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Connor, Aaron, and Ian
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Connor on the trampoline
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The pit
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Connor going in the pit
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Trampoline Time - Connor
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Connor bouncing
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Casey bouncing
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One Trampoline Station
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Connor exhausted
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Casey on the tramp
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Mark teaching Casey how to flip
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Mark teaching Connor to flip
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Connor and Homie
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Con the fence on our walk
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Connor on the fence
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Connor walking Homer
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Connor and Homie
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Connor and Homer
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Stuck - Con in a spiral
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Con in the sky
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Abbey and Ava
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McElligott Fam and our nieces
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Tab and Brooklyn
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Brooklyn and her bike (and bunny)
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Ben and Brooklyn (with a new scooter)
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Brooklyn and Connor
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Boys and Brooklyn
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Connor teaching Brooklyn to scoot
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Casey at the playground
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Connor on the monkeybars
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Brooklyn on a horse
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Ben and Kota
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Brooklyn on the slide
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Tabitha and Ava
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Connor - this is how he wears his coat most of the time
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Slide time
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Casey and Brooklyn on the swings
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Connor greeting Papa
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Casey greeting Papa
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Brooklyn greeting Papa
106.JPG 2012-04-14

Papa and Brooklyn - hugs
110.JPG 2012-04-14

Cousins
Not the best pict, but the best I have

Mark and the kids - windy walk to the park
126.JPG 2012-04-14

Mark and Connor on the swings
127.JPG 2012-04-14

Casey
131.JPG 2012-04-14

Connor
132.JPG 2012-04-14

Boys acting tough on a rock
136.JPG 2012-04-14

Abbey and Connor - walking buddies
144.JPG 2012-04-14

Boys coloring easter eggs
043.JPG 2012-04-06

Casey and his egg
044.JPG 2012-04-06

Daddy and the kids with eggs
045.JPG 2012-04-06

Casey looking at a flower - 4 yrs old
Easter 2012

Casey in with the flowers - April 2012
050.JPG 2012-04-06

Boys on Easter (2012)
052.JPG 2012-04-07

Easter baskets
053.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor finding eggs
056.JPG 2012-04-07

Casey getting eggs
058.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor getting eggs
061.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor with a bey blade
062.JPG 2012-04-07

Casey with a bey blade
063.JPG 2012-04-07

Casey and a ball
068.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor with a new discovery
069.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor
072.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor and his basket
073.JPG 2012-04-07

The Easter Bunny
075.JPG 2012-04-07

Casey and his basket
077.JPG 2012-04-07

Homer
078.JPG 2012-04-07

Kids opening their eggs
079.JPG 2012-04-07

Boys and Mama and Papa - Easter 2012
081.JPG 2012-04-07

The hunt outside
087.JPG 2012-04-07

Outside hunt
088.JPG 2012-04-07

Egg Hunt - Fence
030.JPG 2012-04-08

Casey finding eggs and treasure
093.JPG 2012-04-07

Kids on the playground
096.JPG 2012-04-07

Casey on the playset
025.JPG 2012-04-08

Casey getting eggs
098.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor collecting books
101.JPG 2012-04-07

Casey collecting eggs
104.JPG 2012-04-07

Eggs galore
106.JPG 2012-04-07

Mom
111.JPG 2012-04-07

Boys egg hunting
115.JPG 2012-04-07

Abbey and Daddy
119.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor with his basket
026.JPG 2012-04-08

Papa
034.JPG 2012-04-08

Mark and Abbey - Easter 2012
035.JPG 2012-04-08

Casey and a basket
122.JPG 2012-04-07

Connor with a basket on his head
126.JPG 2012-04-07

Mama and the boys playing Wii
128.JPG 2012-04-07

Papa fixing the computer (with Casey)
131.JPG 2012-04-07

Papa and the boys - Easter 2012
133.JPG 2012-04-07

Mama, Papa and the boys - Easter 2012
134.JPG 2012-04-07

Mama and Casey
136.JPG 2012-04-07

Papa with ears
041.JPG 2012-04-08

Connor making an art project
IMG_8537.JPG 2012-03-27

Casey with his art project
IMG_8538.JPG 2012-03-27

Homie giving Casey some love
IMG_8544.JPG 2012-03-30

Casey hugging Homer
IMG_8549.JPG 2012-03-30

Casey, Homer, and Connor - March 2012
IMG_8554.JPG 2012-03-30

Abbey and Mark - date night
IMG_8563.JPG 2012-03-30

Martne and Brian
IMG_8564.JPG 2012-03-30

Abbey and Mark at dinner
IMG_8565.JPG 2012-03-30

Kids on an Easter Train
IMG_8568.JPG 2012-03-31

Kids on a train
IMG_8569.JPG 2012-03-31

Megan, Connor, Kaitlyn, and Casey with the Easter Bunny - 2012
IMG_8572.JPG 2012-03-31

Our easter baskets - way to be prepared
IMG_8574.JPG 2012-03-31

Higher end easter baskets. Thanks Nana
IMG_8575.JPG 2012-03-31

Papa giving a pep talk
IMG_8578.JPG 2012-03-31

Kaitlyn and Casey ready to go on the hunt
IMG_8579.JPG 2012-03-31

Bunny ears on the kids
IMG_8585.JPG 2012-03-31

Megan and Connor getting eggs
IMG_8586.JPG 2012-03-31

Casey getting eggs
IMG_8591.JPG 2012-03-31

Mark scoping out the loot
IMG_8594.JPG 2012-03-31

Kids finishing up the hunt
IMG_8595.JPG 2012-03-31

Connor after the hunt
IMG_8597.JPG 2012-03-31

Casey after the hunt
IMG_8598.JPG 2012-03-31

Nana and Connor at the Easter Egg Hunt
IMG_8599.JPG 2012-03-31

Kaitlyn and the Easter Bunny
IMG_8603.JPG 2012-03-31

Gathering up the group
IMG_8604.JPG 2012-03-31

Connor, Ben and Casey in a tent
003.JPG 2012-03-22

Kids playing basketball
009.JPG 2012-03-23

Basketball boys
012.JPG 2012-03-23

Boys playing the Wii
013.JPG 2012-03-23

Roller Skating - First Time - March 2012
015.JPG 2012-03-23

Casey on skates
017.JPG 2012-03-23

Connor on skates - March 2012
018.JPG 2012-03-23

Shoes should be tied when skating
019.JPG 2012-03-23

Marching to learn how to skate
020.JPG 2012-03-23

Dad and Casey - skating March 2012
021.JPG 2012-03-23

Mark and Connor - skating
022.JPG 2012-03-23

Abbey and Casey skating - March 2012
023.JPG 2012-03-23

Boys at the Skate Rink
024.JPG 2012-03-23

Boys following Mark while he cut the grass
025.JPG 2012-03-23

More following Mark while cutting grass
026.JPG 2012-03-23

Connor, Casey and Homer - March 2012
031.JPG 2012-03-23

Boys with Homer
034.JPG 2012-03-23

Connor and Casey with flowers
037.JPG 2012-03-23

Boys on the playset - March 2012
041.JPG 2012-03-23

Sack races with bubble wrap
042.JPG 2012-03-23

More sack races
043.JPG 2012-03-23

Casey and Alex at a bday party
024.JPG 2012-03-17

Casey fishing - March 2012
025.JPG 2012-03-17

Connor fishing - March 2012
027.JPG 2012-03-17

Mark and Casey fishing
031.JPG 2012-03-17

My men fishing - March 2012
034.JPG 2012-03-17

Mark getting stitches after cutting it on a broken Guiness bottle 3.17.12.JPG
Mark getting stitches after cutting it on a broken Guiness bottle 3.17.12.JPG 2012-03-17

