The McLean Family Blog

Pinewood Derby 2012

2012-01-21T10:44:00.001-06:00

Pinewood Derby 2012, a set on Flickr.

This year Zach was on his own designing his car. His is the blue wedge winning the race. He came in 7th overall, which was great. Meg made a pencil car for the sibling race.

Airplane Video

2012-01-21T10:18:00.000-06:00

We hosted a sleepover the last weekend of Christmas Break. The entertainment for the night was making a music video. Check it out!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T10:40:00.000-06:00

Christmas Eve we had fun with the McLeans, then Christmas morning we opened presents with Grandma Chris, Uncle Bobby and even Josh stopped by. After breakfast we went to Mass at St. Mary's. Kendra and Harriet joined us for dinner.

Christmas Show 2011

2011-12-15T21:48:00.002-06:00

The kids did great tonight in their show tonight. Meg made the whole audience laugh with her lamb voice. Zach looked dapper in his suit.

First Band Concert

2011-12-15T21:41:00.001-06:00

Meg did great at her first band concert. She is playing the flute and loving it :)

Visit from Grandma Chris

2011-12-11T20:20:00.001-06:00

Saturday Grandma and Elizabeth enjoyed the St. Cletus Women's Club Luncheon. Then we headed downtown for the Bending Towards the Light performance at St. Luke's. We had a wonderful dinner at Wishbone afterwards. It was a great visit.

Grandpa Goellner visits

2011-12-04T20:48:00.002-06:00

Grandpa Goellner came to visit this weekend. He got to experience the school Christmas Party Friday night, Zach's basketball game Saturday morning, Chris and Elizabeth singing for a Bending Towards the Light performance and a party during the LaGrange Holiday Walk. Sunday we joined the Cub Scouts at Cantigny.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T17:27:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. The food was very good and we were happy to see everyone. Even Uncle Bobby stopped by! Friday we saw the Spanglers, Aunt Julie and Grandma and Grandpa McLean. We were lucky to have such a beautiful day. Saturday morning we did the Scavenger Hunt at the Celery Bog Nature Center before heading home.

Meg has Pierced Ears!

2011-11-06T18:25:00.002-06:00

After Meg's last soccer game we went to Claire's to get her ears pierced. She was so excited about getting them done that she managed not to cry. What a trooper.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T08:35:00.002-05:00

The kids are ready for their school Halloween Parties today.

Almost a Goal

2011-10-16T21:24:00.002-05:00

Sunday Meg was invited to play on the U10 "A" team. She did a great job playing in a very competitive and aggressive game. It will definitely boost her confidence and make her even more of an asset for her soccer team.

Xtreme Trampoline Birthday

2011-10-16T21:20:00.002-05:00

To celebrate Meg and her best friend's birthday we did a mini-party with a small group of friends Saturday. After some jump time we did lunch at Augustino's Rock n' Roll Deli.

Boiler Up!

2011-10-11T21:54:00.001-05:00

Saturday we enjoyed a Boilermaker victory against the Minnesota Gophers on Saturday.

Fun Run Winners!

2011-10-11T21:50:00.002-05:00

Meg and Zach had a great time at the CC Fun Run. They came in first and second place... but got awarded First Girl and First Boy. Tht made getting up early worth it!!!

Elizabeth and Father Ken at the St Cletus Oktoberfest

2011-10-05T11:56:00.001-05:00

GOAL!

2011-09-17T20:34:00.002-05:00

Meg's team won both games in the Galaxy Soccer tournament today. Meg scored a goal in each game and the team looked great. We'll be back on the field at 8am Sunday (lucky us).

Grandma and Grandpa Visit

2011-09-17T20:18:00.002-05:00

Grandma and Grandpa McLean came up to watch Meg and Zach play soccer today. They got to see Zach's team win and traveled with us to watch Meg's team play their first game of the Galaxy tournament, which they won.

