First pic of 2024. Still in my bed.

Yesterday & Today. Can't get these kids out of my bed

Letter to Chippy (the Elf) from Luke

12/1

Building a Gingerbread house

 Dad took Luke to Home Depot to make the coolest gingerbread house today!

3/9/23

4/27/23

Both boys had basketball games at the same time and the same place - this is a big deal. Ryan's team won and he got a medal ... Luke's team lost but he didn't really mind ;)

After a little bit of a miscommunication, we got a happy birthday message posted on the school board for Brooke. Her birthday is not for two days, but we wanted her to see it at school. Also, tonight is a football game… So lots of people should see it as a stroll around for the game. We are so excited for the big 15!

Wrapping up summer with a movie at Hamlin Park - Puss & Boots.

By the end, two kids were MIA and the third was playing games on my phone (he sort of had an excuse because he saw the movie before)

Purdue Camp: Day 2

 We picked up the girls for lunch. The plan was to eat a local burger place ... but they had different plans. Fried chicken it was ... 

Brooke and Audrey also desperately wanted to take a picture with the 6'6" Lizzie Carr, MB 

 On the way home we rewarded ourselves (her for the workout, me for driving from W Lafeyette back to Chicago) with Culver's ice cream

Purdue Camp: Day 1

Our second weekend at Purdue University for the girls volleyball camp. Not sure if the camp is what she's here for, or the ability to hang for a weekend with friends. But there's the added benefit of hanging out on a college campus (and, in particular, one that close ... but not too close) that also is a perk for both her and me. 

Day one was a success. Mostly (probably) because I got to hang at a bar while she hung out playing volleyball. 

Lost Tooth: Bloodbath Version

Leave it to Luke to create a bloody scene by yanking a tooth out.

Dreams Do Come True

We found a Panda Express on the Purdue Campus!

10/23/22

Look how excited these kids are to officially cross into Tennessee

We have a Graduate

Brooke is officially a graduate of Catherine Cook and part of the Lane class of 2027!

It's been a long year for this kid - he's so done with school. The other two will really miss it (especially Brooke, who graduates) ... but Ryan? Goodbye & Good Riddance 6th Grade!

Luke achieved a new milestone in swim class today: 30 Feet of Backstroke

Leaving for Sea Camp

Dear Ryan

After getting them for his birthday, begging every day to try them while we made up excuses, we gave in and took him out almost two weeks later.

He was definitely surprised by how hard they were. And we definitely don't know how to teach him. He gave it a good 20-30 min effort until he either got tired or bored. We will see how soon he asks to try again.

The final, final, 9th bday celebration. Super Mario movie was a big hit.

Second First Cubs Game

The first game Luke went to, he was just a baby. So he counted today as his first official Cubs Game!

Easter morning at Grandma & Grandpas

Day 3 of the Windy City National qualifier - Happy Easter

Big day today - someone also started (back) at swim lessons!

"You are a very good dad and you shouldn't change that."