Monster truck mania

So after Nick's basketball game we had a chill evening planned - meaning - not much planned.  Nice right?  Until I get an email from a friend here with tickets to the Monster Truck Jam in Hartford.  Oddly enough, her daughters didn't want to go.  

My boys have NO idea what to expect.  

They were just excited to go.  

Until they got there....

AND IT WAS LOUD

ear plugs and all, Nick and I went in.  We turned around to realize Shane, Drew and Chris weren't with us....  Nick said Shane dropped his ear plugs - made sense - 

 but after further review - Chris told us he ran from the stadium, Drew too.  The trucks were so loud and they couldn't see them, so that would surely translate into very scary.  Honestly, that is the right reaction.

We finally dragged them in.  We had great seats!

The trucks were impressive to watch.  All their turns, revving of the engines, spin outs, flips. ETC.  Its the in-between shows that were really cracking me up - the motor dirt bikes - absolutely, the BMX bikes - yup.  Extreme pogo sticking?  Wow - I had no idea.  They are darn impressive.

This is how Shane spent the entire time - yes, he was wearing ear plugs.

loud right??

All in all - I would say it was a great event.  Would I say something different if we paid $25 a person - absolutely....  Everything happens for a reason!

Scenes from Shane

Shane got a hold of my camera and I thought it was fun to see the world though his eyes for a second.  Yes, I was honored to be a subject for his photo.

He wasn't afraid to capture himself.

Or Pauli

Or use the timer

and disappear

Catch dad

or a Monkey

Maybe a pencil

Yum

Now he is a HAM

He learns it from this guy

This just happened in our back yard!! We are supposed to be here!

Nick came off the bus today asking if he could go cross country skiing - sure!!  In our back yard.  He was the one that literally blazed the trail and did a great job.  Drew REFUSED to be left out and good thing he had big socks so he manged to get these to fit and scooted around our track for almost an hour.  My folks rolled up for dinner and grabbed this video - we really are in the right place!

http://youtu.be/W7GJ2XYx8H4

http://youtu.be/LZfxTtVzx-I

Sad

Monday was a SNOW storm - HUGE really.  School was cancelled, the McCulloughs and Wisneski's drove home and our house was just us again.  We took a moment to snuggle on the circle chair together and watch the snow.  We were so very thankful for our full house over the weekend.  So thankful that I was almost sad.  I had spent so much time looking forward to and anticipating how wonderful it would be to be surrounded by the families that truly make our family feel wonderful.  NOW we look towards our next time together and know it will happen again.

And than the mail comes - just like any other day.

I took the big boys cross country skiing in our neighbors yard while Chris shoveled and Drew - - - took a nap apparently

Fresh snow - but VERY deep!

Yes Nick, it is harder back there....  Matter of fact, Shane is in the hardest spot!

Good thing we love snow around here and there is hope for school tomorrow=)

Ski day and Super bowl

Here we go - finally on the mountain at 11:30 and not becuase of the travel distance - because of the slow going from ALL parties - kids included =)  But don't these guys look ready?!  Everyone had equiptment hitting our local Ski sundown.

Love my sassy Macy!

And our Snow Bunny Farrah!

All the kids did awesome and loved skiing with each other

Tate

Macy

Shane

Not pictured - Trickster Nick

and Red Rocket Drew (who made a straight shot down the sunny side which frightened all the adults yet at the base of the maintain he turned around to tell me 'I beat you momma!'  Yup, you did Drew)

I feel like we caught a super star in this photo - AKA Brian McCullough

Skiing was the perfect outdoor compliment to the indoor Superbowl celebration.  The Wisneskis' joined us on the mountain as we came in for hot chocolate and delicious grinders.  Once everyone's legs and patience were exhausted, we all convoyed home to prep for and evening of snacking,  beer, betting games, football, friends and fire.  

My folks brought over a few better games to add to the excitement.  The commercials were awesome and the game even better  As we all sat on the couch, Brian literally said - now as long as he doesn't throw and interception this game is over....  Too bad we were on TIVO time as the quarterback and coach needed Brian's tip!  That and the fact that my folks left after the 3rd quarter in hopes of changing the way the game was going  - - - so glad we could all help make the outcome in our favor =)!   No complaints on that call here in Patriot Land!)

My Boys

   Sometimes I need a little inspiration.  I need to know there are other mom's out there - of boys boys boys.  Yes, there are girls that aren't girly, but they are girls.  Boys are different.  Every kid is different.  These guys need space to run, roll and roughhouse.  They will love on your if you can pull them away from the pack for a moment or 2.

They are FULL of energy.

Love her words

  http://www.solesearchingmamma.com/2013/05/raising-boys-10-loving-lessons-just-for.html

Here is Mr. Sport - he is a blur - he loved basketball and was a GREAT team player.  Sure his shots didn't always go it, but he was first to get open, quick to pass and always a defender.

Isn't this guy the cutest thing ever.  Yup, he is.

Yes, this does happen - sometimes.  And it doesn't last long so I had to treasure it.

Here is our first day of Spring.  Love these guys because they just suited up and headed out to shovel.  They are awesome.  Even the one that deliberately put the shovel in front of his face when I said I wanted to take a photo.

Love them

Sweater vests made with Love from Jason's Grandma Barbara.  Love how she thinks of them!

The big storm and making the most of it.

On Sunday night as the super bowl was ending, the snow was just beginning - a rather large snow storm was predicted.  We convinced the Wisneski's to stay the night as we had all already received the school cancellation call.  It was a wonderfully ful house!  

The next morning it continued to SNOW SNOW SNOW

Thankfully we had enough food down to every last egg as no one was going anywhere!!  (I had joked about using my winnings towards an Egg McMuffin for all - but I didn't have any Snow McShovelers....  so we cooked instead - way better!)

What a table to wake up too

Or not wake up at all.

We bundled up the kids and sent the Dads out for a little sledding X games style.  

Here is Fly Guy Nick

No-See Drew

Sensible Shane

Sledding Tate

Super Air Eve

Hold on Anna

Watch out Macy!

Is that Blake?

While Farrah, Diane and I stayed in and literally redesigned our home.

My favorite place post redecorating

Snow can stop many things (like the windshield washer fluid on their Volvo) but It cant stop the McCulloughs from leaving - it sure tried!

I hope these 2 continue to enjoy each other's companionship through the years as much as they did this trip.

We are SO thankful you made the time and this weekend possible - We hate you have to drive back in the snow - - - 

Off they go!  They had a rather treacherous drive back - through Lancaster where Brian had a surprise barn wood pick up scheduled.  They finally pulled into their own driveway around Midnight on Monday.

The Wisneski's left shortly afterwards and their normally 1hr drive home took 1.5 hours- - We went from a full 14 wonderful folks in our home back to 5 -