Tub Fun!

Ryan decided it was time for Connor to graduate to the "big boy" bath.  They are having tons of fun playing together.

What a weekend!!

We had a great weekend hanging out with friends and trying out a new play spot.  To celebrate Valentine's day, we had pizza and cupcakes with the Eder family.  To give you an idea of how important this "holiday" is to us, Matthew didn't even choose the heart shaped pizza option.  On Saturday, we headed to Wheaton to meet up with some old friends and their babies.  We had a great time and can't wait to do it again soon.  Today we headed to the Ball Factory in Naperville.  It was a madhouse but the boys both loved it.  I think we will try it out again but during the week next time!!

Connor & Raegan 

Ryan and Owen 

 The "old' friends

Jumping in the balls 

 Connor tasted every ball in this pit (I try not to think about how gross that is)

Portillos

What a Helper!!

There is no doubt that Ryan loves Connor very much (and the feeling is mutual).  He is also a great helper and big brother.  Tonight he asked if he could help feed Connor dinner.  Given my tendency to cry at anything, it was tough to hold back the tears.  They are just so cute together!!

January Roundup

What has the Sand family been up to lately?

Let's see...

Getting ready for summer...or swimming 

Loving pasta 

Ryan holding Jack for the first time

Connor finally "liking" Papa 

Happy Birthday Memaw!!

Cold Spell

Given the weather lately, we have been pretty confined to home and indoor activities.  Even so, we have managed to have some fun!

Connor was really confused by a doll Kate left at our house 

Big boy cup (Photo by Ryan Sand) 

Motorcycle ride 

Cheap entertainment 

Cute!!

Connor's First Steps!!

Christmas Celebrations!

What a busy few days!!

Santa came early to La Grange and brought with him quite a few presents.  Ryan loved opening all his presents (and Connor's).  After opening everything, he declared his favorite gift was the M&Ms in his stocking!  Later, he decided he really liked his Bears helmet too and proved it by wearing it on and off throughout the next 3 days.

I got M&Ms!!! 

A big hit with both Connor & Ryan 

Who needs presents when you have hats? 

Go Bears!

We headed to Hollowayville on Christmas Eve day to celebrate with the Golden side of the family.  Ryan was super excited that Santa came (again) and very patiently waited to open presents.  Connor was so excited that he was up at 5 am!  

Wearing his pjs from Santa's elves 

Ready for present opening! 

Direct quote from Ryan: "Mom, do football guys wear sweaters?" 

 Connor, Ryan, and Elsa

After our celebration in the Illinois Valley, we headed to Dwight to celebrate with the Sand family. Connor was thrilled to see his bestie Grandpa and even wore a sweater vest in his honor.  Ryan and Kate had a great time playing together and loved opening everyone's presents!

 Family picture (Take 50)

Grandma & Grandpa with the kids 

Loving the boxes! 

Cousin hug!

We had a great time celebrating with all our families and are thankful for them everyday!  Thanks for everything and Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

 

Christmas Pictures!

My friend Claire recently took some holiday pictures of the boys.  The boys did a great job for the one-on-one pictures but the pictures of them together did not go as smoothly.  Even without their cooperation, Claire did a great job... check her out at http://clairecruzstudio.blogspot.com!!

Holiday Train!

Tonight the guys and I (plus the Eder fam) got in our cars and travelled to the North Pole.  Ok...maybe it wasn't the North Pole but it sure felt like it.  We headed to Union, IL (go ahead and look it up) to board the holiday train and visit Santa.  Our visit went much as expected.  The kids loved the train but the only person brave enough to meet Santa was Connor.  You can see below how well that turned out. I don't think we will be making a second attempt with Santa this year!

So far so good! 

This is fun! 

Obligatory family pic 

Eder Family 

Seeing Santa...kept coloring as hard as he could (pretty sure he wore the crayon out) 

Turns out Santa is the only person Connor won't smile at (and Papa sometimes)