Mark in a St Pattys Day Hat - 3.17.12.JPG
Mark in a St Pattys Day Hat - 3.17.12.JPG 2012-03-17

Cousins on St Pattys Day.JPG
Cousins on St Pattys Day.JPG 2012-03-17

Flag Football
059.JPG 2012-03-17

Flag Football
060.JPG 2012-03-17

More Football
061.JPG 2012-03-17

Kids making a plan
063.JPG 2012-03-17

Casey on his scooter
065.JPG 2012-03-17

Madison biking
068.JPG 2012-03-17

Biking beauty
069.JPG 2012-03-17

Kaitlyn Scooting
070.JPG 2012-03-17

Cline Girls
072.JPG 2012-03-17

Silly Girls
073.JPG 2012-03-17

Jordan in Papa
075.JPG 2012-03-17

Connor - Birthday girl in a hat.JPG
Connor - Birthday girl in a hat.JPG 2012-03-17

Casey in a St Pattys Day hat 3.17.12.JPG
Casey in a St Pattys Day hat 3.17.12.JPG 2012-03-17

Connor and Abbey
077.JPG 2012-03-17

Jordan and Nana - Birthday girls.JPG
Jordan and Nana - Birthday girls.JPG 2012-03-17

Abbey, Kaitlyn, Con and Casey
080.JPG 2012-03-17

Walking to cars after linner.JPG
Walking to cars after linner.JPG 2012-03-17

Jordan opening presents
083.JPG 2012-03-17

Nana opening presents
087.JPG 2012-03-17

Birthday wishes
089.JPG 2012-03-17

Rob and Shannon
090.JPG 2012-03-17

Casey hanging outside
IMG_8441.JPG 2012-03-13

Connor climbing our small tree
IMG_8444.JPG 2012-03-13

Connor in a tree - with shadows
IMG_8446.JPG 2012-03-13

Casey at the playground
IMG_8450.JPG 2012-03-13

Kids on the slide - running from tag
IMG_8454.JPG 2012-03-13

McElligott Family at the park - March 2012
IMG_8462.JPG 2012-03-13

Boys ready to hear about our scavenger hunt - March 2012
002.JPG 2012-03-03

First Clue
006.JPG 2012-03-03

Clue #2
010.JPG 2012-03-03

Clue #3
011.JPG 2012-03-03

The final surprise
015.JPG 2012-03-03

Making breakfast with Harry wands
016.JPG 2012-03-04

Chefs making eggs
017.JPG 2012-03-04

Chefs - ?
018.JPG 2012-03-04

Connor - close up at orchesis
020.JPG 2012-03-08

Casey and a car
022.JPG 2012-03-08

Mark and Casey
023.JPG 2012-03-08

Casey leading Great Grama out of her room
024.JPG 2012-03-09

Connor reading to Gram
025.JPG 2012-03-09

Grama and the boys - March 2012
028.JPG 2012-03-09

Papa and Casey - paper airplane making book
029.JPG 2012-03-09

Gram and Mom - March 2012
030.JPG 2012-03-09

Abbey, Gram and Mom - March 2012
031.JPG 2012-03-09

Coloring Time
032.JPG 2012-03-09

Flying Contests
033.JPG 2012-03-09

Gram with a paper airplane
035.JPG 2012-03-09

Casey on the playground
038.JPG 2012-03-09

Connor at the playground
039.JPG 2012-03-09

Casey more swings
040.JPG 2012-03-09

Mark and Abbey - March 2012
041.JPG 2012-03-09

Mom and Dad - March 2012
043.JPG 2012-03-09

Mark and his boys - walking away
045.JPG 2012-03-09

Mom and Dad bowling
047.JPG 2012-03-09

Casey bowling - 4 yrs old
049.JPG 2012-03-09

Everyone watching the bowling
050.JPG 2012-03-09

Mark and Abbey - bowling
055.JPG 2012-03-09

Mom and Casey bowling - focus mom...
057.JPG 2012-03-09

Connor bowling
060.JPG 2012-03-09

Casey at bowling
061.JPG 2012-03-09

Mark - look at that form
068.JPG 2012-03-09

Mom and Abbey - March 2012
072.JPG 2012-03-09

Mama and Connor - crazy faces
075.JPG 2012-03-09

Casey fixing his shoe
088.JPG 2012-03-09

Abbey - high fiving
092.JPG 2012-03-09

Mama - good form
093.JPG 2012-03-09

Boys holding each other on a high bowling chair
094.JPG 2012-03-09

Mom and her ball
095.JPG 2012-03-09

The fam on a walk, notice Casey running ahead
Casey ran the entire block

Mark, Casey (with headphones and music) and Homie on a walk
003.JPG 2012-02-25

Abbey and Connor on our walk
004.JPG 2012-02-25

Second snowfall of the year, did not last all day
006.JPG 2012-02-25

Connor - Making a snowman
007.JPG 2012-02-25

Boys reading to each other - new haircuts
010.JPG 2012-02-26

Silly boys
011.JPG 2012-02-26

Silly boys 2
012.JPG 2012-02-26

Kindergarten Preview - Casey - March 2012
013.JPG 2012-02-29

Casey - close up - Kindergarten Preview
016.JPG 2012-02-29

Casey and Cameron - Rogys buddies at JB Nelson
017.JPG 2012-02-29

Casey in class
018.JPG 2012-02-29

Casey working on his self portrait
019.JPG 2012-02-29

Casey
Dots below the body are said to be 'the body' ????

Casey cutting - with his tongue out (just like Connor)
025.JPG 2012-02-29

Mom and Dad - Feb 2012
Photography - Connor

Mom and Dad
009.JPG 2012-02-24

Mom and Dad - Special Dessert
010.JPG 2012-02-24

Mom and Dad - February 2012
015.JPG 2012-02-24

Look at that perfect circle and face
026.JPG 2012-02-29

Going to play in the other classroom
028.JPG 2012-02-29

Movie night at JB Nelson
001.JPG 2012-02-09

Megan comes to play
003.JPG 2012-02-10

Valentine
004.JPG 2012-02-14

Experiment time with Ben, Connor and Casey
006.JPG 2012-02-17

Warm enough for tire swinging in February
010.JPG 2012-02-17

Tattoo
012.JPG 2012-02-17

Connor and Mommy (reading outside after a trip to the library)
015.JPG 2012-02-17