Soccer Sept 10-11

2011-09-11T20:30:00.001-05:00

Zach had his first game of the Fall and Meg's team had their first non-tournament game. Zach's team won, while Meg's lost.

Labor Day with Grandma in Michigan

2011-09-05T20:33:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful time in Michigan with Grandma Chris. We visited Glen Arbor, the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Glen Haven, Frankfort, and Pointe Betsie. Unfortunately, it was a little cold for swimming, but still beautiful.

1st Travel Soccer Tournament

2011-08-28T14:03:00.002-05:00

This weekend Meg had her first tournament. She volunteered to be goalie twice and did a great job making a ton of saves in her first game, which they won. They lost their second game, but not by much. Sunday morning we faced a really good team and the girls held their own. Meg was on goal again, and they scored 2 goals on her. Her team lost 1-3, but that was much better than the previous opponents who had lost to that team 0-5 and 0-7. We're looking forward to a soccer filled Fall.

Downtown Chicago 8/19

2011-08-19T22:02:00.002-05:00

Downtown Chicago 8/19, a set on Flickr.

Today we decided to head downtown to see the planes practicing for the Chicago Air and Water Show. We visited the Federal Reserve Money Museum, Daley Plaza, Mag Mile, Fountains, Millenium Park and enjoyed the Grant Park Symphony and Chorus performing Verdi's Requiem.

Michiana Shores with Hogans

2011-08-19T21:59:00.002-05:00

Michiana Shores with Hogans, a set on Flickr.

Wednesday we had a great time visiting friends in Michiana Shores. Who knew Indiana could be so beautiful?

Chicago Botanic Gardens

2011-08-13T16:37:00.002-05:00

This morning we headed north to enjoy the Gardens. We had a beautiful walk and found some areas we hadn't explored before. We had planned to hit the pool in the afternoon, but rain spoiled our plans... maybe tomorrow.

Meg enjoyed her first week of travel soccer. Of course the best part was all the cool uniforms she received at the end of the week... pictures to come soon.

Soccer Camp

2011-08-06T10:02:00.002-05:00

The kids had a great time this week at soccer camp, despite the heat. They learned alot from some great coaches.

Wednesday we took a little break from camp and used the free passes they earned to Six Flags. It was busier than we expected, but we still had a good time.

Michigan Vacation 2011

2011-08-01T10:09:00.000-05:00

We had a great time on vacation, with lots of time in the lake
Saturday - Arcadia Daze
Sunday - Elberta Beach, Tubing, & Big Family Dinner
Monday - Dune Hike, Glen Haven, & North Bar Lake
Tuesday - Frisbie Golf at Crystal Mountain
Wednesday - Kayak Crystal River
Thursday - KneeBoarding and Lynx Ship Tour
Friday - Traverse City Film Festival Kid Fest & Esch Beach
Saturday - Ludington Dunes on the way home

Frog and Toad, Acting Camp

2011-07-09T22:02:00.002-05:00

Frog and Toad, a set on Flickr.

Friday the kids ended 2 weeks of acting camp with a performance of Frog and Toad. They did a great job with their parts.

Zach's Birthday and Uncle Bobby's Visit

2011-06-05T21:55:00.000-05:00

The first weekend in June Uncle Bobby came to visit from Florida. He got to see the chaos of the class birthday party Friday night. Saturday Grandma joined us and cheered for St. Cletus at the Pet Parade. That afternoon Josh came up and the neighbors came over to celebrate Zach's 7th birthday. It was a wonderful weekend!

Class Birthday Party

2011-06-03T21:02:00.000-05:00

June 3rd Zach and 2 of his buddies did a combined class birthday party at the Oak Brook Park District Pool. They had a blast hanging out with all their friends.

Graue Mill Hike

2011-05-29T20:50:00.000-05:00

Over Memorial Day Weekend we enjoyed a long hike at Graue Mill.

