Double hockey day

Man, was I sure in for a treat to get to go to TWO hockey games in one day?! Only partial sarcasm there. David's new team, the Bro's, had a 4:45 game this past Saturday, so we also decided to take Nico to a Texas Stars' game while we were up that way. My parents watched Natalie, since it may have been too much late night excitement for her.

Our guy is the one in the black defending the attempted scorer. He played great D, and I don't even think they scored as long as David was in. They ended up losing in a shootout, though.

 

Their team actually has a website, which is pretty funny. Here's his official headshot. I think he looks pretty hot here.

 

We headed over to the Texas Stars' game immediately following his game, and we made it to our seats with food and drinks in hands just a few minutes before the start of the National Anthem. Perfect timing. We were in the 3rd row and right by the penalty box. Definitely close enough to be startled when a player would slam into the glass.

 

Nico was pumped the whole game and paid close attention. He still loves the chant, "Who carrrrrres?" when the announcer mentions the opponent's scorer.

He's so cute; I just want to eat him up. Speaking of eating, he ate his way through the game like he usually does. I'm not sure where he put it. He had a balanced dinner consisting of half of my pepperoni roll, a pretzel, bag of popcorn, and a blue snow cone.

 

We had a really fun night! The Stars ended up losing in a shoot out too, but it was special to have a night out as the 3 best friends like old times!

 

Happy NYE!

We had a nice wonderful NYE spent with a few groups of friends. We started our night by going over to some new friends from Nico's tball team. We hung out with them for a few hours, watched football, and ate way too much food. David impressed everyone by bringing over a homemade pasta dish that he quickly and casually whipped up.

Natalie dressed up for the occasion in her party dress.

My world.

Trouble right here - Nico with his two baseball buddies.

 

After a couple hours, we came back to our place to shoot off some fireworks with our next door neighbors and some other close friends here in the neighborhood. The kids watched the fireworks and were so amazed by the loud noises and lights. We had a pretty good little display going, especially considering it was just right there in front of the house. Natalie was a champ and slept well so that we could enjoy ourselves out there.

 

Time got away from us, and before we knew it, it was 11:00! That meant that Nico could watch the ten second countdown for NYE in New York. He felt pretty cool to count down and share the moment of exclaiming, Happy New Year!

 

I actually stayed up until midnight as well. I would have lost that bet.

 

 

2016 was the best year yet. Cheers to what 2017 will bring to top it!

Christmas Day

Christmas morning may be my favorite day of the entire year. I have been soaking in the emotions and excitement that this time of year brings out in a child. The magic of Santa. The holiday events. The traditions being established. And it will only get better these next few years, when Natalie knows a little more about what's going on too!

Nico's big present from Santa was an electric scooter. He was pretty pumped, despite not even knowing yet that it goes up to 10 mph.

He's so cute.

I think it's hilarious that the best reaction to a present this year was actually when he opened these tiny referee guys that go to this Playmobil hockey set he has. Ha!

Natalie woke up, full of smiles, just as Nico was finishing opening his stocking. It was so heart warming to be able to wish her a 1st Merry Christmas.

She was full of wide eyed stares at everything going on around her. It's like she knew something was up!

The next 3 pictures highlight his genuine excitement over football padded pants.

Natalie may have loved the wrapping paper the best.

That smile...

Santa must have thought that she was a very good girl.

And this guy was apparently a good boy again this year!

I was brought to tears over holding this ornament featuring our little family of 4 that I have always hoped and dreamed to have. David picks out the best ornaments.

Once all of the presents were opened, there was no stopping Nico from trying out his new scooter up and down the street.

Her cute Christmas morning outfit that David couldn't stand. Ha. He hates these "busy" outfits. Luckily, she only wore it a couple hours, since I was too paranoid to let her nap in it for fear of choking on a bow or something.

We went over to my parents about 10 am for my dad's annual French toast, more present opening, and a day full of fun with the family.

His nerf gun, Power Rangers costume, and legos were some of Nico's other favorite gifts. He was excited to have a few big time nerf guns now so we can have a family war...

We all went in to get my parents a Michigan State cornhole set and giant outdoor jenga set for our many summers at the lakehouse.

Natalie's highlights were cute clothes, a Minnie Mouse ball pit, activity table, and eating supplies!

The one gift that he knows he will get every year... Xbox FIFA.

This is about the moment we are making fun of my dad for picking up every scrap of Christmas paper and folding down boxes immediately when the last gift is opened.

A lot of football was played out back in the 75 degree weather. Nico brought over his new football attire, cleats, and glow in the dark football (in addition to the scooter and many other things.) It's like packing for a whole week just to get out of the house with this guy!

We had our big meal in the middle of the afternoon, and my mom's cooking was great as always.

Things got a little wild when the Pie Face game was brought out. Whipped cream started getting all over, and we even gave Natalie a few belly kisses with it on her. I think my mom walked in right at the peak of the mess, and we got "the look." Ha. It wasn't too long before we took it outside!

They sure became buddies this trip.

 Another memorable Christmas in the books. Couldn't ask for more.