Mama, Papa and the boys
016.JPG 2012-02-18

Casey
017.JPG 2012-02-18

Casey
018.JPG 2012-02-18

Connor
019.JPG 2012-02-18

Boys shooting their rockets
024.JPG 2012-02-18

Mama, Papa, Con, Casey and Abbey
026.JPG 2012-02-18

Presidents Day - Lunch: Connor and Mark
030.JPG 2012-02-19

Boys playing doctor
033.JPG 2012-02-20

Connor giving Casey a shot
034.JPG 2012-02-20

What I see when I go to check on Connor who is on a break
016.JPG 2012-01-27

Alex and Casey bowling
020.JPG 2012-01-27

Bowling - Alex and Casey - Awwww
022.JPG 2012-01-27

Casey and Alex Bowling
023.JPG 2012-01-27

Casey and Alex on the stairs - let
025.JPG 2012-01-27

Casey and Alex - Jet skiing
028.JPG 2012-01-27

Casey and Aaron
002.JPG 2012-02-03

Casey and Aaron - silly picture
003.JPG 2012-02-03

Mama and Casey planning a football attack
002.JPG 2012-02-04

Kids after a touchdown
004.JPG 2012-02-04

Making valentines
005.JPG 2012-02-04

Papa and Connor - Pokemon
008.JPG 2012-02-04

Casey practicing his letters
010.JPG 2012-02-04

More pokemon time
011.JPG 2012-02-04

Mama, Papa and the boys
014.JPG 2012-02-04

Abbey and Casey
018.JPG 2012-02-04

Mama, Papa and boys - chaos
020.JPG 2012-02-04

Casey and Daddy sledding on the driveway
009.JPG 2012-01-19

Connor sledding on the driveway
011.JPG 2012-01-19

Connor makes it
014.JPG 2012-01-19

Connor sledding
018.JPG 2012-01-19

Casey sledding
019.JPG 2012-01-19

Mark and I in the snow
023.JPG 2012-01-19

Sledding hill - AKA driveway
024.JPG 2012-01-19

Back up the driveway
025.JPG 2012-01-19

Boys playing with hot wheels - Jan 2011
001.JPG 2012-01-06

Connor
002.JPG 2012-01-07

Connor and Daddy at the library
003.JPG 2012-01-07

Casey at Bear Paddle - 4 yrs old
004.JPG 2012-01-09

Connor waiting his turn at Bear Paddle - 6 yrs old
005.JPG 2012-01-09

Casey forgot to take his undies off for swimming
014.JPG 2012-01-09

Casey on the slide - 2nd snow of the season
020.JPG 2012-01-11

Connor on the playset
021.JPG 2012-01-11

Boys jumping in the snow
024.JPG 2012-01-11

Joey, Grace, Martne, Connor and Casey playing Wii
026.JPG 2012-01-12

Joey and Connor
028.JPG 2012-01-12

Abbey and Casey
029.JPG 2012-01-12

Grace and Casey - Just Dance 2
030.JPG 2012-01-12

Jurassic Journey
034.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor and a dinosaur
035.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey and Nana with a dinosaur
036.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor and a dino
037.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey and a dino
038.JPG 2012-01-14

Boys with a t-rex
039.JPG 2012-01-14

Everyone - watch out a t-rex
040.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey going in for a kiss
042.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey as a dino
043.JPG 2012-01-14

Boys riding a dino - Jan 2012
046.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey getting his face painted
048.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor getting his face painted
049.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor with his spider face
050.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey getting his face done
051.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey as a dinobat
052.JPG 2012-01-14

Kids with finished faces
053.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor ready to mine for fossils
054.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey ready to mine for fossils
055.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor and Casey
056.JPG 2012-01-14

Casey mining
057.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor mining
058.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor on a bouncy
063.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor coloring waiting for Casey
064.JPG 2012-01-14

