Spring Snow

On Palm Sunday, a blizzard hit Springfield.  We received 17-18 inches of snow!  The boys were on Spring Break, so they didn't get a snow day out of the event.  We did get to spend one extra day with Nana and Papa who did not brave the weather to head home on Sunday as they usually do.  We did not expect to start Spring Break with a snow storm.  Last year, the boys played in shorts and sprinklers over Spring Break.  Illinois weather...Go figure!  

Taking it easy on a snowy day

After Nana and Papa hit the road, we went outside to play in the snow.  The boys had a great time!

Working together

Kieran is ready for spring!

Caden and Cole posing with their snowman--We later added bunny ears and Easter baskets to it.

Caden and Cole dug out the gate to the backyard.  Kieran could not even walk in the deep snow, so we went inside.

It was great to get some snow after such a boring winter, weather-wise, but I would rather the snow come in Dec-Feb next time.  

  

Caden's Basketball Season

Caden had an exciting basketball season.  The team had a great coach and worked well together.  Third grade basketball is very different from second grade basketball...The score is kept.  There is absolutely no traveling.  Fouls are called.  It is real basketball.  The boys showed a lot of improvement throughout the season.  All of the final scores were close.  Caden's team even had a couple buzzer beaters and overtimes.  Too intense for this mom!  My heart was racing during some of those games, especially during the tournament.    

Caden is #5.

Dedicated fans of Caden and Noah ;)

Caden's first free throw...It almost went in.  

Caden jumped off the bench during the last few intense seconds of their final four game.  They made it to the championship game!  Very exciting for these boys!  

Watching the third grade girls play before their championship game

They look so sad because they lost by one point in the championship game.  

Parents were proud, and the boys should be too!  Second place in third grade basketball!  

Very fun season!

Finishing up winter

A few photos from our winter...

After our very small amount of snow in January, this snow was a welcome site.  The boys got a snow day out of the event.  They thought it was entertaining to watch Curt shovel the snow.  

Caden playing in the snow with Brady and Ali when he slept over at their house

 All dressed up for the annual dinner/dance given by Curt's employers

For the third grade science project, Caden and his classmates had to create a mini-golf hole.  Grandpa Chuck was smiling down on this project.  

Caden with his finished course--complete with sand, rocks, and a ramp

Bath time fun...

Caden's 9th Birthday

I'm so behind on photos...Back in March, Caden turned 9!  We celebrated his birthday a few times over the course of two weeks.

Caden's first birthday celebration was with friends and family at a bowling alley.  The kids and adults had a lot of fun.  Plus, the party was super easy for me, and it went smoothly.  Two thumbs up!      

Mario Kart cake by Grammy

Bowling fun...

Checking out the scores

Love this photo of Caden and Griffin!

The party scene

Watching the kids bowl, react, and chat was very entertaining
(Sam, Daniel, Caden, Andrew, and Griffin)

Kieran joined in the fun too.

The cake is getting brighter every year.  Hard to believe it is time for 9 candles!
(Sophia, Caden, Andrew, Griffin, Noah, and Mason)

 Taking a break from bowling to eat pizza...

Daniel, Caden, Andrew, and Sophia

Noah, Caden C, Mason, Olivia, Cole, and Ethan

Dominic, Sam, Saurya, and Michael

Caden took home a souvenir bowling pin signed by his friends.

Post-party, we came home to hang out with Grammy, Aunt Mariah, Nana, and Papa.

Aunt Mariah with the boys

Curt, Caden, and Aunt Mariah in a Just Dance competition 

No birthday is complete without some Lego building.

Kieran's building site

Caden building his Lego from Grammy and Grandpa with Cole's supervision

Completed Lego

The next day, Caden opened presents from Nana and Papa.

Adding to his spy gear

Caden opening presents from us on his actual birthday

On the night of his actual birthday, Caden had three friends from class sleep over.

More wishes!

Daniel, Caden, Saurya, Cole, and Ryan

Movie time before they finally fell asleep!

It is hard to believe that another year has passed by.  It seems like the years are starting to pass more quickly.  Next year, Caden moves to double digits.