February Holidays!

It's not often that you get two holidays in a row, but this past week we lucked out. And, really, are they holidays? Well, I guess that depends where you live. But, we'll start with the first...

Koops 2nd Annual Ski Holiday, otherwise known as Presidents Day. We did get the day off from school, and we didn't go to Springfield to see Lincoln, we didn't read about Washington, and we sure didn't go to Chicago to celebrate Obama when he was a humble "community organizer!" No, we headed to Wisconsin to Wilmot 'Mountain'.

It's been such a weird winter weather wise, so to even think about skiing felt a little out there. But, we went anyway and sure enough, in the middle of the brown landscape was a white 'mountain' ready to be skied on.

The boys went through 2 hours of ski school to refresh. Jacob spent about 5 minutes on the bunny hill and then was off to the chairlift. On the other end of the spectrum was Jeb, who spent about 1 hour and 55 minutes on the bump of a hill. Aiden landed in between. But, they wanted to keep going. Thank goodness I was with a friend who was skiing and took Jacob off my hands while I tried to help with the tow rope. Running up the hill holding Jeb and Aiden up and then running down trying to make sure Jeb didn't take anyone out. After awhile Aiden took off with Jacob to the chairlift and I was left with Jeb. I got a work out and he somewhat mastered the tow rope. It was memorable and the boys loved it. It's their favorite sport. Which will probably bankrupt us since it's the most expensive. If you are reading this and want to sell some skis, call me!

Jeb, a little off balance, but getting down this 'steep' hill

Jacob on the right, loving every minute.

Aiden making it down the big hill! Thank you to Heather who trailed not far behind!

There was no rest when I got home, off to the grocery store to buy pancake supplies and bacon for PANCAKE DAY! This one actually deserves a day off or at least some acknowledgement at the local schools. Oh well, I took care of it for our friends.

After school, we had 16 kids over for pancake races: flip your pancake while running. First one to the end wins! Jacob had a severe advantage from his time in the UK, but he lost in a photo finish. Everybody won after when we sat down for pancakes, bacon, sausage, and fruit salad. We went through 50 pancakes, 2 lbs of bacon (we needed more!) and 3 lbs of sausage. There were a lot boys there!

So glad we can bring a beloved English tradition across the pond!

Jacob vs. Jake in the first round

Aiden vs. Teddy. Lost in the first round, which he said he allowed because Teddy is younger. ;)

Merry Christmas!

Christmas seemed to creep up on us this year despite being pretty prepared thanks to online shopping and the kids being in school until the 23rd. We had a great time watching Christmas programs, baking, frosting cookies (this was done with 6 boys - very daring...I deserve an award for that one!), and wrapping presents frantically every night. And then suddenly, here it is. Christmas.

We mixed things up a bit this year. We stayed in Elmhurst on Christmas Eve, leaving to see our families in Michigan on Christmas Day. It was so great to have a quiet night with the boys. Well, as quiet as it gets here, that is. We allowed a couple of presents to be opened. The first was photo books that I made for the each boy. Kids love looking at themselves and I loved seeing their surprised expressions. Then came the Wii games. The surprise was 'Just Dance.' We had so much fun dancing and it got a bit heated with the competition! But, the best girl won, of course!

The morning came early...Jacob was up at 5:15, but thankfully waited until 5:45 to come see us. we waited until 6:30 and FINALLY Jeb woke up. I'm not sure he was fully awake, but a present got shoved in his face anyway. By 7:00, the Santa gifts were opened and everyone was busy playing. Jeb was the best to watch...so excited no matter what the present was. Although Cars 2 DVD got the biggest yell! We pulled away for breakfast and to pull out Christmas Crackers. And then we opened a few more presents. The guns. The guns I swore I would never buy. The guns that the boys were ecstactic about. The Nerf guns. I have to admit, I had a bit of fun with them too. There goes the house, as if it hasn't already.

Then on to the car to Michigan for fun with cousins and, of course, more presents. It was a lot of fun to see everyone and watch the kids get so excited just to play with cousins that they don't see often enough. And in the end, when we asked the kids about their favorite part of Christmas, it was the show that they put on with their cousins - a nativity play. And isn't that what Christmas is all about? A little baby in a manger and six little kids who want to retell it in order to remind the busy adults that it isn't all about the baking, the food, and even the presents. Thanks for that reminder.

Lastly, I wish I would have taken the time to write down quotes from Aiden. He was on fire. But, I only remember one, although I laughed at more than a few. Here is the best of the bunch:

Tom got new boots - black, European looking dress boots. He asked for them and I got them. He put them on, a bit unsure of this new style, but we talked it over and thought they looked good. And then Aiden came up from playing and said this, "Wow Daddy did you get new boots? Those are AWESOME! They look just like mommy's!" - And the boots were taken off immediately and sent back the following day. ;)

All set with our Christmas cracker crowns on!

Just Dance! Get's a bit sweaty with all that dancing!

Putting together Lego in record time!

Scalectix - Jacob's face says it all!

Not sure what to say about this one...but sometime I do fear for his future.