Everyone at the Discover the Dinosaurs Exhibit - Jan 2012
065.JPG 2012-01-14

Connor after building the millenium falcon
001.JPG 2011-12-27

Proudly displaying the accomplishments
003.JPG 2011-12-27

Connor and Allison over break
005.JPG 2011-12-29

Boys examining their Pokemon cards
006.JPG 2011-12-29

Connor bowling - NYE 2011
007.JPG 2011-12-30

Casey bowling - NYE 2011
010.JPG 2011-12-30

Mark bowling - NYE 2011
012.JPG 2011-12-30

Abbey bowling - NYE 2011
014.JPG 2011-12-30

Boys bowling NYE 12.31.11.jpg
Boys bowling NYE 12.31.11.jpg 2012-01-02

Casey - blue slushy anyone?
022.JPG 2011-12-30

Connors new set up of his room
023.JPG 2011-12-30

Amazing Caricature of the kids - Christmas 2011
024.JPG 2011-12-30

NYE 2011 - Pizza making time
026.JPG 2011-12-30

Kids outside - ???
028.JPG 2011-12-31

Jordan, Casey and Kaitlyn - outside New Years Day
030.JPG 2011-12-31

Rob teaching everyone how to put candles out with fingers
033.JPG 2011-12-31

Cousins in a line - New Years Day 2011
036.JPG 2011-12-31

Connor playing the guitar
002.JPG 2011-12-25

Ben playing the guitar
003.JPG 2011-12-25

Brooklyn and a guitar
004.JPG 2011-12-25

Gram and a guitar
005.JPG 2011-12-25

Newman Family Photo - Christmas 2011
009.JPG 2011-12-25

Newman Family Silly Photo - Christmas 2011
017.JPG 2011-12-25

Connor and Brooklyn
018.JPG 2011-12-25

Boys and Brooklyn on her couch
019.JPG 2011-12-25

Ben and Tab reading a card from Connor
020.JPG 2011-12-25

Brooklyn at her new table
023.JPG 2011-12-25

Present time
024.JPG 2011-12-25

Picachu boys
028.JPG 2011-12-25

Boys doing the Kinect
031.JPG 2011-12-25

Boys doing the Kinect again
033.JPG 2011-12-25

Ben and Brooklyn
034.JPG 2011-12-25

Mark and Con as Santa
035.JPG 2011-12-25

Connor - two xmas hats
048.JPG 2011-12-22

Spreading Reindeer Food
050.JPG 2011-12-22

Connor and Casey in Christmas Hats outside -my favorite
061.JPG 2011-12-22

Silly Kids - Dec 2011
063.JPG 2011-12-22

Papa and Boys reading the Night Before Xmas
064.JPG 2011-12-22

Kids checking out Mama and Papa
069.JPG 2011-12-22

Boys - first present - slippers
073.JPG 2011-12-23

Casey tied to the railing
074.JPG 2011-12-23

Grama saying my cookies were too hard
075.JPG 2011-12-23

Mama and boys - Dec 2011
077.JPG 2011-12-23

Connor
078.JPG 2011-12-23

Abbey and Mark - Christmas 2011
079.JPG 2011-12-23

Casey hiding in the plant
085.JPG 2011-12-23

Mommy and Connor - Christmas 2011
086.JPG 2011-12-23

Gram opening a picture card from the boys
087.JPG 2011-12-23

Audrey and Mary - Dec 2011
090.JPG 2011-12-23

Christmas Jokes at lunch/dinner
092.JPG 2011-12-23

Homie with a bone
096.JPG 2011-12-23

Kids with presents - Christmas 2011
098.JPG 2011-12-23

Grama and Mom - Christmas 2011
101.JPG 2011-12-23

Family Picture - Presents 2011
102.JPG 2011-12-23

Casey - a magic set
107.JPG 2011-12-23

Mama and Connor
109.JPG 2011-12-23

Mark
111.JPG 2011-12-23

The scene
113.JPG 2011-12-23

Daddy
114.JPG 2011-12-23

Ma - earrings
115.JPG 2011-12-23

Abbey - new ear warmers
116.JPG 2011-12-23

Mark and Connor - opening presents
118.JPG 2011-12-23

Batcopter
123.JPG 2011-12-23

Mama - bracelet
125.JPG 2011-12-23

Mom and Dad
129.JPG 2011-12-23

My new phone cover
133.JPG 2011-12-23

New rides for boys
134.JPG 2011-12-23

Scooter time - Mama and Casey
138.JPG 2011-12-23

Con
141.JPG 2011-12-23

Mark is so graceful
143.JPG 2011-12-23

Gram - close up
144.JPG 2011-12-23

Abbey and Gram - Christmas 2011
148.JPG 2011-12-23

Fun on the scooters
152.JPG 2011-12-23

Abbey, Mark and Homie
156.JPG 2011-12-23

Papa
157.JPG 2011-12-23

thank you Mark
160.JPG 2011-12-23

Boys ready to see if Santa came - Christmas 2011
163.JPG 2011-12-24

Santa came! Opening presents
166.JPG 2011-12-24

Connor
167.JPG 2011-12-24

Remnants of Santa - 2011
173.JPG 2011-12-24

Casey - spongebob toothbrush
175.JPG 2011-12-24

Connor celebrating some pokemon
178.JPG 2011-12-24

Casey opening presents
179.JPG 2011-12-24

Casey with a shirt
180.JPG 2011-12-24

Bey Blades - both kids
183.JPG 2011-12-24

Casey and Daddy - R2 and C3PO
189.JPG 2011-12-24

Mommy and Connor dancing - Christmas morning 2011
191.JPG 2011-12-24

Star Wars
194.JPG 2011-12-24

Boys have lots of coloring to do
196.JPG 2011-12-24

Connor on his new bike - Christmas 2011
201.JPG 2011-12-24

New rides
204.JPG 2011-12-24

Shannon and Jordan
208.JPG 2011-12-24

A pile of cousins
209.JPG 2011-12-24

Tim and Kaitlyn
211.JPG 2011-12-24

Jordan with presents
212.JPG 2011-12-24

Boys opening stockings
214.JPG 2011-12-24

Connor opening legos
217.JPG 2011-12-24

Millenium Falcon
218.JPG 2011-12-24

Mark, Casey and a Bears pillow pet
220.JPG 2011-12-24

Luckiest boy ever
222.JPG 2011-12-24

Nana and Connor - legos
223.JPG 2011-12-24

Jordans new boots
224.JPG 2011-12-24

Madison
225.JPG 2011-12-24

Shannon
226.JPG 2011-12-24

Megan
227.JPG 2011-12-24

Kaitlyn
229.JPG 2011-12-24

Madison with a beam
230.JPG 2011-12-24

Nana, Papa and Kaitlyn
235.JPG 2011-12-24

Megan and Jordan
236.JPG 2011-12-24

Nana, Papa and the boys - Christmas 2011
237.JPG 2011-12-24

Nana and Papa
238.JPG 2011-12-24

Casey on his green machine
240.JPG 2011-12-24

Casey trying the green machine out
242.JPG 2011-12-24

Jordan trying out the green machine
247.JPG 2011-12-24

Abbey and Kaitlyn
248.JPG 2011-12-24

Abbey, Madison and Megan
250.JPG 2011-12-24

Princess Chutes and Ladders
252.JPG 2011-12-24

Cousins on the stairs
254.JPG 2011-12-24

Cousin Pile - Christmas 2011
256.JPG 2011-12-24

Jordan and Kaitlyn
258.JPG 2011-12-24

Jordan and Megan
259.JPG 2011-12-24

Madison and Kaitlyn
260.JPG 2011-12-24

Girl train
261.JPG 2011-12-24

Megan helping me figure out the best spot for a picture
264.JPG 2011-12-24

Dad, Rob, Shannon and Madison
269.JPG 2011-12-24

Ready for Kaitlyn
270.JPG 2011-12-24

Kaitlyn
271.JPG 2011-12-24

McElligott Family Photo - Christmas 2011
273.JPG 2011-12-24

Connor showing his hardware to his class
005.JPG 2011-12-15

Connor and Max
008.JPG 2011-12-15

Boys at JB Nelson Kindergarten party
010.JPG 2011-12-15

Connor and Aaron
011.JPG 2011-12-15

Connor gets his first phone number - Chloe
013.JPG 2011-12-15

Nana and Connor - Dec 2011
014.JPG 2011-12-16

Papa handcuffing Homie
015.JPG 2011-12-16

Connor outside - 4 days after surgery
016.JPG 2011-12-16

Boys outside
018.JPG 2011-12-17

Casey on the swing
020.JPG 2011-12-17

Boys on swing
022.JPG 2011-12-17

Connor chained to the chair
026.JPG 2011-12-17

Mama, Papa and Boys in Car - Xmas lights
029.JPG 2011-12-18

Mama and Boys in the backseat
030.JPG 2011-12-18

Papa -- ???
032.JPG 2011-12-19

Mama and Connor - candy for gingerbread house
036.JPG 2011-12-19

Mark and his boys - gingerbread house time
037.JPG 2011-12-19

Gingerbread house making
039.JPG 2011-12-19

Mommy and her boys - gingerbread house
040.JPG 2011-12-19

Family - Dec 2011
041.JPG 2011-12-19

Papa and the boys - thumbs up
042.JPG 2011-12-19

Casey and Papa in the basement
044.JPG 2011-12-19

Dinner upside down and backwards
Dessert first, eat under the table

Gingerbread House
047.JPG 2011-12-22

Connor at the hospital - hardware removal
002.JPG 2011-12-11

Connors scar - before
003.JPG 2011-12-11

Doggy and Spongebob - before surgery
005.JPG 2011-12-11

Connor and Brooklyn
008.JPG 2011-12-12

010.JPG
010.JPG 2011-12-12

Tab and Brooklyn trying out new noisy toys
011.JPG 2011-12-12

Brooklyn in a dragon costume
012.JPG 2011-12-12

Brooklyn practicing peek a boo to Connor
013.JPG 2011-12-12

Casey with his reindeer
005.JPG 2011-11-29

Connor and Mark putting the tree together
008.JPG 2011-11-29

Homie not helping so much
010.JPG 2011-11-29

Homie not listening to me
014.JPG 2011-11-29

Decorating the tree
020.JPG 2011-11-30

Connor decorating the tree
028.JPG 2011-11-30

Casey decorating the tree
029.JPG 2011-11-30

Connor and Mommy by the tree
030.JPG 2011-11-30

Casey with his ornament
035.JPG 2011-11-30

Casey, Elfy and Daddy
036.JPG 2011-11-30

Daddy and Casey putting an ornament on the tree
039.JPG 2011-11-30

Mark putting an ornament on the tree
043.JPG 2011-11-30

Connor and the tree
047.JPG 2011-11-30

Casey and the tree
049.JPG 2011-11-30

Like father like son
055.JPG 2011-11-30

Some of the Online PRIDE winners
070.JPG 2011-12-06

Puss and Abbey - Orlando PRIDE
075.JPG 2011-12-06

Yes, there were alligators in the hotel
081.JPG 2011-12-07

Angie, Chloe and myself
086.JPG 2011-12-07

Abbey and Angie - the second night
089.JPG 2011-12-07

Other attendees and leaders of PRIDE
092.JPG 2011-12-07

Monique and Abbey
094.JPG 2011-12-07

Steve Pappageorge in the band
095.JPG 2011-12-07

A few of us with Daniel Hamburger
097.JPG 2011-12-07

My team building a bike
102.JPG 2011-12-08

Our bike
104.JPG 2011-12-08

Our team with our child who earned the bike
Over 100 bikes were given to students who read books and tested on the content from 3 Orlando schools. It was so exciting!

