Halloween and Super Heros

I know, I know, its been too long since I last posted. So here is the Halloween update. Max decided long ago (like August), that he would be Batman and Holyn followed suit by serving as his villain, Poison Ivy. The Batman costume for him was easy, thank goodness Kohl's has great pjs for boys. As I quickly found out, there are no Poison Ivy costumes for girls, just the sexy ones for adults. So after ordering leaves from Hong Kong (no I didn't know that's where the eBay seller was shipping them from at the time) sewing more than 110 leaves to her costume and making a cape, skirt, arm bands, boot covers and head band, her outfit was complete. No, I do not have the ability to do anything simple, must be my nature.

We did manage to have a super time this Halloween in Vincennes. First we trick or treated down the Historic Main Street and ran into the "real" Darth Vader and Batman. So cool, Max had trouble concentrating on the task at hand, when Batman and his daughter (a fairy) followed us down the block. Next we begged at our neighborhood houses, and came up with wonderful treasures like coloring books and of course chocolate. Finally, we joined Holyn's new buddy's family for trick or treating in their neighborhood and a kid filled pizza party.

9/9/09 @ 9

How did you celebrate 9-9-09? At our house it was just another school day for Holyn , but ... Mr. Max went back to school. (Max is attending Little Scholars Preschool 5 mornings a week.) When I went into his room to wake him up that day he sounded reminiscent of a Spongebob episode, "I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready". He jumped out of bed and ran to wake up Holyn. She wasn't as thrilled to get up, though she was happy for him. After a quick dose of cereal and toothpaste, they posed for more back to school pics and hopped in the Torrent.

We dropped off Holyn and had a little time before Max needed to be there. So what do you do in the morning when you are somewhat hungry after breakfast and bored? You go share a McGriddle breakfast sandwich in the car. Then more pictures with Mom and Dad, a kiss or two and wave goodbye. Thank goodness he loves it already!

1st Day of School - Part 2

Well, today it is official. Our little 1st grader is moving onto 2nd grade after only 2 weeks of school. We took a new first day of school photo and headed back to tackle this new year. So a new classroom, more new friends, and another great teacher, Mrs. Vickers. Holyn is excited to be growing up really fast this week. We are over the moon thrilled for you Holyn, keep up the great work!

That's Not My Name

Holyn started school this morning. I got up and washed and styled her hair. She looked so grown up. She proudly posed for pictures and we got to meet her teacher. We dropped her off in the gym for the daily meeting and blew her kisses. I can't wait to hear the stories after school. Holyn loves this song, and hopefully they get her name right (or she will correct them by spelling it and saying it really slow and sarcastically. Yup, she's my girl).

Wild for Watermelon

On August 1st, we discovered the local celebration of Watermelon Fest. We had no idea how much Max loved watermelon, until there were free samples everywhere you turn. Holyn sampled the yellow, orange and red watermelons, but Max was still partial to the red. (I personally couldn't taste the difference in the colors, but was nonetheless impressed.) Holyn decided to have her face painted after lunch and Max participated in the seed spitting contest. Yes a contest for Max to spit (how perfectly that fits him). Check out his attempts.

Movin' On Out

We are moving... again this summer. This time not just across town, but across the state. After waiting 2 months to complete school, play baseball and get into the new house, we get to join Lant in Vincennes. The kids took off for a week long vacay in Iowa with Boppa and Papa Jim (wish I could go), and Lant left for work. So that leaves me to watch the movers put our life in boxes and load it onto a semi. So thankful they are doing the packing and not me! I get the joy of unwrapping everything on the other end. It will be like Christmas, kinda. Here's what I see today. V-town here come the Dorans.

Championship Game

To wrap up baseball, Geller Farms played in the Championship Game. Holyn was a slugger (and everyone kind of expects her to hit it on the first try) and Mr. Max got a base hit. He proudly ran to first as they called it foul. After a little convincing, he left the base and ran back home for another try. But, no go. Holyn got another hit her second time up to bat. She has really gotten the hang of baseball and loved it. Unfortunately, our team lost, but finished first in wins for the season. They accepted their trophies with red and blue lips (Thanks Coach Troy for the Icees after the game!) and smiles. Another great season in the books!

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's Forty!!

We celebrated a few times in Disney, but today is the day. Boston Creme Pie and 40 candles are in our near future. (And probably a bit of Star Wars Wii). We love you Lant.

We Are Outta Here!!

Wish us luck, we are on our way to the Mouse House. Can't wait to share all our Disney memories when we return!

Love, the Dorans

Goodbye Kindergarten!

Today is the day, the last day of school for our big girl. After a wonderful couple days of learning and play this week, it has come to an end. We love you Mrs. Picco, we will really miss you. Thank you for everything. It has been a pleasure to volunteer and watch you shape the lives of these adorable kids. We will miss the smiling faces at Arcola everyday and most of all our friends we have made.

Graduated!

