January 21st - A little snow...finally

 

 

This has been a very strange winter for us. As of yet, we have not received a snowfall that covers the grass completely. Last night, we had some snow...then ice! It wasn't very thick - especially compared to last January. Ryan wanted to go out and shovel. We found that to be a challenge with the ice. He was bummed that his go-cart wasn't charged to slide around in and it was too icy to shovel. We took Stella out too. The picture was good timing when she jumped up on me!

January 15th - More hockey at Kettering Rec. Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan played two games on the 15th. He scored and got an assist in the second game, with an assist in the first game. The ref pulled Ryan aside and told him he was hitting the goalie too much...playing with heart!! Ryan works very hard at everything he does and we are so proud of him!

January 15th - Hockey at Kettering Rec. Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan is towards the end of his second year playing hockey. He is having a good time, despite the lack of wins from his team. Ryan works hard trying to improve himself every game. His favorite part of hockey is scoring goals! This year he has scored five goals and has numerous assists. He has also had three penalities. He definitely plays with passion!

Our Vegas Vacation - January 13th

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, January 13th, we walked to the MGM hotel and looked at the lions. As soon as they offered pictures with a baby lion, Ryan and I had to have one! We, then, went to M&M World! Ryan loved that place and was super excited to find out he can print his own M&M's! That was his favorite part of our trip! Then we went to Gameworks and played video games for hours! The night ended with dinner at the Excalibur, watching the Tournament of Kings. The King of the Dragons, was another face from America's Got Talent - we don't remember his name but he was the guy with long, black hair that had the fire show. We had a great time and are very thankful we had a mini-vacation together!

Our Vegas Vacation - January 12th

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy had a TDY to Vegas, so Ryan and I took a couple of days off of work and school to take a mini-vacation. We were lucky to catch an earlier flight out of Chicago, before the snow hit. We arrived in Vegas and our first stop was In-and-Out. Ryan was not looking forward to eating there...until he tried a Cheeseburger and from that time forward all he wanted to eat was In-and-Out! We stopped at Circus Circus and found their circus arena. As we went to sit down for the act, we looked at the schedule and saw it said Zuma Zuma. Ryan instantly remembered that act from America's Got Talent! Then we went to the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop. The famous store from Pawn Stars! Ryan was dying to buy something so he found a poker chip. We had to leave because they were just about to film for the show. It wasn't until we got back to the hotel that we realized the poker chip was a 50th Anniversary Air Force one. Then we went to the Rio for their huge buffet and Jeremy was falling asleep on Ryan, waiting in line!

January 8, 2012 - Shooting

 

 

Ryan and Jeremy have been going to the Vandalia Range and Armory for a few months. Ryan has developed into a good shooter! Mom went for the first time since she dislocated her shoulder in college. Mom and Ryan shot the new .22 and it was so much fun! We had a great time! Thanks for inviting me, boys!!

January 1, 2012 - Happy New Year!

 

 

Happy New Year! We started 2012 relaxing in our pajamas all day long! It was a great day to spend at home with the family! We are looking forward to a new year and new adventures!

December 31, 2011 - New Year's Eve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We started the evening off by going to the Gems game. After we came home, we made a Strawberry Chocolate Shake for Ryan, played Minute It to Win It (where Jeremy won) and watched the ball drop at Midnight! We didn't stay up much past Midnight, but had a fun evening! We were very blessed in 2011 with great family memories, wonderful trips and fabulous friends! 2012 will bring a different year for us, as Jeremy is going to deploy to Afghanistan in April for six months! We will have different memories this year, but I guarantee you some special times that will bring us closer together!