Edward's 12th Birthday At Get Air

Edward celebrated his 12th Birthday last weekend at the new Get Air indoor trampoline park.  A bunch of his friends whiled away the afternoon playing dodge ball and exploring the huge indoor exercise space.  Happy 12th Birthday Edward!

ISSMA Competition February 2016

Edward participated with Xiao Fei and Jaxon (fellow 6th graders with whom Edward is pictured here, and Mr. Pettit, Co-Director of West Lafayette HS Bands) at the District ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) Solo and Ensemble competition at the local Harrison High School this past weekend.  They were rewarded with a gold medal!  What wonderful news!  It was a surprise but duly earned due to their diligent and regular practice sessions.  Congratulations everyone!

Relaxing at Home on a Sunday

Here's Andrew reading the newspaper and Aaron relaxing thanks to Dad.  It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day tomorrow making it a long weekend here in the U.S.A.  The boys went to Get Air for some trampoline time with friends yesterday and are looking forward to a take out Olive Garden lunch today.  

Meanwhile, Mom's catching up on loads of housework after being sick for the last few days.  Really quite chilly here now in Indiana.  We're all thankful for the extra family time together this weekend.

Family Vacation Time At Great Wolf Lodge December 2015

We all vacationed recently at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio just before Christmas for the first time.  We were all impressed with the outside and inside of the Lodge and couldn't wait to try out the huge indoor waterpark.

The boys suited up and had an amazing time trying out all the bells and whistles of the waterpark's offerings.  Needless to say, aquatic nirvana was reached by all, including Andrew and I.  We tried out their water rollercoaster, the Hydro Plunge, and were thrilled yet soaked within seconds from the start.  The boys are already talking about when we'll be back!

This is the boys' "kids' kamp" where they got their very own bunk beds and got into the "bear spirit". 

On our last night, Edward and Aaron gathered with other kids in the Great Hall for story time.  How magnificent it is at night, all lit up with Christmas decorations.  Just magical!  Really special time of year to visit the Lodge.  Very glad we booked ahead and spent some family time there.  

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Aaron's 6th Birthday

Aaron celebrated his sixth birthday at the local Chuck E Cheese this past weekend, the ultra North American kid party place.  We finally caved in with Aaron but Edward never did have a party there.  Fourteen kids in all with lots of pizza, cake and game time.  Really quite overwhelming but apparently loads of fun for the kids.  Happy Birthday Aaron!

Aaron's First Basketball Game

The whole family went out to a Purdue Men's basketball game at our nearby Mackey Arena on Saturday and had a great time.  We were right beside the famous Paint Crew who made our attendance quite memorable.  Their unique cheering routines helped bring the home team a win of 95 to 64.  Go Purdue!

Thanksgiving 2015

The boys' grandmother Lee, Agnes, visited recently from Thornhill, Canada and shared in our Thanksgiving dinner this year.  We're all grateful to have her visit, especially since it has been a very busy year for all of us, travel wise.  We had a great time putting up the Christmas tree and Christmas lights during the weekend following Thanksgiving.  Wonderful to have my mom to share in this tradition.  Still have those Christmas decorations from when I was very young.  

Will post the Christmas pics soon!