Lisa's 40th

2011-05-27T08:23:00.002-05:00

Saturday night we celebrated our friend Lisa's 40th birthday. We had a great time with some of our old "Little People's" friends.

Tae Kwon Do Competition

2011-05-16T15:00:00.002-05:00

Friday Zach had his first Tae Kwon Do Competition. He chose to do an upper cut punch (?) for his demonstration. He got a giant second place trophy for this move.

Zach's Cornbread Story

2011-05-16T14:58:00.001-05:00

Thursday the 1st Graders had their Author's Tea. Here is Zach's Story.

Zach's first Baseball game

2011-05-09T09:43:00.002-05:00

We hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. We've been swamped with the spring sports season starting. Friday Zach had his first baseball game and another on Sunday.

Another great Blue Knight Auction

2011-05-02T08:27:00.001-05:00

Saturday we enjoyed the 18th Annual Blue Knight Auction. We may have bought a little more than we meant to (Elizabeth got a little paddle happy) but we had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing everyone.

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T09:20:00.002-05:00

We had a great Easter with family and friends. We lucked out with a beautiful weekend.

Saturday after Meg's softball we headed to Indy to see the McLeans. The kids enjoyed their egg hunt and running around with the cousins.

Sunday the kids woke up early for their next Easter egg hunt. Then we enjoyed dinner with Grandma Chris, Allison, Kendra, Harriet, Mary Ann and Josh.

Zach with his Ninja cake

2011-04-19T07:40:00.003-05:00

Monday night was the final Cub Scout Pack meeting of the year and the Father/Son Cake Bake. Zach chose to make a ninja, which turned out very cool!

The making of a ninja cake

2011-04-18T07:41:00.000-05:00

The making of a ninja cake, a set on Flickr.

Zach and Dad worked hard making the black fondant for their ninja cake.

Visiting the Arch and Family in St Louis

2011-04-04T12:23:00.001-05:00

Visiting the Arch and Family in St Louis, a set on Flickr.

Our hotel was right by the Arch, so Saturday morning Grandpa Goellner met us as we flew kites under the Arch, waved at our friends at the top of the Arch and then met a cousin for lunch at a place on the hill, Favazza's. After lunch we checked out a deli, Volpi and the Missouri Baking Co. on the hill, which was excellent. That night we did dinner with the Goellner Family and enjoyed seeing everyone.

City Museum St Louis

2011-04-04T12:18:00.002-05:00

This weekend we had a fun mini-vacation to St. Louis. We stayed the night in Springfield Thursday and got to the City Museum Friday right when it opened. We met some other families at the Museum (15 of us in all). The kids had a great time and loved having their friends to hang out with.

Prince Charming and our mouse

2011-02-28T18:17:00.002-06:00

This weekend was the final weekend for this year's Riverside Theater Guild play. Chris made a practically perfect Prince Charming while Meg was an adorable mouse. Thank you to all of our friends and family who came to see the production.

snOMG day

2011-02-03T12:15:00.002-06:00

No ice here, but lots of snow. We may have had 18", but the drifts are 3 feet high. The kids had a great time playing in it Wednesday.

Everything is getting back to normal now... the kids should be back at school Friday.

Zach wins fastest Tiger!

2011-01-23T10:16:00.002-06:00

Zach's first Pinewood Derby was a big success! He placed 5th in the pack and one for fastest Tiger scout. Kudos to the pack leaders for putting together a great event from the video screens projecting the finish line to the blimps this was really a extraordinary race. The whole family enjoyed checking out the creative scout and sibling cars but I think my favorite design was the Blackhawk Zamboni machine. It wasn't that wastest but was very cool.

