CPOP Soccer Closing Ceremony

Today was the last soccer game of the season and closing ceremony.  The kids were so excited for their medals and of course donuts :)

Picking out a Capri Sun and...

 

the perfect donut to go with it :)

Team Blue!!

Accepting his medal - go Andrew!!

Trunk or Treat

This was our very first (of many I am sure) Trunk or Treat at CPOP.  The boys were so excited to finally get to wear their flight suits and get some candy!!  We met up with the majority of the kindergarten class beforehand so we could all drive in together and park next to each other - it was perfect and so nice to just hang out with everyone :) 

Andrew with lots of his buds :)

Nathan making the rounds.

Checking out all their goodies :)

Trying to stay warm around the propane heater - it was a popular spot by the end of the night.

Highland Park, IL

I just couldn't wait any longer to meet my brand new niece!!  After I got the boys off to school, I jumped on the highway to surprise my brother and his family with a little visit :)  It was so great to spend time with everyone and get my hands on Miss Avery!!  She is just a sweetheart and I could have held her forever :)  Mary is the best big sis already.  Congrats again, Todd and Laura - you have a beautiful family!!

Avery Ann Bruemer.

Sweet dreams.

Mary loving her Sit N Spin :)

Getting the hang of it!!

Such a little love bug.

Interview for DASA

The boys have been involved with Disabled Athlete Sport Association (DASA) for a few years now in their Learn to Swim program.  This evening we were interviewed to be a part of a video showcasing this amazing organization.  Check out the link to learn about DASA and the awesome opportunities it gives so many deserving people.

DASA Video 2013

BBQ with the Sachs

This afternoon we headed to my cousin's daughter's new house for a BBQ with my Mom's side of the family.  Amanda and her fiance, Andy recently moved into their home and will be married this coming summer :)  We had a great time relaxing and Andrew had fun with his soccer tournament :)

Giving instructions.

Andrew & Aunt Jo laying out the rules of the game (Gigi laughing).

Let the games begin!!

In action :)

Love this picture!!

Daddy and Andrew - two peas in a pod :)

Meeting Avery for the 1st time :)

Just a cute pic of the boys waiting to meet Avery via FaceTime...they are so excited she's here!!

Such the anticipation :)

Big Day!!

Today Nathan had his annual check-up with his ENT.  This is one appointment I don't really get too nervous about just because school is so on top of things and checks Nathan's ears quite frequently due to his hearing aids.  Anyway, all looked well except for some wax build up that we needed to have removed.  Unfortunately, it's not as easy for Nathan to keep his ears clean since his ear molds are formed to fit his ear and leave no room for the wax go. 

Wax removal is not a fun experience AT ALL.  It takes two nurses to hold Nathan still - one holds his head to one side and one holds his arms at his sides while also holding his body still.  Not many kids do too well with being pinned down.  I am singing as well as holding a light spin toy to try and keep Nathan calm while the doctor goes in with a metal instrument to remove the wax.  Let me tell you - it's quite the ordeal.  Nathan actually did really well today.  He was so tired since it was close to nap time and was actually starting to fall asleep...a first for Nathan as well as for the ENT's office :)  Definitely not what I was expecting, but I'll take it!!

Today is also Steve and I's 10 year wedding anniversary!!  I never thought ten years of marriage would fly by so quickly.  Nor did I ever think we would have gone through everything that we have.  It's been one heck of a roller coaster ride and I am glad I've had you right by my side - here's to another ten years and more!!

Welcome, Avery Ann Bruemer!!

We are so proud to announce we have a new cousin!!  Avery Ann Bruemer was born tonight - 8 lbs, 1 oz and 19 inches long.  We can't wait to meet you precious little angel!!

Bright-eyed :)

Little bundle of joy!!

Never a dull moment

The past several days Andrew started favoring his right leg and hip.  We didn't think much of it at first, but when he started looking worse rather than better, a call into the orthopedic surgeon was made.  She immediately got us in right after school today.  The x rays looked just fine, but Andrew was in significant pain throughout her evaluation and it was apparent something was going on with his hip socket/joint.  She rattled off several things it could be, some more severe than others, but we were first going to try ibuprofen before jumping to any conclusions.  We learned that it's actually pretty common for children to develop viruses in their joints and if this was the case with Andrew, a few days on an anti-inflammatory and limited physical activity should take care of it.  So we left the office with a Dr.'s note for school - no gym or p.e. for a week and to start the ibuprofen right away.  We tried not to focus on the what-if's and just prayed the ibuprofen would be our answer.  We should see a change in a couple of days - another waiting game :(

The boys also swim on Monday evenings and as luck would have it, it was Andrew's turn to finally  bring Percy and Polly home for the night.  Percy and Polly are the kindergarten's class penguins and they visit everyone's homes throughout the year.  Andrew was so excited to bring them home.  You are supposed to do some fun things with the penguins and then journal about it to share with the rest of the class.  So, Percy and Polly headed to swim lessons with us and then enjoyed an evening snack before heading to bed with Andrew.  Just another typical day in our house - amazing how much can happen in just 3 1/2 hours!!

Andrew enjoying a malt with Percy and Polly.

All dressed and ready for bed - had to add Fred Bird to the mix!!

Stuckmeyer's Pumpkin Patch

This afternoon we went to yet another pumpkin patch - Stuckmeyer's!!  We love this farm and always have such a great time.  This weekend was perfect to be outside and we made the most of it.

Picking out some pumpkins.

Our fam :)

Andrew riding a trike :)

Nathan full speed ahead!!

Taking an interest in the haunted house maze...

And in he goes!!

Waiting our turn for the inflatables.

Mommy and Nathan watching Andrew.

He made it!!

Andrew loves slides - the faster the better!!

Waiting for Andrew to come down.

Going through a corn maze - it's ACCESSIBLE for Nathan!!

Andrew making sure Nathan is staying close by.

Here they come!!

Nathan loved it!!

Waiting in line for a barrel ride.

Nathan's first time riding!!

Enjoying the ride.

Picked some good pumpkins!!