Paddington

Today were on our way to go see the movie Paddington bear with two of Mac and Ella's  friends, Anna and RJ. This is the first time they went to a movie with their friends.

Movie night

Yesterday, I picked the kids up early from Grand Ave and we wen to see the Boxtrolls. They loved it

Mac loves his music

When we're in the car listening to the radio, Mac always asks me what the name of the each song is. And after I tell him, he does one of three things: gets a big smile on his face, says I thought so, or looks very serious like he's trying to make sense of the song title.

His favorite song right now is Love Runs Out by OneRepublic.

He also really like the Imagine Dragons in the song Demons, love to sing "This is my Kingdom Come".

He's really into music and I can see him playing an instrument - maybe drums!

Weekend fun

Saturday we went to Payton's birthday party at a trampoline gym. Mac and Ella loved it but I think Betty and I had the most fun jumping. 

Mac got up

Tonight, just now, I heard Someone open their door and walk into the bathroom. I went in to find Mac had got himself up to go potty. I think he might be out of pull-ups before Ella if. 

Summer fun

Ella stubbed her toe... A couple of times today. Dean and Brooke stopped over to play with Ella and Mac. Then Mac needed a nap so that where we left off. 

Happy New Year!

We spent NYE at the Dunnebacks. Ella was glad to be reunited with Lindsey and Mac scored some hand-me-down laser glasses that he won't take off now. Kids were in bed by 8:30 and parents in bed by 12:30. A very fun night!

Chicago aborted

We started off planning a train ride to downtown but once we got on the packed train we decided that downtown Lagrange might be a better choice. So here we are at Cold Stone Creamery and everyone is happy. 

Then a quick cool down at the fountain 

But before that we had dinner at prasio.  Ella eat really good, I think she's going through a growth spurt. Mac kept asking to go to the bathroom so he could play with the Dyson Airblade. 

At the water pad

Ella and Mac are cooling off and having some fun at the water pad in Willow Springs. 

2013 Back to the Blog

Ok so it's 2013 and I haven't blogged on here since 2011....ahhhh time got away from me!!  I will be filling in the last 2 yrs activities but wanted to start in the now.  It's 3/25/13 and Ella turns 5 in 3 months (can NOT believe it) and Mackie just turned 3 - 2 wks ago...he is all big boy now (minus the potty training)!
We have had a busy start to 2013 - with Grampie Vitek getting out of the hospital for a broken shoulder after a month long stay.  It was touch and go there for a while but he is back home and better than ever (down 50lbs and counting!!)  Unfortunately there will be no more Sanibel spring break vacas - but we are already planning for a disney trip within the next year!
Ella and Mac have been going to bday parties almost every wkend.  Mommy and Daddy got a mini-vacation in Vegas at the beginning of Feb.  Ella and Mommy had another great disney date with an the ice skating show at the United Center.  Gramma Nona & Papa came to stay with us to help celebrate Mackie's bday.  They love playing with the kids and the kids love having a new audience. 
Now back to our bday boy - as I was saying - he has yet to go his biznazz on the potty...you see he will sit there for hours but not do a thing.  According to his school though he goes at least 3 times a day -Tony and I have not seen it until...2 days before he turned 3 - Mac and mommy were home while Ella and Daddy went to gymnastics.  Mackie went out in the sunroom but wasn't making a peep - I went to check on him and he was in the poop stance - so I said did you go poop?  he said "No" I said "you want to sit on the potty" again he said "no" (in the cutest lil voice ever!)  I proceeded to bring him on the potty equipped with the Sponge bob potty seat.  He said I don't have to go.  Well mommy was determined...i moved the step stool in front of the door (no escape route) and started cleaning out the vanity.  Mac was really interested in the random crap I was pulling out (tooth picks, toothbrush holders, cotton balls - this kid needs more toys)  I told him to keep pushing and he really would try.  After a half hour I figured it was enough...I started to pick him up and he said "no i have to poop, mommy ....i need my diaper)  He was really about to freak and was so uncomfortable with the whole idea but I said "We don't need a diaper - you poop in the potty - just let it fall in the potty" and Lo and Behold...the biggest poop I've ever seen come out of him (probably because they are always mashed on his toushy)  Mac was soooo proud - we both were screeching - Yeah poopy!!!  SO that's been the biggest news in the Holmes household lately...needless to say in the past 2 wks there has been No potty action by Mac.  Ahhh my perpetual baby!!  But he did turn 3 - with a big Monkey Bizness party (his first friend party) - he loved it!!  And he got to put on his "Batman Big Muscles" for pizza and cake and he was thrilled.  It was a lot of fun!!  I can't believe the kiddies are 3 & 4!!!  Love them so much!!

Oh and Tony got a new job - 5 mins from home - just like me!!  The work/life balance has finally come to fruition with both of us!!