Congrats to everyone in pack #83

Video and closeups of the Zach's Tron Legacy car to come.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T14:09:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful holiday. Christmas Eve the kids did some sledding with their cousins in Indy and then celebrated with the McLean clan. Christmas day was in Lafayette with Grandma Chris and Uncle Bobby who flew in from Florida. Santa was very generous this year ;)

A Downtown Chi-town Adventure

2010-12-22T12:48:00.000-06:00

For Wednesday our adventures took us to downtown Chicago. First we were treated to breakfast at a friends office for submitting some of Meg and Zach's artwork. Then while we waited for the Sears (Willis) Tower Skydeck to open we explored the life of money at the Chicago Fed visitors center. We then shot up 103 floors to the top of Chicago and once the fog cleared we had a beautiful view of city. The highlight for the kids was the "Ledge", 4 glass boxes that extend off the tower more the 4 feet. None of these kids have a fear of heights.

After the tower we did lunch in the old Marshal Fields building and bought Mohawk hats at the Christkindlemarket.

T'was the Week Before Christmas...

2010-12-20T12:26:00.000-06:00

Chris took the week before Christmas off to go on some adventures with the kids. For Monday the adventure was to check out frozen waterfalls and Bald Eagles at Starved Rock State Park.

Meg and Zach thought the waterfalls were cool but the most thrilling part for them was to get back into some of the crevices they had seen when we visited in the spring when they were full of water and mud.

While we left the park we saw some Bald eagles in the tree including a juvenile one that could have easily carried Zach away.

St. Cletus Christmas Show

2010-12-10T11:23:00.002-06:00

Last night Meg and Zach performed in the Christmas Show. They did a great job and looked adorable.

Happy St. Nick's Day

2010-12-06T09:41:00.001-06:00

The kids always love St. Nick's day, waking up to their first presents of the Christmas season.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T11:11:00.002-06:00

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Weekend. Uncle Bobby joined us from Florida and Kendra, Mary Ann and Harriet came up from Indy to celebrate. The meal was delicious as usual.

Doesn't Meg's hair look cute? Our good friend Christa got her that adorable outfit for her birthday.

Friday we watched CC take the Class A State Football Championship.

Saturday morning we visited the Burgett tailgate before the PU-IU game and then headed home.

Weekend with Fluff Ball

2010-11-15T08:44:00.002-06:00

- Zach was excited to be the first in his class to take home their pet bunny. Luckily, it was a stuffed bunny! We took pictures of fluff ball's adventures to make our page in the class journal.
- We are the school's Annual Fund chairs so this weekend Elizabeth, with some help on Saturday, prepped the Parish mailing (2,400 letters).
- Chris was on the youth Kairos retreat Thursday to Sunday. He said it was a wonderful experience.
- Saturday the kids had their first Basketball practice.
- Sunday Chris and the kids went to the Blackhawks game.

Go Boilers!

2010-11-08T08:23:00.002-06:00

This weekend we enjoyed the Purdue game with some of our Chicago friends. The kids had a great time throwing the football at the tailgate and watching Purdue make a not to shabby showing against Wisconsin. It was a very fun weekend.

Halloween and Meg's Bday Party

2010-10-31T20:53:00.002-05:00

Well, we survived! 11 girls got their hair, nails and make-up done in our "pre-costume" party celebrating Meg's birthday. Thank you to everyone who made it work, the girls all had a great time.

After the party we did some trick-or-treating, of course.

Happy Halloween!

Meg's 9th Birthday

2010-10-25T09:28:00.003-05:00

We are happy to report, we made it through our whirlwind weekend!

Saturday after Zach's rainy soccer game we drove to Indy for the annual McLean Pumpkin Carving. We celebrated Meg's birthday, carved pumpkins and enjoyed seeing all the cousins, aunts and uncles and Grandma and Grandpa. That night we also celebrated with Cousin Allison and Grandma Chris.

Sunday we headed back home so Meg could sing with the Children's choir at 11am Mass. Grandma Chris came along with us to see Meg sing, play volleyball and attend the Festival Choral Concert where Chris and Elizabeth sang. It was a long day, but we made it though and Meg enjoyed her birthday weekend.