All of the kids (with backpacks/helmets and locks)
109.JPG 2011-12-08

Tunnel for the kids to run through
110.JPG 2011-12-08

Fam waiting for the Polar Express - Dec 2011
114.JPG 2011-12-10

The Polar Express
116.JPG 2011-12-10

Waiting to board the Polar Express
117.JPG 2011-12-10

The Conductor
118.JPG 2011-12-10

Their Tickets
121.JPG 2011-12-10

The Family on the Polar Express
122.JPG 2011-12-10

The Ticket
123.JPG 2011-12-10

Hot Chocolate -- HOT HOT HOT
124.JPG 2011-12-10

More Hot Chocolate
125.JPG 2011-12-10

Connor and Daddy
126.JPG 2011-12-10

Casey and his hot chocolate
127.JPG 2011-12-10

The Conductor
128.JPG 2011-12-10

Ticket taking time
129.JPG 2011-12-10

The books pictures as it is being read
132.JPG 2011-12-10

Santa and Mrs. Claus outside
134.JPG 2011-12-10

Santa
135.JPG 2011-12-10

Bells
138.JPG 2011-12-10

Boys with their bells
141.JPG 2011-12-10

Happy Birthday, Mark - Connor made him a bday hat
001.JPG 2011-11-16

Mark and his boys
002.JPG 2011-11-16

Present time
004.JPG 2011-11-16

Kids picked the cake
009.JPG 2011-11-16

Girls celebrating Lisa
011.JPG 2011-11-18

Casey playing Skee Ball
012.JPG 2011-11-19

Connor and Mama - Air Hockey
016.JPG 2011-11-19

Papa
019.JPG 2011-11-19

Papa and Connor - Bowling
021.JPG 2011-11-19

Connor with his Bill Ding men
022.JPG 2011-11-19

Kids at Chick Fil A - Honoring our vets
137.JPG 2011-11-10

Both Papa
138.JPG 2011-11-10

Casey
139.JPG 2011-11-10

Casey and Kyle - Playdate
140.JPG 2011-11-11

Casey and Kyle with lightsabers
141.JPG 2011-11-11

Casey at a birthday party - painting party
142.JPG 2011-11-12

Connor with his dragon
143.JPG 2011-11-12

Casey at JB - the book he picked to read
146.JPG 2011-11-14

Casey, Connor and Braden at JB Nelson
149.JPG 2011-11-14

Library has phones to play with
151.JPG 2011-11-14

Casey and Camron at JB Nelson
152.JPG 2011-11-14

Connor and Mrs. Parks - his kindergarten teacher
153.JPG 2011-11-14

Mrs. Parks, Connor, and Aaron
154.JPG 2011-11-14

Movement and Music session at JB Nelson
156.JPG 2011-11-14

Aaron and Connor - Really good dancers
157.JPG 2011-11-14

Even better dancing
158.JPG 2011-11-14

Mark and Casey dancing (or something)
159.JPG 2011-11-14

Geronimo Stilton Jeopardy Trivia
160.JPG 2011-11-14

War with Mama and Papa
095.JPG 2011-11-04

Casey - Cool hat and gloves
097.JPG 2011-11-04

Connor - cool hat and gloves
100.JPG 2011-11-04

Mama and Papa on our walk
101.JPG 2011-11-04

Casey on our walk
110.JPG 2011-11-04

Connor blowing dandeliens
115.JPG 2011-11-04

Casey blowing dandeliens
118.JPG 2011-11-04

Happy Birthday Mark
121.JPG 2011-11-04

Connor snuggling with Casey
122.JPG 2011-11-04

Casey - flag football
125.JPG 2011-11-05

Flag Football
127.JPG 2011-11-05

Boys in the leaves
129.JPG 2011-11-05

Kids in leaves
130.JPG 2011-11-05

Connor in the leaves
135.JPG 2011-11-05

Papa and Casey plotting
136.JPG 2011-11-05

Casey with the football
139.JPG 2011-11-05

Get the flag
140.JPG 2011-11-05

Casey in the leaves
142.JPG 2011-11-05

Camera malfunction
146.JPG 2011-11-05

Camera malfunction 2
147.JPG 2011-11-05

Camera malfunction 3
148.JPG 2011-11-05

Camera malfunction 4
149.JPG 2011-11-05

Daddy and I - flag football
150.JPG 2011-11-05

Team Yellow
151.JPG 2011-11-05

Team Red
154.JPG 2011-11-05

Close up in the huddle
157.JPG 2011-11-05

Brief Break
160.JPG 2011-11-05

Head to Head
162.JPG 2011-11-05

Gram and Abbey - Thanksgiving 2011
164.JPG 2011-11-05

Ben, Tab and Brooklyn
166.JPG 2011-11-05

Connor reading jokes at the table
168.JPG 2011-11-05

Playing
171.JPG 2011-11-05

Papa and Casey
172.JPG 2011-11-05

Mama, Ben, Tab and Brooklyn
175.JPG 2011-11-05

Homie cuddling with an animal
177.JPG 2011-11-05

Grandparents and Grandkids
178.JPG 2011-11-05

Connor, Casey and Brooklyn - Nov 2011
189.JPG 2011-11-05

Connor and some friends at Rogi
100_0128.JPG 2011-10-31

Casey and some friends at Rogy
100_0129.JPG 2011-10-31

Jedi
IMG_6514.JPG 2011-10-30

Nana and Luke Skywalker x2 - Halloween 2011
IMG_6515.JPG 2011-10-30

McElligott Family - Halloween 2011
IMG_6516.JPG 2011-10-30

Everyone ganging up on me
IMG_6517.JPG 2011-10-30

Darth Vader scaring kids
IMG_6540.JPG 2011-10-30

Burger King???
IMG_6527.JPG 2011-10-30

Our pumpkins didn
IMG_6528.JPG 2011-10-30

Trick or Treat
IMG_6531.JPG 2011-10-30

Casey showing off every piece of candy he received
IMG_6537.JPG 2011-10-30

Running to the next house
IMG_6526.JPG 2011-10-30

Luke vs Luke
100_0125.JPG 2011-10-31

Boys ready for school - Halloween 2011
100_0127.JPG 2011-10-31

Kids hanging out at Nana and Papa
014.JPG 2011-10-22

Haunted House time
017.JPG 2011-10-22

Connor and a scary guy
018.JPG 2011-10-22

Casey and Mark going through the haunted house
020.JPG 2011-10-22

All of us at the haunted house
023.JPG 2011-10-22

Robot Man (Coach) came to fight the Jedi
026.JPG 2011-10-24

The winners
027.JPG 2011-10-24

Kids and a coach
028.JPG 2011-10-24

Kids in the tent
IMG_6473.JPG 2011-10-28

Kids and Homie in the tent
IMG_6475.JPG 2011-10-28

