Florida 19 :: Day 1

What a great weekend! Just got home, tired and sun-kissed, from an amazing trip to Florida. Last Thursday, my sister and I met up bright and early and caught an early flight to visit our parents. Honestly, the last time just the four of us spent time together on "vacation" was probably 1989 when we went to Mexico. It's been awhile, and was long overdue. First things first. We were so hungry so went to the golf club for lunch. Afterwards, we took the boat over to the beach were we spent the rest of the afternoon. It's not always so warm in February, but that sure wasn't the case this year. Not once did we need a jacket. Perfect beach weather. At night, we went to DeRomo's and picked up some food to make at home. My dad had a birthday the next day, so we celebrated with some birthday cake that my mom made. Full, fun day.

Moments 02 19 :: Week 04

Last Friday, C joined Brian and me at Flat Out Friday.


So fun. This is the women's group.


Another big snow day. The boys were off, so got some early morning shenanigans in.


On their day off, Brian and H went on his second college visit -- Lewis University.


Gretel leads a very rough life.


He might not be the tallest, but the guy sure can fly. Volleyball season has begun.


At the swim banquet, H received his varsity letter AND Most Improved on Varsity. So exciting. It was such a great season for him and I think we are all sad to see it over.


On Thursday, Christie and I flew down to Florida to help celebrate my parents 50th anniversary and my Dad's birthday. Many more photos will follow once I get home. Having too much fun in the sun right now.

Moments 02 19 :: Week 03

Swim sectionals were last week and H killed it! Even with a cold and fever (which he told us about later...).


He swam the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke, and since the start of the season, he shaved 20 seconds off his IM and 11 off of the breaststroke. Was hoping for under 2:10 for breast, and ended up with 2:08! Amazing.


Storm, with nails that are too long, but looking very cute all scrunched up.


And Gretel looking like a goofball. Ha!


Just a pretty view from the window. So much snow! In fact, the boys had another snow day. That's #4, in case you are counting.


Valentine's Day was pretty low key this year. H ditched us for a swim dinner. Brian was home sick. So C and I shared a cheese fondue dinner. Thank goodness no one ate with us! We did a great job polishing it off, that's for sure. Dessert was chocolate covered strawberries once we were all reunited.


Ah, here we are. Me and my forever Valentines.


Exciting stuff! H was invited to go to the State swim meet as an alternate! The 100 Breaststroke and Medley Relay team made it, and they took along two alternates. It meant a day off of school for H so they could rest and go to UW Madison. But first, they all met up for breakfast. Cute.


Here they are with their coach! Whoot whoot! Photo taken from the Nicolet Facebook page. :)

Moments 02 19 :: Week 02

H went to Conference for swim this year swimming his standard events. Here he is before the 200 IM.


It was held at West Bend. So much fun.


This is how we Super Bowl. Patriots vs. Rams. So boring.


She's too much.


What a crazy couple weeks of weather (snow, bitter cold, warm, rain, cold again). But Monday morning was an amazing sunset and fog. Dreamy.


8th grade vs. faculty basketball game. C's been looking forward to this all year. The old guys won, but the 8th graders sure gave them a run for their money.

Moments 02 19 :: Week 01

It was Parent Night at H's Friday night swim meet. Swimming has been such a great sport for him, and he's come such a long way. It's so much fun to see.


I'm a little obsessed with Storm lately. This is always how he sits, by the way. With his little rump roast elevated. He's the cutest.


Meanwhile, Brian was in Japan for work, and was lucky enough to extend his trip by a couple day to take advantage of Japan's amazing skiing.


See what I mean? He's so sweet.


On Sunday, C and I were back in Rockford for the second weekend in a row. His ODP team played against ODP Illinois and ODP Missouri. So much fun. The other three teams scrimmaged in Kenosha, and his team didn't have any subs. Needless to say, he was absolutely exhausted.


Brian came home Sunday night, and Monday was another snow day! At least one of us loves all the snow we've been getting! The boys were off of school anyhow, but H and Brian were supposed to go on a college visit that sadly got canceled. I was pretty happy to have them all around though. H is always such a huge help.


Then came Wednesday and Thursday. Pretty much the entire city was closed. Schools, Brian worked from home, the gym closed and even grocery stores closed. It was -50 degree windchill. Crazy! Was very thankful to be nice and cozy, that's for sure. Even if I didn't anticipate needing to fight for a space during my at-home workout session.


Snuggling up. These two are the best at it.


I even got my guys to do a charcoal mask. We got a good laugh out of it, but honestly, men should be taking care of their skin and masking too.

Moments 01 19 :: Week 04

I seriously probably take at least one picture of her sitting by the fire every single day. It's just too funny.


So, this happened.We got a HUGE snowfall Friday/Saturday. I had to take Brian to the airport on Saturday (he's in Japan!), and it was a nightmare to drive in at 4:30am. Later that day, my friend and I had to drive our boys to Rockford for soccer. I sure was glad to have a co-pilot.


Gretel loves the snow.


We got more snow on Wednesday -- and school was cancelled. I sure was glad to have this guy around. He's always such a big help.


Meanwhile, here's the other one....


It was also exam week. To celebrate the end of a great semester and lots of hard work, H and I had a lunch date. I gave him a few choices, but considering it's below 0 degrees out, he chose ramen. Good call.

Moments 01 19 :: Week 03

Brian and I snuck out Saturday morning and had a breakfast date! Crazy, right? Tried out the new Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern. Check out those beet cured lox!


Later that day, H swim in the Shorewood Invitational swim meet (he's second from top).


Sunday my nephew had us over to his new pad for Italian Night. This brave guy had all of us in his 800 square foot condo and did all the cooking. He did a great job too.


From the rooftop deck of his place.


This is Tom. At least, that's what we all call him. He's kind of like the gym mascot, if you will, and has been hanging around since last summer. He also like to hang out by the highway off-ramp. That one makes me a little worried for him. He has no fear.


C had a couple basketball games this week, and even got to start in one of them. He loves it.

Moments 01 19 :: Week 02

C's school takes 8th grade photos for a fancy composite thing that gets displayed in the school. Can't believe it's this guy's turn.


Crazy workout with Milwaukee Masters. And Happy Birthday to my friend Matty (smack dab in the front, duh).


Random dog photos. Remnants of Gretel's Christmas toy. Storm with a flipped back ear (and sleepy).