My baby has graduated from Pre-School. Its official, yesterday Max put on the blue cap and shook hands with our dear teacher Mrs. Hobbs (we will miss you terribly, we love you like family). The kids sang songs and recited the Pledge of Allegiance also. After too many cookies (some running around) and some great sherbet punch we all headed to CEC (Chuck E. Cheese's for those of you without kids) for more fun. We are definitely going to miss our school buddies (and I am going to miss my parent friends). Thank God for Facebook~

Game #6

Game 6 on Monday was a no-go. The red team only had 5 players show up (probably because we are so good - no just kidding). So the coaches evened up the teams with some of our players and they played anyways. Holyn got two hits (yay Holyn!!), Max - yeah, what can I say. He fell asleep in the car on the way over to the game, and didn't really wake up until the 2nd inning. He finally decided to bat (after being threatened with not seeing the Wii for a couple weeks). He is getting really close but didn't get a hit. Hopefully things will go better tonight.

Winning isn't everything...but don't tell Max!

This is Max and Holyn at Holyn's school last Friday. The school had Field Day which included a picnic and games all afternoon. Most of the games pitted Holyn vs. Max, and let's just say Max likes to win... at everything. Here's how things ended up. Finally, I had to bribe Holyn to lose at the "roll the tire" game or we were going to have to go home. Max's ego got a much needed boost and this is how things ended up. That and an Icee Float from BK. Everybody wins!

Game #5 - Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Game 5 started after team pictures and a fun practice. The weather however, was a little cold for my taste (can't complain too much - it stopped raining for us). Holyn got two hits and Max is still trying for that home run (or just him running to first would be nice). Max had a pretty good stance until his coach corrected him.

I should say Holyn got three hits, check out the end of the first video!

Max got to play next to the pitcher when the other team was up to bat. He did finally pay attention to the game and even tackled a teammate for the ball. But I think my favorite is Holyn's ready stance on third base (or 3rd base shuffle). She was cracking us up, and yes I probably did the same thing when I played.

Game #4

Game 4 took place on May 21st and both Holyn and Max got hits. Holyn actually got batted in twice. Max, well check it out for yourself. And yes, they won the game this time. I love baseball!

Game #3

Game 3 was well worth the wait. Holyn got a hit her first time up to bat (I love the ending of her video). Max got his first hit during batting practice AND in the game. He was a little unsure about what to do next, but as you see in the video it all worked out. As for fielding we were a little distracted. Below is how they kept busy waiting for the other team to bat. More baseball on May 21st!

Beastie Boy

Out of the mouth of babes. Today at the park we joined some classmates after school for a picnic lunch and playtime. Max was trying hard to eat his sandwich quickly and get back to running with his buddies. Our friend Rick (better known as Chandler's Dad) told Max to get that sandwich in his belly. To which Max replied, "the belly of the beast"! I laughed out loud at that one. He is great at one liners, just like his dad.

Game #2

We have a hitter! Holyn scored a hit her first chance up to bat and made it to first base. The dancing on and off the base ensued and we all cheered (remind you of anyone Papa Jim?) Max is still trying hard for his first crack at the ball. He did get a piece of it, but it wasn't enough to send him running down the baseline. He did run the bases after the game just to see what its like. Here the team is getting a pep talk from Coach Troy (Max is in red on the end, and Holyn is #2 in orange).

Game #1

And the season begins... the first game was great. The kids didn't get hits yet, but they are swinging like they're going to kill it. Holyn is fielding the ball like a pro. She made an out running for home with the ball and tagging the player. She did so well at fielding that the next 3 times the ball was hit to her, she tried to get it but decided it was just a waste of time and went to tag the player anyways. Who needs to grab that pesky ball? It will just slow ya down! Max was caught picking his nose in the outfield. (I decided to not make that a kodak moment!) And throwing dirt in the air. I figure Holyn kicked dirt for about the first year of baseball, so he is on the right track!

Baseball Practice #2

On Saturday, the kids had baseball practice (they were rained out on Thursday night). It was great because Lant was home to check them out on the diamond. This is Max's first year to play, Holyn's third year and they are both on the same team. Practice was interesting, our kids must have ran for every ball that was hit, no matter if it was next to them or across the field. Max wore his batting helmet the entire practice (we were happy about that one). There was a lot of digging in the mud and asking if they were up next to bat, but fun nonetheless. The weather was beautiful too. Just hope it stays dry this coming week for their first game. Stay tuned sports fans!

Puddles of Fun

Happy May Day! We hope spring (and not rain) is just around the corner!

Spray & Rub

Mid-month Boppa came to our house for a visit. She flew out to help us while Lant went to start his new job as Service Center Manager and I looked for a new place to live. Yes, finally we are moving. But the kids and I will be staying until the school year and baseball are finished. We also planned a little trip with friends to Vegas, and yup that is this week too. Thanks Boppa for all the help.

But while we were gone and Holyn was at school, Max and Boppa did some cleaning for us. Little did we know, Boppa has ignited Max's inner Mr. Clean. He loves to dust! But we don't call it dusting, he coined the phrase "spray and rub". We were somewhat afraid he would spray the pledge in his eyes, so we grabbed his goggles from his tool bench set and he was protected to clean all day. We have figured out he doesn't love cleaning floors and laundry as much as the dusting, so I guess we can't push it. Check out him in action.

