Hockeymania!

Tonight we all went to the BIG hockey game!  Eau Claire Memorial High School vs. Eau Claire North High School.  The two biggest high schools in town (both have YL) played tonight so we went to see kids, leaders, families, and friends!  John is taking a day of vacation tomorrow, so we let the boys stay up extra late to see the end of the game - knowing we'd all be able to sleep in tomorrow.  Yay!

We love family outings!  Bennett has been to a handful of athletic events this year.  Logan is the lucky one who gets to tag along with dad to most events.  They have frequented most hockey games (Memorial and North) this season.  

Here's Logan hammin' it up!  He LOVES to watch the boys play.  I couldn't believe how much he knew.  Scary...I don't think there is any turning back...Logan will surely be a hockey player!

Logan said, "Mommy, that goalie is Saxton.  He is number one."  Seriously?  Can two year olds usually say/retain/understand all this stuff?  Logan surprises me everyday!

When we got home, the real trouble began.  Bennett is becoming a hockey player, too!  Before changing from bunting to bedtime clothing, he found Logan's stick and starting playing.  Oh my gosh - I am far too outnumbered to have any say in "no hockey at this house" anymore.  My cause is lost.  Oh well...who can resist such cuties when they love something so much!

Hmmm...

"I've seen Logan do this..."

"Haha Mom!  Just wait!"

Getting ready...

We've been trying to get our house ready for Valentine's Day this weekend.  I thought we should have some decorations around, so I got an idea from my friends' website, Mommyapolis.  We tried to make the sun catcher hearts, but mostly, I ended up doing the work.  That was okay because Logan was thrilled with the finished product.  We have some on the windows and a big one on the back of the front door.  Other than this, our Valentine's projects have not gotten too far...better get to work!

Being crafty...love that sticky contact paper...just so fun! 

Bennett was having plenty of fun, too!

Finished product...well, one of many.  Cute, right?

Typical Wednesday

A typical Wednesday for us is playing in pjs for the morning, having an early lunch, then taking Logan to preschool.  Sometimes John stays home with the boys in the morning so I can go to SAMmy's (a special treat for me to be out without the boys!).  This week, I was lucky to go to SAMmy's and enjoy brunch with old and new friends.  John stayed home and played in pjs with the boys.  Then we have lunch all together and get off to school.  Logan can hardly wait to get there to see "Mrs. Knickerbocker and Mrs. Kasmarack - they are my teachers".

Playing in pjs...

Logan is at school for two hours...just enough time for B and I to run a few errands, or to head home for naps, cleaning or other chores (or maybe an online episode of LOST?!).  This week, B didn't even make it out of his carseat, he was sleeping so soundly, I just left him alone.  So sweet...

While Logan is at school: peace and quiet!

Brotherly Love

Yep.  Its for sure:  these brothers love eachother!  Logan spent the weekend with my parents and just came home this afternoon.  Bennett was clearly so excited to see him.  He couldn't wipe the gaping grin off his face as he watched Logan come in and re-familiarize himself with his own domain.  Usually, I can just see Bennett thinking, "Ooooohhh...I am totally gonna do that....just as soon as I can walk/run/jump!".

Logan still asks to hold Bennett.  He gets a burp cloth, puts it on his shoulder and says, "I wanna hold Bennett now, Mama".

Before long these two will be causing me lots of "trouble"!  Truth be told: I can't wait!

Squeeze!  So glad to be back together!

Not At This House

We can't watch the Superbowl at this house tonight!  We don't even get CBS, so at about 3:30pm, John and I realized we wouldn't be able to watch.  That sure makes it sound like we live in the "sticks", doesn't it?!  I guess we'll miss the most-watched television event of the year.  But...that's ok with us, there are plenty of other things we can do with our time tonight...

Bennett doesn't seem to mind...he is ALL SMILES!

Weekend in Hayward

We got to spend the weekend in Hayward, WI with some of our Young Life leaders, staff, and committee. It was a great weekend for all!  Logan got to spend Friday and Saturday with Papa in Stillwater (my mom was out of town) and Bennett got to come along for the YL par-tay!

Our accommodations were pretty amazing...a committee members' cabin on Round Lake.  It was so beautiful and well equipped for such a large group!  I think we could have had about 20 people, each with a bed!

As usual, Bennett was a super-baby.  He is so awesome!  Everyone was in love with him - he got plenty of attention, that is for sure!  As the mom, I think Bennett is the cutest baby, but most of our friends commented about what an adorable, perfect little boy he is!  We're so lucky!  

We brought his little play station and here he is playing and reading with our friend, McKala!

McKala's husband, Nic...ready for a ride on the snowmobiles.  And, our buddy...the bear.

We always feel so lucky to have a community like the folks of YL around us.  We had such a great time reflecting, learning, exploring, and planning together.  There is nothing like a crazy YL weekend to reenergize us!  Thanks, everyone!

No pictures?!

Well, I can't believe it, but I don't have any photos from this week!  We've had a great week with lots going on and my camera has not been close by, I guess.  Our week started with some sadness as John's grandmother, Marianna passed away after a long battle with cancer.  We celebrated her life in Blue Earth, MN with extended family Monday and Tuesday of this week.  Our time there was bittersweet: missing Marianna, but happy to see Scott, Jess, Jenny, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.  I forgot the camera, but wished I could have gotten some photos of Scott and Jess with the boys because we rarely get to see them.

The rest of the week was a blur!  We've been busy with playgroups, outings, preschool, attending hockey games, and our new music class.  The boys have been especially good the last couple weeks.  Despite Logan being two and struggling through a couple weeks, I think I have found a better medium with Logan and we seem to be on the same page and working together a little better.

A few of my favorite things from this week:

Logan in the car said, "This is brother.  I love him all day long."

Bennett has started to give good hugs and kisses.

Logan can say his mealtime prayer all by himself "God is great, God is good, and we thank Him for our food.  Amen".

Logan and Bennett reading stories together - when Logan reads, every book begins with "Once upon a time, there was...."

Bennett is finally going to bed at a decent hour (usually between 8-9pm) and wakes only once in the night for a little cuddle (I will mention this now, but know it could change by tonight! Ugh!)

We have a fun weekend ahead and I promise to take pictures so I have something to post at the end of the weekend!  Happy Friday!