NYE in Cabo!

Luke survived his first flight. It actually wasn't as smooth as this seemed. He cried during takeoff and said the plane was "too fast". But he recovered quickly and things were great for most of the trip. Dad and Ryan were in the row directly in front of us.

Ready for Takeoff!

Thank goodness for technology ;)

Celebratory ice cream at the hotel

Swimming!!!

Zoo Trip!

Its winter break and we decided to take a quick trip to the zoo. The goal was to see Luke's friend the Polar Bear. Unfortunately, he was not cooperating today. But it was a good trip otherwise.

The boys quickly buddied up with some monkeys...

However, the monkeys quickly fixated on Ryan.

And then they decided to try to rip his face off. Over and over again.

 After the boys got tired of the monkeys trying to pulverize Ryan, we went to check out a few more animals. We also stopped to ride on a couple of hippos.
And then we left the zoo and hit up Starbucks on the way home :)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas morning came and went in minutes. The kids woke up early and we held them off as long as possible. Then they tore down the street and tore through their presents in minutes.

 

Luke didn't make it far into his presents without getting distracted,

but he did manage to open a gift or two.

Ryan set up camp in a Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle tent

And started assembling Legos!

The Chewbacca mask was an immediate favorite

Luke picked up the remote control immediately

Luke is a candy fiend. Funny thing is that he didn't change at all from last year. He got his hand into his stocking and pulled out one piece of candy ... and he was done. He didnt care about opening more presents or even what else was in his stocking. He just cared about the candy. And he had to eat it. RIGHT. NOW.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

Brooke Made A Special Message for Our Elf, Chippy.

Treats for Santa!

Ryan's Holiday Show: "A World Of Music"

Note: The Dab

Sunday He Said She said

Brooke: Luke, why was 6 afraid of 7?
Luke: Star Wars

Pajama Day For Ryan

Ryan's first Pajama Day at Skinner. He was so excited!

Ryan's Kids Birthday Party: Soccer Time!

Ryan held his party at the Chicago Fire's soccer club, Fire Pitch. The kids played some soccer, and also a whole lot of games.

Santa Visit

Took the kids to see Santa. Luke asked for Star Wars (he said he was going to ask for a gun but forgot when he got up there); Ryan asked for an iPad and iPhone; and Brooke asked for a stuffed animal. She said she wanted to ask for an iPhone and a stuffed animal ... but she saw Santa was hanging out stuffed giraffes. SO, she asked for a stuffed animal so "my Christmas wishes would come true".

Luke Goes To The Dentist

Luke had his first Dentist visit. He rocked it. The other kids had to sit on my lap for the first visit ... but not Luke. He wasn't nervous. Didn't flinch. Wasn't concerned about the Dentist poking around his mouth. He's a pro.

Sleepunder

Brooke wanted to invite a few friends for a Sleepunder (wear pjs, watch a movie, then go home). Seemed like a lot of people had plans and there were some "no" responses. So we invited a few more. And then the weather got nasty and I think plans changed ... so a no became a yes.

And we ended up with 11 girls over for a movie on a Friday night ;)

The Polar Bear

Luke went to visit his buddy the polar bear at the zoo for, what must be, the 10th time since the exhibit reopened in November.

Today is was only 19 degrees out ("feels like" 5). He appears to be the only kid at the zoo ;)

Sunday He Said / She Said

Ryan: How do you say "Did you have a Merry Christmas?" in Spanish?

Me: I don't know. That's a good question for your Spanish teacher.

Ryan: Or Siri.

Happy Holidays Selfie

Bath Time Bubbles

Kindergarden Trip to the Symphony

Ready for the big show!

Ryan and his class made a visit to the Chicago Symphony. He enjoyed the trip, but did have a head-meets-seat moment that put a damper on the outing. Overall, sounds like hed be willing to go again ;)