Cahokia Mounds

We had another gorgeous day so we tried to squeeze in one more adventure with the cousins.  We visited Cahokia Mounds!  I don't think I had been there since I was a kid on a field trip.  It was way better than I remembered. 

We explored the visitor center and watched a movie about what they suspect life was like for the Mississipians.  It was pretty fascinating and I think the kids actually learned a bit. 

Then we headed out to climb to the top of Monks Mound.  The views from the top were pretty gorgeous. 

 I just love this picture of Jack and his big cousin, Paisley.  She is so sweet with him and he just adores her.  It melts my heart.

 We topped off the outing with some delicious ice cream from Ted Drews.  I think they liked it :)

Upper Limits

Friday after Thanksgiving was pretty rainy so we were looking for something fun to do inside.  We have never done any sort of indoor climbing facility so I thought it would be fun.  The boys loved it!


The employees got them all hooked up and we listened to them explain how the climbing walls worked.  The boys were pros in no time at all.

The wall Max is on here was pretty challenging.  Those gears move when you put weight on them and make things more difficult.  I was impressed with his determination. 

 A friend once referred to William as a little spider monkey.  I think this is actually pretty accurate.  He did a great job and made it to the top of just about everything.  His favorite was the spider web.

 Jack was excited before he started climbing and couldn't wait to try.  That first obstacle scared him a bit and he didn't seem so sure, but he kept on trying.  By the end of the hour I had to drag him out of the room. 

It was so much fun watching the boys try something that none of them had done before.  They all did a great job and I have a feeling we will be back for some fun over winter break.

Park Time with the Cousins

 This is where I hang my head in shame because I didn't take a single picture at the wonderful Thanksgiving lunch at Brian's family. 

We did head to the park after lunch because it was just an absolutely gorgeous day.  The kids loved running around one of their favorite parks with their cousins. 

 This dino cracks me up.  I can't believe all three of these ten year old boys could fit.

I'm so thankful for all of our family on both sides.  It really is amazing how blessed we are.  It doesn't get any better.

Happy Thanksgiving

 My family celebrated the holiday a little early.  It was perfect because no one had to rush off to see other family.  We could all just relax and enjoy spending time together without thinking about where we had to go next. 

Jack found a couple willing participants for his chutes and ladders game.  I think he won.

 The boys ate at least a little bit of thanksgiving food - even if Max does insist that he needs ketchup with his turkey.

 I didn't think to get a picture of the five of us, but I did get this adorable pic of Nonna and Nonno with the boys.  I don't know whose facial expression I love the most ;)

 Jack did let me get a picture of him and his Nonna.  I think this silly face picture is just about my favorite one ever.

It was a wonderful afternoon spent with my amazing family.  I know I may be partial, but I'm related to some pretty great people.

Jack's Plays Soccer

 A couple weeks ago I was asking Max and WIlliam if they wanted to play indoor soccer this winter.  Jack piped up that he wanted to play indoor soccer.  I signed him that night.  When we mentioned it to dad the next day Jack had changed his mind and said he didn't want to play.  Fast forward two weeks to his first practice/game and he changed his mind again.

 He was super exctied to try on his Cardinal jersey and pateinenlty waited for his turn on the field - momma had the time wrong and we were an hour early :)

I was so proud of him!  He gave it his all, listened to his coach, and had so much fun.  Jack can be hesitant to try new things so we couldn't be happier with this. 

We celebrated a great first soccer experience with pizza for lunch at Costco.  I asked him to smile and this is what I got.  I just love this little man so much!

City Museum

So this place stresses momma out.  There are many places the kids go in and end up on an entirely different floor.  Luckily we had lots of extra hands since so many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins came in for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

 This was Jack's very first visit to the museum.  He loved it!  That is he loved it until he took a tumble down one of the slides at the very end. 

There is nothing better than watching my boys play with their cousins.  Growing up my cousins were pretty much my siblings.  The fact that the boys' cousins live so far away is tough, but we sure do enjoy the time we are able to spend together!

Biography Day

Max had to interview someone and write their biography for school.  He picked his Nonna and I think he had a great time learning more about what life was like when she was growing up.  He even turned his biography into a video!  

We were invited to his class to see the kids present their biography vidoes.  He was so proud to show Nonna his classroom and explain what school is like for him.  It was so sweet to watch him share his day with her.  

Max introduced his video before it played and he did a great job!  Nonna and I were so proud of the effort and thought he put into this project.  I think he was pretty proud of himself too - he even dressed up for the occasion :)

Snow Day!

We got an early treat the week before Thanksgiving - our first snow day in forever!  Normally snow days make me cringe, but this one was so much fun!

 We shoveled the driveway and played outside in the morning and met friends to sled after lunch.  All three boys had sooooo much fun! 

 There were snow angels everywhere - and since my seven year old is obsessed with all things potty talk, he sat down in the middle of it and told me that the angel needed a butt.  Can't wait for this phase to pass. . .

 Max was so excited about his huge snowman - he made it all by himself!  I was super impressed.  Hopefully more snow will grace us this winter - and we know just where to go sledding.  I don't think sledding down the small hill in our front yard will every suffice again :)

Scouting For Food

I'm so proud of my little scouts.  They braved some crazy cold temperatures to drop off bags for scouting for food.  At one house a man opened the door.  He had no idea what we were doing.  Sweet Jack was quick to tell him that he needed to fill his bag for people that have no food.  I need to do more to give our kids the chance to serve others - they always love it and it is so good for everyone involved.

Happy Halloween!

What a crazy busy day!  The kids had a late start at school so by the time they acutally got there is was just about party time for Jack's class.  The kindergarteners are the only kids that dress up, then they parade around the school.  Oh my goodness, typing that made me realize this was my last kindergarten Halloween parade. 

 I helped Jack get his costume on and then went to watch the parade with William.  Since WIlliam and Max's parties were at the same time and I was running the one in Max's room I didn't get to see William's party.  I did get at least get this mummy picture from another mom.

 Jack's party was so much fun.  He made this adorable little pumpkin hat. 

Pinned the heart on the skeleton.

Partnered up with his book bin buddy and got turned into a mummy.

 And he finally got to make his buddy into a mummy.  It was a great party with a great class of kiddos.  I look forward to getting to know this little ones and their families as our kiddos grow. 

 I only got a couple pictures of Max's LAST Halloween party - seriously I'm not ready!  The kids made these fabulous fall lanterns.  They took their work very seriously and the finished products looked great. 

 We played a sticky spiderweb game and finished up with this team building activity.  The kids had to work together to move their cups using only their rubber band contraption.  It was tougher than in looked and a great way for the kids to learn to work together as a team.  I think of all the parties I have helped with this one was the best!

 After dinner we hit the streets.  The boys got wayyy too much candy and had a great time doing it.  I think it is finally gone!