Spring Break is Over... or maybe just Spring

Well back to school for both kids today, and we wake up to snow. Yes, snow! I thought we were going to have a spring this year. Nope. We did end up going to Monsters vs. Aliens on the 1st, but they got us for seeing the 3D version. An extra $3 a ticket (I bet that covered our Buddy Holly glasses) but what the heck it was cool. I ate way too much popcorn, and just kept eating like it was going to disappear if I didn't shove in another handful after I finished chewing (the bucket was larger than a barrel).

Holyn got sick on Friday of spring break with 5th Disease (which Max had as an 18 month old) and Lant and I had it too. I have to say, it was the worst two weeks of a cold ever. Thank God everyone is healthy again (where's the wood to knock on?)

Just Hangin'

This week we are on Spring Break. We have sucessfully watched every cartoon, played every computer game and its only Wednesday. I think today we will probably go to the grocery store for more snacks and maybe take in a little "Monsters vs. Aliens" in 3D. I don't know how much more togetherness we can take in the house! Where is the fabulous Spring Break weather?

Parents vs. Kids

As promised, pictures from the parents vs. players showdown! The big matchup took place right before the all team pizza party. We had an absolute blast. As usual, "Tenacious D" did her best to keep us from scoring (or standing up right). She even got to make two slam dunk baskets courtesy of Dad and her coach. I almost made a basket too, but was stopped by our star (that and the fact she pulled me over backwards holding both my arms). I haven' t laughed that hard in a while. Too much fun. Here's Lant making his basket and Holyn and I below fighting it out (she's guarding so close you almost can't tell her from my pants)!

Tenacious D

Holyn plays a mean game of defense on the court. We have nicknamed her "Tenacious D" for her unrelenting guarding and stay-with-it technique. When she zeros in our her player there is no surrender, well unless they start talking or something. Check out our player in action.

Making a basket may take a little longer to master.

Next week, Holyn's team plays against their parents. Oh yeah, I'm gonna take pictures for that one! Stay tuned!~

They call them little people...

On Thursday, nothing seemed to go right, so I decided to drown my sorrows in a great big bowl of queso dip from Carlos O'Kelley's. I asked my companion Max if he was game and here's how it went down. Me: "Hey Max, wanna go to Carlos with me on a date?" Max: "Mom, I can't go on a date with you, people will think I'm a midget!" You know that cheered me up right there. But we still went for some cheese anyways, and just so you know it wasn't a date!!

How did this happen?

Sorry folks, but its been a while since I actually wrote a blog entry. February was filled with basketball games, a great visit from Boppa, Papa Jim & Uncle Chris, playdates, school days, colds and strep throat (twice for Holyn), homework, laundry, computer games and dishes. I promise to keep you more updated from now on. Life just got in the way, as it usually does.

Dance Fever

Holyn attended the Carroll High School Dance Camp yesterday along with our buddy Lauren. This is their second dance camp this school year. Our seasoned pros danced front and center for parents after camp showing off their new routine. Max was really interested in the high school girls performance. I asked him if he liked the dancing, to which he replied "I'm just watchin' the blonde ones Mom".
As a special bonus for attending camp, the dancers got to perform at the boys varsity basketball game last night. So at halftime, 98 girls danced with the state champion Carroll Dance Team. Too much fun, wish I could have joined in too!

No, I Didn't Travel

Holyn had her second practice/ game last night. She was most excited to have a girl on her team to practice with. She brushed up on her skills with Dad at the YMCA during the snow day this week and is getting pretty good at dribbling. Well, that's when we want to, OK? Check out this video from the game.

That's My Final Answer

Last night, Holyn and Max attended Kids Club at our friend Marcia's church. Its a 2-hour get together where the kids eat dinner, play games, make crafts and learn about God. Well, as Lant and I came to pick them up we overheard the group talking. All the kids were seated in a circle while the teacher asked them individually what they were thankful for. Holyn said she was thankful for her tender heart and great singing voice (see earlier post). Finally it was Max's turn. The teacher said, "Max what are you thankful for?" Max replies, "I don't know, um, pass". I guess he was out of life lines and couldn't phone a friend, so there goes the million.

Basketball Beginner

The Arcola Little Shots League (grades K-2nd) began this past Thursday night with a short practice and a quick game. Holyn's on the black team (so of course we spiced it up with some fuchsia pants!) There was a lot of good hustling and passing (skipping and dancing), and sometimes she guarded her own players, but all in all a great first attempt. Here she is going in for the take away. Can't wait for next week. Maybe they'll keep score too.

Anyone Know An Agent?

We knew she could dance (like on New Year's Eve), but this is priceless. Holyn got a Karaoke Machine from Grandma Ellen for Christmas and tonight we got our first "show". Holyn rocked a little Katy Perry on the microphone, and a star was born. Check it out for yourselves (just mute the playlist music on the right first). We will need to practice up for the next performance (probably on the way to school in the morning).

Snow Much Fun

Snow... check, snow pants... check, sub-zero temp... no check. Yep, its time to sled! We met up with our Arcola buddies and headed to the little white church. It was beautiful outside (snowing ever so slightly). And of course I got a ton of pictures. Can't wait to do it again.