Beach day at school.

The kids went nuts over beach day at school. We took the picture in the soon to come formal dining room. No more playroom, everything is in the basement. We are growing up around here. Just had hardwood floors put in, it looks wonderful. Next, paint and furniture.

Chinese New Year 2010

Last week we went out to a Chinese restaurant with my parents. Today we had our local China group party. All of the girls looked soooooo cute in their Chinese silks. Lily and I just went while the guys had some male bonding.

The next Karate Kid

Jack started Karate class a few weeks ago. So far so good. I really like the coach, he assigns "homework" for the kids, and the homework is usually taking out the trash, respecting your parents, things like that. Plus, he gets to kick the coach in the head-when he wears a helmet, and break paper with his hands. Awesome.

More wedding photos

Julia took this photo of Matt and myself. I like this one.

I love weddings

Matt, Tom, Julia and myself drove to Cleveland to attend Matt's cousin, Chris and his new wife Theresa's wedding. It was located in an old renovated castle-like bank owned by the Rockefellers. Matt's Aunt Jane and Uncle Dutch, Tom and Julia, one of Tom's brothers, Johnny and family, and the last is another one of Tom's brothers, Ed and his whole family. Nine kids in that family. That's not the wedding party. Every time we meet up with the Romanins, we always quiz ourselves in the order of the children. It's not that easy. Last, is the cake, my favorite part, besides when the minister tells the groom he can kiss the bride. It was a spice cake, nice choice, doesn't get too dry.

South Bend Clinic Reception

Matt and I went to the SBC winter reception at the Studebaker Museum. Had great sushi, and a great gin and tonic. We had a nice time.

Let the chaos begin!!

We had some time to spare, so to open gifts, or wait, is the question. I thought, well, they are doing great so far. Oh man, they swarmed Jack and I felt like we had no control over these super sugared up kids on a mission. OPEN MINE FIRST! NO MINE! HERE, I'LL OPEN FOR YOU. I should have known, but kids love to see their gift opened by the birthday kid. All in all it was fun, hard to believe my little boy is 5. He told me it was the best birthday party ever. It was all worth it then. Well, I am already getting requests for our little princess' birthday by no one other than herself. She is counting the days. Pray for me.... This one may do me in.

Pizza and cake time

After all the running around it was time for pizza and cake. Most of the kids thought it would be better to have cake then pizza. I agree, but I don't make those kind of rules. For being five, they did a great job listening and staying in their seats. But what comes to follow is not the case.......

Superheros Attack!!!

The best part was watching the kids charge at Matt (party basher) and try to wrap him up and take him away. Some kids thought it was cruel to put handcuffs on a zebra. And some kids asked why we were wrapping Jack and Lily's daddy in toilet paper. But all in all, the kids had fun.

Games and the appearance of the party basher

After playing kryptonite toss and spidey web toss to strengthen their skills, the party basher made his appearance again. Yep, it's Matt. He was a real trooper for doing it and really got into character. The kids loved it.

Superhero training and the party basher's bomb threat

The kids did an obstacle course and then they got to choose which superhero they wanted to be. The party basher released his "bombs" and the kids had to crush them with their new superhero powers. Oh man was that loud, it sounded like fireworks.

Jack's 5th birthday party

Jack had his 5th birthday party at Knollwood. As you can see, it was superhero themed. We had a nice turnout, 20 kids total. Started out with our skit, I was the detective and on the lookout for the party basher. The kids had to train to be superheros.

Finding fun things to do over winter break

Winter break went by pretty fast. Puppet shows, the movie Princess and the frog, making snowmen, playing video games, reading, to name a few. I love this photo of the kids in the bathtub. Too cute.

Jack's birthday

My little man turned five. He really wanted a fish tank, so yesterday we got him some fish. The fish he really wanted I guess are too mean for other fish, (ciclids) so he went with some neon tetras and bumblebee fish -which ironicly are not mean. Anyway, we had a small cake and some presents, since he is getting a birthday party in a couple of weeks. Lily is having a hard time with this since she is not the center of attention and keeps asking me when her birthday is coming.

Christmas day

My parents arrived with my Grandma. She was so sweet to buy the kids and ourselves gifts. Jack was so funny, he opened a dune buggy from her and he had another gift from her and he said "I hope it's another dune buggy." And it was.

Chixos and Nerf

Chixos and Pixos were big hits with Lily. The chixos are cool because once you make the dolls, you can play with them. Matt and Jack really like the nerf tag game. Matt got the version for the Wii. Overall, a really nice Christmas.

Christmas morning

They were pretty excited this year. Santa eating the cookies and the carrots for the reindeer were still big hits, but the presents took center stage. They are starting to ask LOTS of questions about Santa, fun. Yes, that is the brownie pan on TV. Jack got that for me, he loves brownies, and TV. So do I.