Cousins hanging out
IMG_6477.JPG 2011-10-28

Sand Castles
IMG_6479.JPG 2011-10-28

Smores Anyone
IMG_6481.JPG 2011-10-28

Connor and Kaitlyn - smores
IMG_6482.JPG 2011-10-28

Megan with a smore
IMG_6484.JPG 2011-10-28

Casey with chocolate
IMG_6485.JPG 2011-10-28

Dancing Machines
IMG_6489.JPG 2011-10-28

Megan and Connor - smores
IMG_6494.JPG 2011-10-28

Kaitly and Casey - dancing
IMG_6496.JPG 2011-10-28

Smore Kids
IMG_6504.JPG 2011-10-28

Carving Pumpkins
IMG_6349.JPG 2011-10-14

Tracing outline on pumpkin
IMG_6351.JPG 2011-10-14

Rock Climbing - Kaitlyn
IMG_6353.JPG 2011-10-15

Connor rock climbing - Oct 2011
IMG_6354.JPG 2011-10-15

Kaitlyn and Casey
IMG_6359.JPG 2011-10-15

Kaitlyn ready to climb
IMG_6363.JPG 2011-10-15

Casey rock climbing
IMG_6367.JPG 2011-10-15

Casey and Mark
IMG_6368.JPG 2011-10-15

Connor on his 6th birthday
IMG_6377.JPG 2011-10-17

Connor - 6
IMG_6380.JPG 2011-10-17

Connor opening cards
IMG_6383.JPG 2011-10-17

Connor and Casey reading a card
IMG_6384.JPG 2011-10-17

Connor thanking Casey for his Yoda watch
IMG_6385.JPG 2011-10-17

Connor telling time
IMG_6387.JPG 2011-10-17

Connor so excited for the watch and the Yoda guy
IMG_6390.JPG 2011-10-17

Cons new scooter - round and round the island he went
IMG_6392.JPG 2011-10-17

Connors socks - silly sock day - Oct 2011
IMG_6396.JPG 2011-10-18

Molly, Connor and Casey
IMG_6397.JPG 2011-10-20

Connor climbing a wall outside the pool
IMG_6399.JPG 2011-10-20

Waiting to ride the camel
IMG_6402.JPG 2011-10-20

Boys on a camel
IMG_6404.JPG 2011-10-20

Boys on a camel
IMG_6407.JPG 2011-10-20

You know what this is
IMG_6410.JPG 2011-10-20

Casey and Kenzie with ropes
IMG_6413.JPG 2011-10-20

Kenzie - gorgeous
IMG_6414.JPG 2011-10-20

Casey on a rope
IMG_6417.JPG 2011-10-20

Molly on a rope
IMG_6418.JPG 2011-10-20

Connor on a rope
IMG_6423.JPG 2011-10-20

Kids ready for the parade - Maine West 2011
IMG_6428.JPG 2011-10-20

Mark and Abbey - MW 2011
IMG_6429.JPG 2011-10-20

Casey
IMG_6433.JPG 2011-10-20

Connor
IMG_6434.JPG 2011-10-20

McElligott Family at MW Homecoming 2011
IMG_6436.JPG 2011-10-20

Casey intently reading as he does his business - 4 yrs
IMG_6183.JPG 2011-10-05

PJ
IMG_6186.JPG 2011-10-07

Happy Birthday, Papa!
IMG_6189.JPG 2011-10-07

Papa and Casey
IMG_6191.JPG 2011-10-07

Mama and Connor hanging out
IMG_6192.JPG 2011-10-07

Connor and a steamroller - 5 yrs
IMG_6196.JPG 2011-10-07

Papa giving Casey a ride at Abbey Farms
IMG_6197.JPG 2011-10-07

Connor learning to make a weave on a loom
IMG_6199.JPG 2011-10-07

Casey with some pumpkins
IMG_6202.JPG 2011-10-07

Boys on pumpkins - Oct 2011
IMG_6204.JPG 2011-10-07

Boys on pumpkins
IMG_6208.JPG 2011-10-07

Connor waiting for the hayride
IMG_6211.JPG 2011-10-07

McElligotts, Mama and Papa at Abbey Farms - Oct 2011
IMG_6212.JPG 2011-10-07

Mark and Casey - Oct 2011
IMG_6213.JPG 2011-10-07

Abbey and Connor - Oct 2011
IMG_6215.JPG 2011-10-07

Papa and the boys on the hayride
IMG_6218.JPG 2011-10-07

Mark, Abbey and Mom on the hayride
IMG_6220.JPG 2011-10-07

What a group with Papa as their leader
IMG_6222.JPG 2011-10-07

Mom and Dad in the corn
IMG_6224.JPG 2011-10-07

Cornmaze - on the way to find 8 stamps
IMG_6230.JPG 2011-10-07

Mark and I - why do I bother?
IMG_6231.JPG 2011-10-07

Mom and I in the cornmaze
IMG_6235.JPG 2011-10-07

And we have pumpkins - Oct 2011
IMG_6236.JPG 2011-10-07

Connor and Luke - 6 yrs old
IMG_6241.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor and Luke Skywalker
IMG_6244.JPG 2011-10-08

Tim in a little chair
IMG_6245.JPG 2011-10-08

Race Time - Connor, Aaron, and Joey
IMG_6247.JPG 2011-10-08

Game Time!
Led by the Game Master

Gotcha Game
IMG_6254.JPG 2011-10-08

Ryan and Mark
IMG_6255.JPG 2011-10-08

Gotcha Again - Megan, Alyson, Con and Joe
IMG_6256.JPG 2011-10-08

Pass the Asteroid
IMG_6260.JPG 2011-10-08

Martne and Mia
IMG_6261.JPG 2011-10-08

Kenzie and a coloring book
IMG_6263.JPG 2011-10-08

Mom, Kathy and Shannon
IMG_6264.JPG 2011-10-08

Darth Vader arrives
IMG_6265.JPG 2011-10-08

Tab and Brooklyn
IMG_6266.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor attacking Darth Vader
IMG_6269.JPG 2011-10-08

Friends with Luke and Darth Vader
IMG_6271.JPG 2011-10-08

Darth and Aaron
IMG_6274.JPG 2011-10-08

Casey and Darth Vader
IMG_6276.JPG 2011-10-08

Darth and Joey
IMG_6277.JPG 2011-10-08

Darth Vader and Connor
IMG_6278.JPG 2011-10-08

Darth and Connor
IMG_6279.JPG 2011-10-08

Mommy, Connor and Casey with Darth Vader
IMG_6281.JPG 2011-10-08

Jordan and Darth Vader
IMG_6282.JPG 2011-10-08

Jordan with an airplane
IMG_6284.JPG 2011-10-08

Alyson and Joey
IMG_6285.JPG 2011-10-08

Rob with a great new look
IMG_6286.JPG 2011-10-08

Kid Central during lunch
IMG_6289.JPG 2011-10-08

The Cake
325.JPG 2011-10-09

Connor with his cake - 6 yrs old
IMG_6297.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor blowing out his candles
IMG_6300.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor after blowing out his candles
335.JPG 2011-10-09