Lion King

2010-10-22T09:53:00.001-05:00

The kids loved seeing Lion King, an amazing performance.

Soccer Saturday

2010-10-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

Saturday we enjoyed getting to watch soccer and not worrying about rain. Meg and Zach both had good games. Zach's team lost 1-5 while Meg's team won 5-2. Meg was quite the superstar scoring a goal and a number of assists.

Oktoberfest 2010

2010-10-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

We had a blast at this year's St. Cletus Oktoberfest. Not alot of photos here of us, but it does give a nice feel for the event.

Kinderplatz 2010

2010-10-02T22:13:00.000-05:00

The kids had a great time at the St. Cletus Kinderplatz. Do you love the Cardinal in Lederhosen? That was Elizabeth's idea :)

Go Hot Pink Cardinals!

2010-09-26T17:11:00.002-05:00

Sunday afternoon Meg had her first volleyball game. Its a whole other set of rules when the kids are this young, so it was a little confusing for Mom and Dad, but the team looked strong. All of the girls on her team are in her class and they did great together. Meg has a very strong serve.

Zoo with the Taylors

2010-09-25T20:07:00.000-05:00

Saturday after soccer we met up with friends from Purdue, Niki and Brad. We got to meet their daughter Avery for the first time and see Devin again. Devin really warmed up to Meg and Zach by the end. So much so, that we did dinner together so he could have more time playing with the kids. It was a fun, relaxing Saturday afternoon.

St Cletus Homecoming 2010

2010-09-20T12:06:00.001-05:00

Sunday was St. Cletus School's Homecoming. The rain held off so the kids could decorate cars and ride in the parade. Our Varsity team defeated St. Isaac Jogues from Hinsdale, but the JV lost.

Kicking off another Soccer season

2010-09-13T15:23:00.001-05:00

The kids had their own cheering section Saturday at soccer. Grandma Chris came up to visit and Gene and Dale, our neighbors, also braved the rain to watch the kids show off their soccer skills. Zach's team tied while Meg's team won their game.

Kane County Cougars

2010-09-08T09:56:00.002-05:00

Saturday we enjoyed checking out Geneva, IL before the Kane County Cougars game. The game ended with fireworks and then they let the kids run the bases.

First Days of School

2010-08-26T08:37:00.001-05:00

Zach started 1st Grade and Meg started 3rd grade on Tuesday. Of course they both had gym the first day so Chris took pictures on the second day as well so we could see how cute they look in their uniforms.

Tourist for a day...

2010-08-08T19:52:00.002-05:00

Friday we had a great time at the Bears Family Night. We're looking forward to Football starting back up.

Sunday we were Chicago Tourists for a day. We got there early, shopped a little and did lunch at Billy Goat. We really enjoyed their children's show, The Emperor's New Clothes. After the show the sun came out so we rode the ferris wheel and did some of the other rides.

Vacation - Point Betsie

2010-08-02T09:57:00.002-05:00

Thursday night we did a fire on the beach at Point Betsie, thus checking off an item that had been on Chris' to do list for many years. We watched the sunset, made rock art and toasted marshmallows for s'mores with the lighthouse for a backdrop, it was very beautiful.

Vacation - Glen Arbor

2010-08-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

Thursday morning we got up bright and early to take the cousins kayaking on Crystal River. We took a longer trip this year. It was 2 1/2 hours. The kids did great on the river and we enjoyed a relaxing journey through nature.

Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Jenny joined us for lunch after our trip and we spent some time in Glen Arbor.

Vacation - ISEA Cruise

2010-08-02T09:40:00.003-05:00

Wednesday, while Elizabeth, Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Jenny enjoyed the Crystal Lake Art Fair, Chris and the kids took an education cruise on Lake Michigan.

The cruise was offered by ISEA and left from Traverse City. The kids learned about the lake and running a schooner. They got to hoist the sails and pull up the anchor. They seemed to have a great time.