Koops cousins

Blauwkamp cousins after the nativity play

Things I Should Have Posted, Part 3: Fall Sports

This fall was full of sports again this year. We added to the craziness by having Aiden play soccer and flag football. The results were interesting and comical at times. Let's start with soccer.

Jacob entered his second year on a AYSO team, and it was so much fun to watch. The kids worked so well as a team this year and really played well. They lost one game the entire season and at the end, Jacob scored his first goal. I thought I would cry. And, of course, I didn't have the camera on me! Oh well, the image is burned in my memory.

Now on to Aiden. He did a half season last year and it really didn't count. This year was all about learning. He really loves to run, but it isn't always the right way. The ball touched his foot maybe 10 times, but he loved it. And that is what really counts. I guess. Listen, I can't lie - it was hard to watch!

Flag football. I had a feeling that Aiden would be all about this. I was wrong. He played his first game and told me that it was a lot of fun. Then he asked if he ever had to do it again. Yes, it was a long season. But, he didn't care if he had the ball or was on defense. He played his little heart out, even if he never touched the ball. There is one thing that everyone notices about Aiden - he plays his little heart out and is always smiling at the end. And that is what sports is all about!

Setting up the play for flag football

Jacob posing on the field

Notice the ball. Notice the directions the kids are running. Then look at Aiden. Enough said.

Things I Should Have Posted Part 2: Boy Scout

We have a boy scout in the house! Aiden is officially a Bobcat boy scout after an official ceremony in October. He is super excited to go to all his meetings and the badge meeting was impressive because he got painted on. Wow! So, if you want to buy popcorn, watch a pinewood derby, or go on a campout...you know who to call!

Things I Should Have Blog, Part 1: Nascar Racing

Waaay back in August, Tom had his birthday and we decided to give him and experience - ride in a Nascar race car going 180 mph! So, in September, we headed to Chicago Raceway and watched him go! It's amazing how fast 4 laps can go. I think he was done in about 5 minutes flat. And, when he emerged from the car, he was laughing. He said it was awesome and then he said, "I don't have to do that again." Apparently, it's also a bit scary. So, yes, it is a once in a lifetime experience!

Victory Lane!

The boys watching for Daddy

There he is!

Halloween!

Last week we celebrated Halloween - probably my kids favorite holiday outside of Christmas and I have to say, we had a great time celebrating this year!

This year there was no going to the store to figure out costumes, instead the boys requested to make their own. Zombies. I figured it would be a disaster, but after going to Goodwill and getting cheap clothes, they took control. At our first family party someone actually thought they might be DCFS children (aka social services - Yikes)!

Jeb's costume? Well, he had a few choices of hand me downs and he wanted to be a tiger. Only I couldn't find it, so I gave him Tigger. He doesn't watch Winnie the Pooh, but Jeb is just a happy kid who thought he was a tiger. Please don't tell him Tigger is friendly.

Oh, and yes, Tom and I had to get dressed up too. Tom wasn't too pleased, but could it have been any easier? A girl scout and boy scout?! He did get a few looks as he was buying beer prior to going to the costume party!

Trick or treating was crazy! Elmhurst rule is 3:30 - 7:30, so there was a rush to get the costumes and make up on after school. Didn't want the candy to run out! The boys took off with their friends in a sprint from house to house with me yelling, 'Did you say thank you?' and Jeb running behind to keep up. At one point Jeb looked at me after I asked him about the thank you for the 20th time and said, 'but they never say your welcome!' Thank goodness that door had closed. At least he gave all the moms with me a laugh!

In the end we ended up with some candy. An enormous amout, which included a lot of full size candy bars. Really? Do kids really need that? Jacob counted 284 peices. My English friend was horrified! But, it has been seperated. Some has been sent to the troops from our school and a lot was confiscated by Tom, who is a closet chocoholic. Until then, we'll keep our fingers crossed for no cavities!

Almost forgot the pumpkin carving! U of M for Jacob -Daddy is so proud!

Ready to go get some candy!!

The mob that we went with!

No child should have this much candy!!

Back to School and Back to Blog

I don't even know where to begin on this one. My pictures just got downloaded after 7 weeks and the blog hasn't been touched since August. So much for documenting memories for our kiddos. Lots of catching up to do. Let's see if I remember...

August 18 was the first day of school for us. Much different from last year when we were all nervous walking down the street to school. This year, we weren't the new kids and were ready to head back and hang with our friends. Jacob started 3rd grade and Aiden began full days in the 1st grade.

Our routine was structured this year. Laminated signs at the foot of the stairs with stop signs asking if clothes were on, teeth were brushed and beds made. As rigid as it sounds, it worked and still works 7 weeks into school. Although Aiden always tries...

Jeb finally got to go to preschool mid-September. We had a trial day and he looked at me and asked if I was going to stay. I had to and neither of us was pleased about it. But, two days later he went by himself and we were all celebrating our independence. And yes, I do have plenty to keep me busy during my time alone! (The number one question from many people!)

So far, so good. Everyone is doing well and there have been no embarrassing stories coming out of preschool. Give it time, Jeb loves to talk...

Walking to school...

Jeb begins 3 year old preschool