Casey waiting for cake
336.JPG 2011-10-09

Molly - cute
337.JPG 2011-10-09

Kenzie
338.JPG 2011-10-09

Kaitlyn
340.JPG 2011-10-09

Alyson, Casey and Molly - Cake
342.JPG 2011-10-09

Tab and Brooklyn - cake
349.JPG 2011-10-09

Jordan - cake
351.JPG 2011-10-09

Connor, Joey and Jordan - cake
352.JPG 2011-10-09

Everyone in the kitchen
IMG_6301.JPG 2011-10-08

Kids waiting for Mark, Tim and Ryan
IMG_6304.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor opening presents
IMG_6305.JPG 2011-10-08

Present time
IMG_6308.JPG 2011-10-08

Rob, Madison and Mom
IMG_6310.JPG 2011-10-08

Daddy and Abbey
IMG_6314.JPG 2011-10-08

Kendall - hanging out in the bouncy
IMG_6317.JPG 2011-10-08

Kathy relaxing in the shade
IMG_6318.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor - more presents
IMG_6320.JPG 2011-10-08

Family
IMG_6326.JPG 2011-10-08

Shannon looking beautiful
IMG_6328.JPG 2011-10-08

Ryan and Amy
IMG_6329.JPG 2011-10-08

Connor with Mark and Abbey doing presents
IMG_6331.JPG 2011-10-08

A new gymnastics mat! Good job Madison
IMG_6334.JPG 2011-10-08

Mom and Dad
IMG_6335.JPG 2011-10-08

Nana and Connor
IMG_6338.JPG 2011-10-08

Volleyball Time - Tim and Shannon
IMG_6339.JPG 2011-10-08

Volleyball - Jordan and Rob
IMG_6340.JPG 2011-10-08

Mom, Dad and Connor
IMG_6342.JPG 2011-10-08

Mom, Dad and the boys - Connor is 6
IMG_6346.JPG 2011-10-08

Brooklyn
294.JPG 2011-10-09

Pin the lightsabre on the starship - Joey
296.JPG 2011-10-09

Megan with Darth
298.JPG 2011-10-09

Grace with Darth
299.JPG 2011-10-09

Jordan with the Darth mask
300.JPG 2011-10-09

Save Princess Leia
305.JPG 2011-10-09

Kenzie - Save Princess Leia
316.JPG 2011-10-09

Save Princess Leia - Connor
322.JPG 2011-10-09

0 Days till Disney
207.JPG 2011-11-21

Boys in the Shuttle to the airport
208.JPG 2011-11-21

Our Carryon
209.JPG 2011-11-21

Connor calling the pilot (or someone important)
210.JPG 2011-11-21

Movie Time - Flight Delay
212.JPG 2011-11-21

Boys in the cockpit with the pilots - lucky
213.JPG 2011-11-21

Daddy and Casey on the plane
216.JPG 2011-11-22

Abbey and Connor on the plane
217.JPG 2011-11-22

Outside the Condo on the first day to Disney
218.JPG 2011-11-22

Magic Kingdom
221.JPG 2011-11-22

Casey and Mickey
222.JPG 2011-11-22

Boat to the Magic Kingdom
225.JPG 2011-11-22

Mom and Dad on the boat to Magic Kingdom
228.JPG 2011-11-22

Boys watching outside the boat
230.JPG 2011-11-22

Abbey and Mark on the boat
231.JPG 2011-11-22

Family Picture on the boat the the Magic Kingdom
232.JPG 2011-11-22

The Castle
236.JPG 2011-11-22

Casey
238.JPG 2011-11-22

McElligott Fam by the castle
240.JPG 2011-11-22

Mom and Dad by the castle
244.JPG 2011-11-22

Connor on a Cannon at Pirates of the Caribbean
246.JPG 2011-11-22

Aladdins Carpet - Mom and Connor
248.JPG 2011-11-22

Abbey and Casey on Aladdins Carpet
250.JPG 2011-11-22

Pirates of the Caribbean
251.JPG 2011-11-22

Connor, Mark and Mom
254.JPG 2011-11-22

Dad, Casey and Abbey
255.JPG 2011-11-22

Skeleton
258.JPG 2011-11-22

More skeleton
259.JPG 2011-11-22

On the Ride
260.JPG 2011-11-22

Abbey and Connor on the ride
261.JPG 2011-11-22

Pirate Connor
262.JPG 2011-11-22

Casey and Connor (with ears)
266.JPG 2011-11-22

Dad and Mark on a ride
267.JPG 2011-11-22

Nana and the boys
269.JPG 2011-11-22

Dad and the boys waiting for a show
270.JPG 2011-11-22

Fam on the tea cups
271.JPG 2011-11-22

Connor spinning
272.JPG 2011-11-22

Abbey frightened
276.JPG 2011-11-22

Buzz Lightyear
280.JPG 2011-11-22

Buzz Ride
281.JPG 2011-11-22

Boys by Mickey and Minnie
286.JPG 2011-11-22

Boys by Mickey and Minnie - good
287.JPG 2011-11-22

Mom and Dad looking like Minnie and Mickey
288.JPG 2011-11-22

Mark and I by the castle
289.JPG 2011-11-22

Connor exhausted after about 4-6 hours sleep the night before
291.JPG 2011-11-22

Con
292.JPG 2011-11-22

Nana and Casey
295.JPG 2011-11-22

Disney Dreams show
301.JPG 2011-11-22

Disney Dreams Show
306.JPG 2011-11-22

Mickey and Minnie
310.JPG 2011-11-22

Fireworks from the castle
311.JPG 2011-11-22

Donald Duck
320.JPG 2011-11-22

Woody
324.JPG 2011-11-22

The castle at night
326.JPG 2011-11-22

Let the Memories Begin
327.JPG 2011-11-22

Connor in the pool outside the condo
330.JPG 2011-11-22

Casey in the pool
331.JPG 2011-11-22

Casey swimming
332.JPG 2011-11-22

Universal Studios
338.JPG 2011-11-23

Dad and Mom
343.JPG 2011-11-23

Islands of Adventure
344.JPG 2011-11-23

The Adventure Begins
346.JPG 2011-11-23

Casey figuring out where to go
347.JPG 2011-11-23

Connor figuring out where to go
348.JPG 2011-11-23

Seuss Landing
349.JPG 2011-11-23

The Grinch
350.JPG 2011-11-23

Eww
353.JPG 2011-11-23

This way to Harry
354.JPG 2011-11-23

Hogwarts
355.JPG 2011-11-23

Hogsmead
358.JPG 2011-11-23

Hagrids Hut
362.JPG 2011-11-23

Connor waiting for the Hippograff ride
364.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys waiting for the ride
365.JPG 2011-11-23

Buckbeak
369.JPG 2011-11-23

Mark and Connor
371.JPG 2011-11-23

Abbey and Casey
372.JPG 2011-11-23

At Hogsmead
374.JPG 2011-11-23

Butterbeer for all
376.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys by Hogwarts
377.JPG 2011-11-23

