Star Of the Week

Ryan is wrapping up being the Star of the Week this week!

Shopping Sillies

Took a trip to Old Orchard Mall to just hang out and shop around. The kids could not stop themselves from checking out this decorative crocodile installation.

Indoor S'Mores

As a wrap up to Memorial Day, we decided to make S'Mores ... indoors! It is not quite the same as making them at a campfire, but the eating experience is pretty similar. The marshmallows take a bit longer than normal to make, so patience was hard to keep. When everyone got to eat a s'more, I think it was unanimously agreed the time was well worth it.

Ryan: Star of The Week

Ryan was the Star of the Week for his class. He had a lot of special things happen during the week. He shared a video of his talent (walking on his hands), got to read a letter in class from Mom & Dad, had lunch with Mom, and created this poster to share some more about himself.

St Mary of the Lake Parish Carnival

I have been on a mission to get the kids on a tilt-a-whirl and saw online that the local carnival in New Buffalo had one. So, I insisted we all go. Guess what? NO TILT-A-WHIRL! It had been raining on and off and the carnival grounds were so muddy, our feet squished as we walked. But, since we were at a carnival we figured we needed to take advantage. We got a few ride tickets and the kids went into the fun house / mirror maze together, then Brooke and Ryan did the swings while Luke rode a motorcycle.

There were a few ride tickets left and somehow Ryan and Jeff agreed to go on the "Cliff Hanger." Ryan's first legit ride. Nobody else was willing to go. Ryan was thrilled, and the look on his face was well worth the whole outing.

Wrapping up a fun outing at Oinks!

Lane Tech Community Carnival

I have decided that the kids must ride a tilt-a-whirl. We never have hit up the local Memorial Weekend carnival at Lane Tech, but this year I decided we had to drop in and find a tilt-a-whirl. They didnt have one! Because we made it all the way there, I let each kid play a game and try to earn a prize.

There was nobody else playing the squirt gun race, so when the three kids played
 it was guaranteed one would get a prize.

Luke couldnt really decide and either Brooke or Ryan (I can't remember which, but I think it was Brooke) convinced him this horn would be a great choice. It would later prove to be a horrible mistake as it was played the whole car ride home and for the rest of the day.

Pulitzer Prize

The preschool celebrated Pulitzer Prize today. Luke got to walk the red carpet and receive an award for a book her wrote himself ... titled "Ninja".

Lost Tooth

Ryan's been playing with this tooth for a while, so it's great to see it go. Tonight, at one point, he had it twisted sideways about 90 degrees (and that made him panic a bit). It's one of the only teeth that either kid lost that came out with the root. Eeewww.

Kilwins Grand Opening

After much stalling and much planning, we finally held the Grand Opening for Kilwins today. Each kid had to "work" for much of the day, giving out samples and greeting customers. They also had some time too play as well. We had a balloon twister (everyone got a balloon) and we had a face painter (Luke was the only kid who wanted that) and a temporary tattoo artist (who the kids were OBSESSED with).

We had a special/secret guest in the Moose costume. Uncle Tim!

Ryan got a parrot from the balloon twister and
pretty much wore it all day.

Brooke did an amazing job handing out samples
and greeting customers. She's our best employee.

Luke made an excellent Ninja Turtle. This was basically his best contribution to the day.

AAU Regional Championships: Minooka IL

This year we did Regionals with AAU in Minooka IL. These meets with closer locations (only about an hour away) are always so enjoyable because we know that when the meet ends we dont have that long drive home. Brooke really loves the hotel process, so the shorter drives don't allow that. But we enjoy not having to spend a night (or two!) in a hotel for every meet.

The levels for AAU are different, so in this competition she is an "Intermediate". She gets to customize her own routine versus performing the standard UASG routine. She seems to really enjoy that.

Brooke placed 2nd in Trampoline

AAU Regionals had a "Single Mini" competition, something she has never done or competed in. Brooke came in 2nd in this event, and she was so excited!

And she came in 1st place for Double Mini!

It was a great competition for her overall.

Mother's Day Gift

Luke gave me this adorable bookmark for Mother's Day. I know I should use it, but its just too cute. I wouldn't want it to fall apart or get ruined. So, instead, I put it in Luke's keepsake box. I feel a little guilty not using it, but I also can't not keep it forever.

He even decorated the envelope it came in. So, that's getting kept too!

Driving Home From Mason, OH

We have a 5 hour drive back home to Chicago. After a nice, big breakfast, everyone settled into the car and is ready for a nice (quiet) trip. I think we got all the extra wiggles out at Great Wolf Lodge.

Great Wolf Lodge, Mason OH (& Mother's Day)

We wrapped up Regionals in Cincinnati, on Mother's Day, and it felt weird to just sit in the car for 5 hours and go home. So, I decided to surprise the kids with a trip to the local (OH) Great Wolf Lodge. I debated back and forth whether or not to do it, but when I told them what we were doing, they were so psyched ... I knew I made the right choice. To add to that, I got the Paw Pass which allowed them to get candy, play MagiQuest, and play games in the arcade. It was a quick trip and they did their best to squeeze every ounce of fun out in that one night.

Kid's Dream Come True: Paw Pass

The tokens with the Paw Pass don't allow for a whole lot of gaming, but each kid got to play a few games. Enough to make it a pretty big day with all the things (swimming, gaming, magiquest, snacking) they could possibly want.

We went to the nightly story time and Luke was so engaged. He sat still and wore his "wolf ears" the whole time. For a kid that doesnt often devote his full attention to anything, this was a major surprise.

Trampoline & Tumbling Regionals Competition Day

Regionals was a bit unexpected for Brooke. She had some major difficulty on Trampoline, and isn't quite sure even what happened. We actually never saw her scores, but she placed last in her flight. This is unusual for her and something she isn't quite used to. However, she handled it like a pro. She did great in Double-Mini, placing 2nd in her flight and 8th overall in the region.

Anna & Brooke (photo taken by Ryan)

Brooke was 2nd in her Flight for Double Mini

Brooke placed 8th in the Region for Double Mini Level 5, out of 38 competitors!

Trampoline Regionals: Cincinnati

We took a quick trip to Cincinnati for Trampoline Regionals. After a long drive we were wiped. Luckily there was an ice cream shop right across the street!

We grabbed some ice cream and listened to some live music in Fountain Square. Then went to the hotel room, ordered room service and watched Lego Movie 2.