What a week........ (GO ND!!)

This week turned out to go as planned with a few pleasant surprises. My brother is a HUGE Kentucky fan and after their win on Monday night in the NIT tourney, he called me to advise that they would be playing Notre Dame at Notre Dame's home court in the quarter-final round of the NIT. A few calls later and my brother and his son along with me and my two sons had tickets for the Wednesday game.

The biggest event of that night wasnt' the game itself but rather the time I was able to spend with my boys, my brother and nephew (it didn't hurt that Notre Dame won the game is on to the NIT Semi-finals ----GO IRISH!) Here's some pictures of us on Notre Dame's campus and at the game:

We finished our week up with a night out with some friends including a Chris Tomlin concert on Friday in Chicago. I may have been billed as a concert but it was a great time of worship and I would suggest anyone who likes his music to certainly go and see him live...rather powerful.

Well, that brings to close another week here in beautiful Wisconsin. Oh by the way, we had a wonderful Spring Snow Shower last night as we were driving home from Chicago. I can't wait until we can enjoy our 3 - 4 weeks of summer.....ha ha

A day of fun in Chicago....and an update on Lize's surgery schedule

Yesterday, I (James) took the kids down to Chicago for a fun day in the big city. As most of you already know, our family loves Chicago and we take many trips per year there. This was our second trip so far this year (my first alone with the kids). We had a great time and enjoyed The Field Museum and walking around.

Below, you will find some photos of our day but before you look I wanted to let everyone know that Lize's surgery has been scheduled for April 16th. We're so excited and I'll keep everyone posted as the day gets closer. Here's the photos (Sue the T-Rex was everyone's favorite):

Yes, we're crazy.....but

Isn't she cute? Yes, I'm a true sucker. Dawn and the kids beat me into submission and I crumbled to the pressure and said yes that we could get this cute Cockapoo (1/2 Cocker Spaniel and 1/2 Toy Poodle). They say they'll take care of "poo" in the yard but we'll see. Any way, here's some pictures of her. Her name is Molly, she's 8 months old and shouldn't get much bigger what she is now.

GOOD NEWS and Just when we thought it was safe...

GOOD NEWS FIRST - Lize was accepted at Shriner's Chicago for the repair of her palette. We visited this hospital before she got home and knew that this was the best location for her treatment. She is scheduled for her surgery on May 28th (but we're on a "quick call list" if some other person was to cancel a surgery for some reason).


Well, we got fooled again. After a few days of high 30's and one day in the 50's, old man winter has reminded us that it's only late February and he's not leaving anytime soon. Last night we were the lucky winner of another 6 inches of snow.. Yeah, NOT. If this year is anything like last year, we'll be having snow around into late May.


Here's some recent pictures for your enjoyment (Lize on the coach at Shriner's Chicago, the girls at a local gymnastics gym and photos from a trip to one of area Children's Museums.

Updated photos......

Well, it's still very cold here and I thought it would be nice to post a few other pictures of the family and all the kids. We're all doing fine and anixously awaiting warmer weather to arrive (should be another 2 1/2 - 3 months). We've had Lize with us for 3 months now and in that time she has grown almost 3 inches and put on 4 pounds.

OUR LITTLE LADIES.....

We recently had pictures taken of the girls and "we think" they did a great job in capturing the girls' attitude and beauty but you be the judge:

Trust me, picking these few out of over 70 shots was no easy task for me. We have family photos to be posted later but I just had to get these on the blog.

The weather outside is frightful, a B-day celebration and a FIRST haircut,,

Well the fantasy is certainly over (we're not in Florida anymore Dorthy) . Last night it got very cold here (see picture of thermometer from inside our house listing the temperature outside..ya that's right it says -10 degrees. The windchill was -20 degree last night.

The good news is that last night's temperatures will be warmer than what's expected for the next few days. We're being told that wind chills will reach -40 to -50 below zero over the next two days or so.

Today was Zach's 13th birthday and at his choice, we ate at a Mongolian restaurant (one of his favorites). Here's some pictures of him - he had to wear the "hat" in order to get a free sundae..and then we were off to home for some cake (Dawn made an "I POD" cake) and presents..

Lize had her first haircut earlier this week and she did great. Once she got home she had some funny time with mommy...


Hopefully we don't freeze over the next few days. For those friends and
family who live in the comfort of south Florida, well mama says if I can't say anything nice I shouldn't say anything at all (we're just jealous).

One day left until we head home...

Well, it's been a great vacation here in south Florida. The weather has been exceptionally warm (mid 80's to high 70's every day) and as we close out out our vacation and 2008, we look forward to everything 2009 has to bring.

We met with our friends who are adopting their daughter from China (and we pray they are traveling in upcoming days) yesterday for a day at the beach and then again tonight for dinner. This has been one of our best trips to Florida and spending time as a family -together this year unlike last, with family and friends. We have one day left until we head back to the great white north ..Yea Ha (not really). The good news is in 6 - 7 months, we'll have the same weather we will be leaving.

Here's some pictures from our past week or so....

The Perfect Ending to a Great day ......

Well, we spent Christmas Eve on the beach and enjoying the 80 degree weather. Lize has discovered that she absolutely loves the beach (which is good for her as you all how much we love the beach). We are having a blast here enjoying the weather and family. As tomorrow is Christmas Day don't ever forget the real reason for the season.. Happy Birthday Jesus. To top the day off, we watched Notre Dame win 49 - 21 over Hawaii (GO IRISH!).

Here's some pictures for your enjoyment: