SNOW DAYS

 Yesterday we had a huge snow storm (I think we ended up getting 8-11"), so they called a snow day for school.  There was a possiblity of getting lake effect snow today, so in an "abundance of caution" they called another snow day.  Typically I LOVE snows days.  I remember staring at the scrolling list of schools on the bottom of the TV screen, just waiting for ours to show up.  Or the excitement of waking up, only to find out school has been cancelled and you have the whole day to play.  Unsurprisingly, our school district has found yet another thing to ruin.

Instead of the kids (and teachers) having the day off, they are now expected to e-learn on snow days instead.  What used to be a fun, exciting day filled with sleds, snow forts and hot chocolate, is now a day filled with scrambling to set up three e-learning work stations in our house and then arguing with the kids all day to keep them focused on their Zoom calls.  Miles' teacher was literally teaching his class with her 3 year old on her lap because his school was closed and she was expected to teach.  It makes me so frustrated and angry.  It's just one more thing they're taking away from these kids (and teachers) at a time where all they could use is a surprise day off.

Thankfully the boys were able to get out during their breaks and enjoy the crazy amounts of snow we got.  They did their fair share of ice skating in the backyard.  I've tied more ice skates this year than I probably have in my entire life!

 They really wanted to go sledding, so they got creative and used the stairs at the church across the street.  Now this is what snow days are all about!  

They were having a blast until the fun killer from the church came and made them stop.  I was really impressed with the boys though.  Not only did they stop, but they all helped him shovel off the stairs, and continued to help him shovel the sidewalk in front of the church as well.  It was really sweet to watch.

Snow days may not be the same as what I remember, but I think it's safe to say the boys still had a great time. 

Happy 41st Birthday Ryan!!

 Today we get to celebrate Ryan!!

We were in the middle of a crazy snow storm, but I braved the snow and slippery roads so we could start the day off with the most amazing donuts from Firecakes!!  (From Top Left: Cinnamon Roll, Chocolate Espresso Cream, Tahitian Vanilla, Bottom Left: S'mores, Apple Fritter and Red Velvet).  They are SO good!!  The best part is the kids prefer Dunkin Donuts, so Ryan and I get these all to ourselves.  We cut them in fourths and then make ourselves plates with a taste of each of them.  I mean, if you can't be glutinous on your birthday, when can you?  And yes, I went to Dunkin Donuts also so they kids could celebrate with donuts too.

With the crazy snow, the kids were home from school, so we spent the day e-learning.  But then we wrapped the day up with dinner at one of our new favorite places, Victory Italian.  They have kids meals that are HUGE portions, include a drink and ice cream and are only $6!  And then Ryan and I get to have wine and a delicious "date night" caliber dinner.  It's a win for everyone.  Plus with the snow, it was empty so we basically had the place to ourselves.

Happy Birthday Ryan!!  We love you SOOOOOOO much and hope you had a special day!

Let's Go Hawks!!

 To celebrate Ryan's upcoming birthday we wanted to do something fun, so we took the kids to a Blackhawks game.  We had the absolute BEST time!!!!

Fully decked out in our Blackhawks gear, we got there with plenty of time to find our seats,

make a few signs,

and grab some dinner.  They have the BEST food choices at the United Center.  I was super impressed.  Ryan and I had a Honey Butter Fried Chicken sandwich, Owen and Joe had chicken tenders, and Miles went classic with a soft pretzel.  ;)

Finally it was time for the game to start.  As the Hawks take the ice there are tons of lights, horns, loud music and cheering.  It's so exciting and fun!

Miles sat there totally in awe!  It takes a lot for him to sit still, so clearly he was mezmerized.

We had great seats and were only 10 rows off the glass which gave us a nice view of all the action.  

It didn't take long for the shock and awe to wear off and Miles was bouncing in his chair. 

What I love about hockey games, in comparison to other sporting events, is that the whole game is fast paced and action packed.  It's hard for the kids to get bored.  Plus it's a shorter game, broken up into three periods with short breaks between them to give the kids a chance to move around, go to the bathroom and go get more snacks...which we obviously did.  

We had such a great time and I'm already looking forward to going again.  Although next we may try a Bulls game.  :)