Vacation - Sleeping Bear Dunes

2010-08-02T09:33:00.002-05:00

Tuesday the kids did the Dune Climb, then we all cooled off at Esch Road Beach.

Wednesday we took the cousins on the Sleeping Bear Dunes Scenic Drive. After the drive we checked out a new beach at North Bar Lake.

Vacation - Platte Lake

2010-08-02T09:27:00.002-05:00

Early Saturday morning we left the flooded lands of Brookfield and headed north. We met the Spanglers, Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Julie at Arcadia Daze on the way up. That night Uncle Todd, Aunt Debbie and Cousin Tanner joined us for dinner and took the kids kneeboarding.

Sunday after Mass we relaxed at Empire's Beach and that night the kids got to go kneeboarding again. This time Meg was quite the trickster. She figured out how to do a 360 on the kneeboard and proceeded to do 7 of them!

And they're off...

2010-07-12T08:38:00.003-05:00

Meg is going to girl scout camp this week with some of her friends. They take the train each day and then a bus takes them to camp. She was pretty excited.

Airborne

2010-07-11T08:40:00.002-05:00

Our kidless week came to an end Saturday. They had a great time at camp and we had alot of fun here. On the way home we stopped at the Midwest Sky Fest in Kentland and the kids got airborne!

Elizabeth and Chris' Week:
Monday night - Dinner with friends
Tuesday - Dinner at The Gage on Michigan Ave, drinks with a friend
Wednesday - Dinner at Gioco, Tributosaurus is Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Thursday - Pizza at home
Friday - Three Floyds Brewery in Munster

4th of July

2010-07-08T11:36:00.002-05:00

We had a whirlwind 4th of July weekend. Saturday morning we enjoyed the Brookfield Parade. That evening we had a great time at Mass on the Grass and the outdoor concert at St. Cletus Parish.

Sunday we drove down to Lafayette. We had a nice dinner with Grandma Chris, Kendra, Harriett and Maryann. That night we found the perfect spot to see the fireworks with Josh, at the Triple XXX.

Monday we dropped the kids at Conner Prairie camp with their cousins. We'll see them again on Saturday.

Our Rising Stars

2010-06-27T21:23:00.003-05:00

This week Meg and Zach went to St. Cletus Vacation Bible Camp in the mornings and Rising Stars in the afternoons. Friday night they had their first show choir performance. It was a trip to watch the kids on stage singing "Its a Hard Knock Life". Meg had a special part where she showed off her gymnastics in "You ain't never had a Friend like me" . They also sang and "Shake, Rattle and Roll". It was a cute concert.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T16:35:00.003-05:00

We hope everyone has a Happy Father's Day. We hiked Matthiessen State Park near Starved Rock and enjoyed the many waterfalls. Now its to grill out and relax.

Looking tough?

2010-06-14T11:50:00.002-05:00

I believe this is supposed to be a picture of the boys looking tough at Zach's birthday party. Zach had a great time Friday with 25 of his closest friends partying at the MAX. They played floor hockey and dodgeball and then played in the inflatables. We did a combined party with another boy from his class and it worked out perfectly.

Rain, rain, go away!

2010-06-07T08:15:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning was the La Grange Pet Parade. We spent a couple hours in the rain waiting for our turn to walk. The kids were drenched, but it wasn't cold so they thought it was great. After representing St. Cletus in the parade we went to the Carnival with some friends.

Kindergarten Graduation

2010-06-02T15:43:00.002-05:00

Zach's Kindergarten "Celebration" was today. They did a very nice performance and received their certificates. We are sad to see their principal, Jolene Hillgoth, leave after this year. She's pictured here giving Zach his certificate.

Going back in time

2010-05-30T13:55:00.002-05:00

The Sunday of Memorial Day we headed down to Indianapolis to visit Connor Prairie with the Spangle Cousins. After some delicious Subway sandwiches we headed into the time machine and found ourselves in 1800 Indiana. Some of the adventures we took on the trip was helping out a young farm boy groom find his best man and get married, played hoop and stick, explored barns and farmhouses, and brushed some farm animals.