Dervish and Banges - to buy wands
378.JPG 2011-11-23

Dad and Mark
386.JPG 2011-11-23

Connor looking at the Harry wand
387.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys with their wands ready to pay
390.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys with wallets (and someones darn arm)
391.JPG 2011-11-23

Casey paying for his wand
392.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys with wands - I am in trouble
394.JPG 2011-11-23

Hogwarts Express
396.JPG 2011-11-23

McElligott boys at McElligott
401.JPG 2011-11-23

Casey at the Spiderman ride
404.JPG 2011-11-23

Connor at the Spiderman Ride
405.JPG 2011-11-23

Bring it on Spidey
407.JPG 2011-11-23

Nana and Connor
409.JPG 2011-11-23

Abbey and Woody
410.JPG 2011-11-23

Mom and Woody
411.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys and Woody
412.JPG 2011-11-23

Universal
413.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys and a Minion
414.JPG 2011-11-23

Twister
416.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys pretending to be in a tornado
417.JPG 2011-11-23

Jaws with Connor
418.JPG 2011-11-23

Jaws coming at us
426.JPG 2011-11-23

Games
429.JPG 2011-11-23

Mark discovering the Simpson
430.JPG 2011-11-23

Itchy, Scratchy and the boys
431.JPG 2011-11-23

Mark at the Kwik-E-Mart
435.JPG 2011-11-23

Wanted
436.JPG 2011-11-23

Playground
437.JPG 2011-11-23

ET Ride
441.JPG 2011-11-23

More playground areas
443.JPG 2011-11-23

Breaking out of jail
448.JPG 2011-11-23

Connor trying on a Spongebob hat
449.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys checking out all of the Wands
451.JPG 2011-11-23

Boys at breakfast
452.JPG 2011-11-24

Backyard pool
454.JPG 2011-11-24

McElligott Family off to Magic Kingdom again
458.JPG 2011-11-24

Boys waiting for the boat
461.JPG 2011-11-24

Following the parade -- my favorite thing ever!
463.JPG 2011-11-24

Mark and Casey on a ride
465.JPG 2011-11-24

Hands up!
467.JPG 2011-11-24

Silly Family picture
469.JPG 2011-11-24

Pirates of the Caribbean
472.JPG 2011-11-24

Fam in front of the castle
473.JPG 2011-11-24

Potter
474.JPG 2011-11-24

Kids with Zurg
478.JPG 2011-11-24

Fam on tea cups
481.JPG 2011-11-24

Boys in the pool
490.JPG 2011-11-24

Connor at the pool
496.JPG 2011-11-24

Casey - close up
500.JPG 2011-11-24

Mark, Mom and Connor waiting to get in to Hollywood Studios
506.JPG 2011-11-25

Jedi Training Academy
507.JPG 2011-11-25

Thank you for signing us up for Jedi Training Papa
510.JPG 2011-11-25

Snow Walker
512.JPG 2011-11-25

Star Tours
513.JPG 2011-11-25

Waiting for Star Tours
518.JPG 2011-11-25

Mark and Chewy
519.JPG 2011-11-25

Honey I Shrunk the Kids
524.JPG 2011-11-25

Kids on an ant
525.JPG 2011-11-25

Mark and a paperclip
529.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey on something
530.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey in a spiderweb
532.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor and a Tinkertoy
533.JPG 2011-11-25

Abbey and Film
534.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor on a speeder
535.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey on a speeder
537.JPG 2011-11-25

Mark on a speeder
539.JPG 2011-11-25

Magic Hat
542.JPG 2011-11-25

Kids waiting for Jedi Training
545.JPG 2011-11-25

Con waiting to go on
551.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor at training
557.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey at training
558.JPG 2011-11-25

Kids at Training
559.JPG 2011-11-25

Training
565.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey and the Jedi Master
568.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey - a little difficulty
571.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor with his saber
573.JPG 2011-11-25

Jedi pose
576.JPG 2011-11-25

Training
579.JPG 2011-11-25

Darth Vader
591.JPG 2011-11-25

The bad guys
592.JPG 2011-11-25

Darth Maul
594.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey fighting Vader
599.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey fighting Vader 2
600.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor with Darth
608.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor fighting Vader
609.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor ducking with Vader
610.JPG 2011-11-25

Ready to fight Darth Vader
618.JPG 2011-11-25

Jedi Training - Padawans
622.JPG 2011-11-25

My Padawans - Connor maintains he was shy (hence the face)
624.JPG 2011-11-25

Reading their Jedi Training Certificate
631.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor with his certificate
635.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey with his certificate
636.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey with his Star Wars sticker book
637.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor with his sticker book - an obsession
639.JPG 2011-11-25

The Family ready for Indiana Jones
641.JPG 2011-11-25

Mark and Casey
642.JPG 2011-11-25

What Aaron had to jump through
646.JPG 2011-11-25

Indiana Jones
648.JPG 2011-11-25

The airplane
661.JPG 2011-11-25

Indiana Jones and Connor
667.JPG 2011-11-25

Teaching Connor how to punch
668.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor punching Aaron
669.JPG 2011-11-25

Indiana Mark
670.JPG 2011-11-25

Time Tracker cards (how long is the line for this ride)
672.JPG 2011-11-25

Papa kissing Casey
673.JPG 2011-11-25

Mickey ice cream
678.JPG 2011-11-25

Muppet 3D
680.JPG 2011-11-25

Fam with Lightning and Mater
684.JPG 2011-11-25

Yeah - all of us with Lightning
686.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey and Mater
687.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey pretending to be Daddy with his hat
690.JPG 2011-11-25

Backlot Tours - special effects
691.JPG 2011-11-25

Hollywood Studios
693.JPG 2011-11-25

Flight of the Navigator
697.JPG 2011-11-25

Star Wars
698.JPG 2011-11-25

Casey with Star Wars stuff
701.JPG 2011-11-25

Dad with a lovely lady
703.JPG 2011-11-25

Mom with Narcissa
704.JPG 2011-11-25

Wizarding Mark
705.JPG 2011-11-25

Boys in Wizarding hats
706.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor with a free ride from Papa
710.JPG 2011-11-25

Both boys with a free ride
711.JPG 2011-11-25

Speak and Spell
714.JPG 2011-11-25

Mom with the mouseketeers
716.JPG 2011-11-25

Excited boys
721.JPG 2011-11-25

Crazy Faces
724.JPG 2011-11-25

More silly faces
726.JPG 2011-11-25

Practicing Scared
729.JPG 2011-11-25

Mickey
731.JPG 2011-11-25

Dad and Mom
733.JPG 2011-11-25

Mark and Abbey
735.JPG 2011-11-25

Silly Picture - Mark and Abbey
736.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor with ears
737.JPG 2011-11-25

Abbey with ears
739.JPG 2011-11-25

Mark with ears
740.JPG 2011-11-25

casey with ears
741.JPG 2011-11-25

Dad with ears
743.JPG 2011-11-25

The ships
758.JPG 2011-11-25

All of the characters
760.JPG 2011-11-25

A domino and Casey
762.JPG 2011-11-25

Connor and another tinkertoy
763.JPG 2011-11-25

The fam in a book
766.JPG 2011-11-25

Padawan Robes
768.JPG 2011-11-25

198.JPG
198.JPG 2011-11-26