Airtastic Fun!

This morning the kids and I went to a place we'd never tried before...Airtastic. My friend JoLynn and her kids, Hailey, Ryan, and baby Hannah asked us to go there to celebrate their Ryan's birthday. After all the sicknesses and putting the trip off again and again, we FINALLY got to go! It was SO fun! It's a big place filled with inflatable jumpys (a word?) that you can play by the hour. They have slide ones, obstacle course ones, and just jumpy ones. It has a foam floor and the kids are free to RUN! Everybody wears their socks around and it's a great place to get some energy worked out of the kids in the winter. We'd definitely go back. The only catch was Mr. Ryan didn't really enjoy it until we had about 15 minutes left to be there. He wanted me to take him in everything and go down slides on my lap, needless to say my shoulder is hurtin'! Eventually he liked it and had fun :) I should've known when after we first checked in and he came over to me and said, "I want to leave this place." Hannah and Josh just went nuts with everything as soon as we let them loose. They were climbing up walls, sliding down the slides, and bouncin' around. I got more of a workout than I expected too! Thanks again for the invite, JoLynn and fam!

Valentine Cookies

This morning we made Valentine's Day cookies since it would be our only free morning to get them done! We got a new heart cookie cutter at World Market a week or so ago and the kids had been dying to use it. We made our usual super buttery with glaze on them, only we colored the glaze pink and red this time for the occasion. The kids had fun and just wanted to eat the scraps from rolling them out :)

Hannah's First Dentist Visit!

This morning we went to downtown Naperville for Hannah's first visit to the dentist. I tried to get her in when she was 3, but it took this long to get an appointment! She got to wear special sunglasses, hold "Mr. Thirsty," and she met "Mr. Sunshine." Their staff was really nice and good with children. Ryan and Josh watched her too and now they're ready for their appointments in March. Hannah did so well that they took x-rays too with their "Buzz Lightyear Laser Beam" the handheld, cordless x-ray machine (pretty cool). The best part was that she got to join the "No Cavities Club!" Everything went great, and we just have to start flossing! Thanks, Katie, for the referral!

Hannah's First Day of Dance

Here's Hannah all dressed for dance class, well...minus her ballet shoes, but those came a little bit later. She takes ballet at the Geneva Park District now where my friend Ellen teaches her class. There are about 8 girls including her in class. When she came out this week, she said she really liked it, but it was "too short." She's looking forward to going again next week.

Playing Outside

Today was actually warm enough to get outside and play in the snow. It's currently 38, but this morning was a little chillier. The sun was out off and on too, so all and all it was pretty fun (even I have to admit). We took out the kids new sleds and I pulled them around a bit. All the kids made snow angels, and we even did some swinging. It wasn't the right type of snow for snowman building (didn't stick together) so we STILL haven't been able to build one. Hannah, Josh, and Ryan all had fun running around. They discovered icicles from the trees and were eating those thinking that was so cool!! It was cute. Here are some pics...

Josh & Ryan's Birthday Party in Michigan

We had the boys' party Saturday at Mom and Dad's. We were able to drive in Friday night. I made Mickey cupcakes and mom made her delicious red velvet cake-thanks again, mom! The boys couldn't decide on one theme, so we had both Mickey and Lightning McQueen this year. It was fun spending time with family, and Beth, who's considered part of the family! Thanks to everyone for coming! The kids were playing today with all the fun gifts. Whew! I'm done with birthday party planning 'til May!

Josh & Ryan's Birthday at Home

Yesterday we had the boys' birthday party here at home with the Boyle side of the family. Jim and Mary couldn't come tho' as they weren't feeling well so we'll celebrate with them soon. Uncle

Jim and Aunt Rachel came for dinner and cake and presents. Aunt Rachel even made Ryan his own Lightning McQueen cake and I made Josh his own Mickey cake. They got to blow out their own candles too. Josh and Ryan definitely don't need help opening presents anymore! They ripped them open with ease! I can't believe they are three years old today!

We had chicken tetrazzini, a tossed salad with herb onion dressing, rolls, and ambrosia salad for dinner. The kids liked having their own "kiddie table" too. Hannah looks less than enthused in the photos, but she really did have a good time (even tho' she wanted it to be her birthday too). I had to include the photo of her holding Aunt Rachel's purse too. :) Happy Birthday boys!!