It was a fun trip and the kids are very ready to head back for a week summer camp at Connor Prairie in July.

Sox Game

2010-05-23T20:56:00.002-05:00

Too bad the Sox weren't as hot as the weather. We had a great time at the game, but we left with the Sox losing 0-12 in the 7th. It was Kids day at the park so the kids got Sox jerseys and autographs from some of the players before the game. We fried in the sun, but enjoyed lots of icy treats to stay cool.

4 Staples Later...

2010-05-22T14:28:00.001-05:00

Zach and Meg were horsing around while at Sports Authority. Zach tripped and put a big gash in the side of his head. Four staples later we're back home. Its just another day :)

Anniversary Weekend

2010-05-16T20:11:00.003-05:00

We had a fun and exhausting weekend. Thursday was our 10 year anniversary. Friday night we attended the St. John Lutheran Auction. We had a great time there with some friends. Saturday morning the kids had soccer. That night we went to see Colin Hay perform (listen to the npr concert below!). He was amazing, it was like stand up comedy act between each of his songs. It was a great concert. Sunday we did a hike in the morning with the kids and then sang for Confirmation at church.

Mother's Tea

2010-05-07T13:39:00.002-05:00

Zach was simply adorable at the Kindergarten Mother's Tea today. The kids made blueberry muffins to serve with the iced tea. They sang songs (video coming soon) and gave us a wonderful handmade book about their Mom.

May Crowning

2010-05-04T15:02:00.002-05:00

This morning the 2nd graders participated in May Crowning. They looked adorable in their First Communion outfits. After Mass they did a class picture.

Meg's First Communion

2010-05-03T08:28:00.003-05:00

Saturday Meg made her First Communion at St. Cletus Church. Many friends and family members joined us to celebrate. Meg considers it her lucky day as she also chose the winning horse in the Kentucky Derby.

We hope everyone had a great weekend. We certainly appreciated all of those who made the trek to celebrate this special day with us.

Soccer Kicks-Off

2010-04-28T10:54:00.002-05:00

Saturday morning Spring Soccer kicked off. The kids did great at their games. Zach played hard and did some great defense. Meg scored a goal at her game and was all over the field. Its going to be a great season!

Milwaukee Spring Break Trip

2010-04-12T09:24:00.003-05:00

Friday morning, after getting Zach a prescription for Strep, (Meg had Strep Wednesday) we headed up for our mini-vacation in Milwaukee. We started on the lakefront where we flew kites and went to the Sprecher Brewery where the kids enjoyed soda tastings and Mom and Dad enjoyed the beer :)
On the way to our swanky hotel we stopped to eat at the Comet Cafe which was featured on the Diners Drive-ins and Dive's show.
Sunday we walked along the lakefront before the museums opened. Discovery World was great! We would highly recommend checking out the Tesla show.
We had a really good time and headed home. That night Chris took Zach and some other boys to the Wolves game.

A Happy Easter

2010-04-06T21:43:00.002-05:00

It was great seeing everyone over Easter. Saturday we did the McLean Easter Egg Hunt with all of the cousins. They had a great time. That night we enjoyed the Butler game at BW3s. Sunday morning the kids did our traditional egg hunt at Grandma Chris' house. After Mass we enjoyed Easter Dinner with lots of guests and then started the long drive home.

Good Friday Nature Hike

2010-04-05T08:24:00.002-05:00

Friday morning we took a hike at Waterfall Glen. The kids had a great time walking on the rocks and eventually in the water.

After enjoying a long time hiking we took the kids to play some tennis, packed the car, sang at the Good Friday service and headed to Indiana for the weekend.

