The Sears {Willis} Tower

Spring break is here!! The boys have been so good at home the past few days, cleaning their rooms, making beds, emptying trash, vacuuming, dusting...even cleaning their bathroom, toilets included. We didn't have plans to go anywhere, so I thought I would surprise them and take them for a day in the city. They last time they were there, it was known as the Sears Tower, and I carried Ethan in a baby Bjorn carrier. As far as I'm concerned, it will always be the Sears Tower, but this time was quite enjoyable. They did an awesome job waiting in line for TWO hours to see the view, too! Once at the top, they weren't disappointed!! It was a beautiful day!

Matthew's one request over spring break was to go to Springfield. He's been obsessing over Abraham Lincoln for the past several months. Since time and money didn't allow that to happen, imagine his surprise when we walked off the elevator and saw several Lincoln artifacts and souvenirs!

These two did awesome!

To top it off, Matthew made my day within 5 feet of walking out of the parking garage. "Mom. That guy was ALL up in your business. Well, that's because I have one, hot mom!" Man, I knew I loved that kid for a reason! He's officially on my favorite list!! :)

A Walk by the Lake...

After the Sears {Willis} Tower trip, we drove over to take a walk around the lake. In my 34 years of living in Illinois, I'm sad to say I've never been on the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. WE decided, much to the dismay of Ethan, to make it all our first time riding it together. Brrr. It sure was cold and windy up there, but the view was spectacular. Watching Ethan and Matthew singing Frank Sinatra songs that were piping through our carriage, was a highlight for me!! :)

After our ride, we decided to keep walking to Millennium Park and stop for a few photo ops!

A photographer from PIF (Pay It Forward) asked the boys to model their new bracelets. They are supposed to be on the website. I may have lost my "Mother of the Year" status and become that gullible mother. We'll see the verdict is still out on this!!

This picture of Ethan was immediately after he collapsed on the ground from excitement. This boy was so excited to run around The Bean, he couldn't contain himself. I told him a couple times to stay close, but he photo bombed about 10 different family pictures, wondered off, and as we watched, Matthew and I moved from his view. Panic set in. The frantic running began. Darting from one end to the other. FEAR was in his eyes, until he turned around and saw us right behind him. AHHHH, relief. Let's just say, he didn't leave my side again! Matthew, on the other hand...

Can I just brag about how awesome these two guys were?! The entire day! Seriously!! No complaining. A little begging (for mini-golf), but this was a great day as a mom! On the way home, they both told me how thankful they were for such a great day. They even said it was one of the best days ever. What a great way to end my day!!

He's a Schol.

Ethan is a Schol, through and through. He reminds many people of my dad...especially in one specific way! He can only work if his tongue is hanging out! When it comes to playing video games, that tongue comes out even farther.

Spring Training

It is official. I have two more baseball players living in my house. As luck goes, both kids had practice on the same day, at the same time. Bryan took Ethan, I took Matthew. These are the pictures that Daddio (whose role was ONLY a spectator) took of Ethan's first real baseball experience! Bryan said he did great and Ethan told me that it was awesome! Looks like we have a lefty hitter on our hands, too! Can't wait for t-ball season!! It is going to be one VERY busy baseball summer!!!

Can you tell how happy he is!?!

"Private Protector Shopping"

I'll admit it. I am that giggling and embarrassing mother that takes pictures and makes a spectacle of their child's first shopping trips for a 'private protector.' I had to tone it down a little this time, because I ran into a former student and his dad also shopping for a cup. (I felt so bad for him...so I explained the situation, took a picture, and let the men have their 'moments.') Ethan, however, was NOT shy and proudly displayed his first purchase of a private protector. Let's just say, he loves using it as a drum....WHILE WEARING IT!

(and yes, he even shows the girls on his team what that thing can do!)

Ethan's 1st REAL Birthday Party

Ethan has been begging for a 'real' party for the past few years. For his past few couple birthdays, he's been in the hospital, Bryan has had to work, and other family birthday parties. He has seen Matthew have parties, but he's never had his own party. This year, he finally got his wish. Due to all of the hockey obsession flowing throughout the neighborhood, he opted for a hockey party, of course!! He got to invite his little school friend, his cousin Eli, and some neighbors. The boy was STOKED.

Thank you to to Lorraine and my parents for your help!! We are so thankful to have such wonderful parents! Thank you Dad, Tim, and Bryan for helping push all the 5 year olds around the ice!! Everyone had a great time!!

Ethan wasn't on the ice for 10 minutes and he fell and banged his lip. He had blood smeared all over the place. It was on his face, his coat, his hands and all over his sleeves. He was done. He didn't want to skate again. When I told him he was like a real hockey player, he perked up and got right back to skating!!

Even my momma got on the ice...even just for one lap. I think she laughed the entire time around the rink!!

ELECTRIC SCOOTERS!!

Thank you, LoLo & Poppy! Another electric scooter for the Ward house! Ethan has been begging for one since Matthew got his in October. Can you tell how happy they are?? They have so much fun zipping around the court and down the street. What's even better is that there is no more arguing over taking turns! YAY...score one for me!!

Score one for the Ward boys...this is going to be a great summer!

Street Hockey

As soon as it was warm enough to play, hockey became the sport of choice for the neighborhood. Secretly, I think Matthew imagines that he's on ice, playing for the Philadelphia Flyers. He certainly dresses the part!

Snow Day!!

We didn't get a lot of snow this winter, so for our last 'real' snowfall, we made a point to go outside and play! (LoLo was supposed to be out there with us, but the poor girl got sick!!)

Here they are tyring to build the biggest snowman ever! Needless to say, this huge snowball got stuck on the side of the house and never grew into a snowman!

"Hey Ethan, you sure you want to do that to your brother?! He's going to get you back!"

Don't say I didn't tell you, Ethan!

Matthew made is very own, much smaller version, right in the front yard. He did it all by himself and did an excellent job!!