Getting Ready for Easter

2010-03-29T09:26:00.003-05:00

The kids enjoyed the St. C Easter Egg Hunt..
After the hunt we had 16 2nd grade girls over to our house for 3 hours of cookie decorating fun.
From there Chris and Meg went to the Girl Scout Father-Daughter bowling.
Then we sang at 5pm Mass and finished the night w/ Pizza and a Movie.

Zach lost his first tooth

2010-03-24T09:32:00.001-05:00

Monday on the way to school Zach lost his first tooth. He was excited to get his first visit from the toothfairy and write about his lost tooth in the Kindergarten Tooth Book.

Springing Forward

2010-03-15T08:54:00.002-05:00

Not sure who thought it was a good idea to "Spring Forward" the weekend before St. Patty's Day, but it sure made Monday morning tough. Luckily, the kids have the day off so they have a little more time to adjust. This weekend's rundown:

Friday - We attended the St. Cletus Taizé Service
Saturday - Meg's Detective's Class, walked in a neighborhood St. Patrick's Day Parade, sang at Mass, Elizabeth went to the Black Eyed Peas Concert
Sunday - Meg went to a birthday party at a waterpark (pictures below)while Zach had a playdate

Zach's Brie Snack

2010-03-14T12:16:00.003-05:00

Today Zach discovered a new snack, Zach's Brie Snack! It is simple to make and delicious to eat. Here is what you need:

Brie Cheese
Roasted gorgonzola crackers from Trader Joes.

Give it a try Zach and Meg know you will love it!

Healthy at Last...

2010-03-07T20:05:00.003-06:00

This weekend was supposed to be a lot busier...
Wed night - Zach went to bed w/ a fever
Thurs early - Meg woke up w/ sick, both kids home from school
Fri - Meg is better, Zach diagnosed w/ strep throat
Sat early - Zach woke up sick (caught what Meg had)
Sat night - Zach's better so we went to the Wolves hockey game
Sun - Zach's LT Soccer Club Tourney

Skiing at Cascade

2010-02-16T10:59:00.002-06:00

Saturday morning the kids did ski lessons while Chris and Elizabeth enjoyed some time on the slopes. After their lessons the kids went up the chair lift with Chris and skiied down the big hill. It was a green of course. Video should be coming soon...

Waterpark Fun

2010-02-16T10:17:00.002-06:00

The kids had a great time Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning in the Wilderness Waterparks.
Favorites:
Meg - Hurricane
Zach - Wave Pool
Chris - Hurricane
Elizabeth - Black Hole and relaxing in the sun in the Waterdome

It was great to get away for a few days of family fun.

Superbowl 2010

2010-02-07T19:56:00.001-06:00

Meg and Zach had a great time hanging out with friends while Mom and Dad watched the Superbowl tonight. It was great to have two teams we like in the game.

Meg's Volleyball Class

2010-02-04T21:02:00.003-06:00

Meg is loving the park district's volleyball program. She's the youngest in the class, but she's doing great. We can't wait until she's old enough to play for St. Cletus.

The Cutest Mice

2010-02-02T08:39:00.001-06:00

Last night the mice got their costumes at rehearsal. This is Meg with her friend Kelly. We've been working on some cute song and dance numbers, it should be a good show.

Zach gets tackled

2010-01-19T13:56:00.002-06:00

Zach says he scored two touchdowns at Nerf Football on Saturday. I have no idea what that means, but he seemed to have fun.

Meg is enjoying her Detectives Class Saturday mornings as well. They have secret passwords and code names to get into class where they use spy gear and play games.

Lets Go Skiing

2009-12-31T19:38:00.001-06:00

On the last day of 2009 me and the kids went skiing here is the video of hte adventure

Sledding

2009-12-28T09:54:00.002-06:00

We got a lot of snow last week so Sunday seemed like the perfect day to take the kids sledding. After sledding we kept warm at home playing games and doing our usually Sunday reading night. It was a nice, relaxing Sunday... just what we needed.