Ending to the countdown

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Everyone had goodies in their shoes when they woke up yesterday.

This is Ella heading towards her goodies -Good Morning

One of the goodies was this toy.  I love the cross eyes watching the ball

Everyone with their new shirts on heading to co-op

No pinching going on here

Supper was even all green.  Garrett was worried about the spinach wraps.  I really had him going on all the green

1 Day to Go!!

I had to include this.  For the pass two nights after bath time, the spies come out.  They sneek around the house and then just pop out

Too Funny!  This is what happens to little girls that have big brothers.

 Yesterday was potato stamping. 

The stamp cut into a heart shape

 Ella getting ready to start her stamping

She was not too sure about holding a potato for the stamp

One stamp

Two stamps  - tricky to line up the centers

All done - even the boys participated

Today we all enjoyed a huge box of Lucky Charms for breakfast.

Tomorrow is the big day - Green comes out- what will be left by the leprechaun??

Update:  Today I ran 6 miles in 1 hour and 4 mins. 

I know that I can do this - 17 days to go 6.2 miles is calling my name

and with all my strength - I will finish the race

It is amazing how much I focus on God when I am running for 1 hour

I truly focus on nature, sounds, mailbox to mailbox and then the thought comes to mind how Jesus carried the cross, His own cross down the path without saying one word to anyone, no grumbling or complaining,  He endured it all for me.

He saved me.  So because I that I have the strength to endure a little discomfort and pain while I run.  It is not easy.  Sometimes I just want to stop and say "Why?"  Then I remember Jesus. 

I can do this.

Championship Game

We were able to sleep in Sunday morning since we had a later game.  Thanks goodness since we sprung forward an hour and lost a hour of sleep.  I had to show a picture of Garrett's bed for the weekend.  He chose to sleep on pillows on the floor. 

Ella slept with Seth

Before leaving the hotel and checking out, we prayed over Garrett and his team.  We knew this was a big deal.  This team had beatin' us once already.  It was a big game. 

In the locker room - getting set

Garrett is in the right side of the picture - the puck is coming towards him

I love this picture - I wish it was clearer - he is shooting the puck - look at the stance

After a lose, 4-2, lining up to receive medals.  The coach is talking to a group of them here. 

Garrett going to receive his medal

He was able to choose the banner for his team since he was the team captain all season.  He was excited

Skating back to the line

Holding the banner while the other team received medals.

The championship game was in the arena where the NHL Washington Capitals practice.  Pretty cool.  Huge place

The ice rink was on top of a parking deck.  This was the sign as we were leaving the rink

Any trip requires a stop at Cracker Barrel.  Garrett was thrilled.  The boys waiting for food.

Oh My!  Sweet tea taste so good.

 

It was Sunday so we made a point for everyone to have their Lent Choice for Sunday. We stopped for ice cream after supper. Jeff was able to eat sweats. 2 of meme's cookies to be exact.

Home around 10:00 - Unpack- Visit with Gabby - Off to bed

What a fun Hockey Select Season. 

Day 2 Hockey Tournament

We had a 7:20 am game - Didn't take 1 picture - maybe because we lost - 4-3.  We were down 3-0 and came back and tied the game but time ran out  - After eating at ChickfilA again for breakfast, we headed downtown to sightsee.

As we were searching for a parking place, we see Ella's Pizza.  How cool!  She didn't even see it.  She was asleep.

We were able to go inside the Archive building.  Last time we were here, we waiting outside for 1 hour and didn't move.  We walked right in this time and waiting 5 mins to see the 3 most imporant documents of the USA.  The Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence.  Very cool - we couldn't take pictures inside.  They are preserving the documents from fading.

You really can't see the kids but we wanted the whole building.

I was amazed we didn't have to stand in line.  So excited

Then swimming time - the pool was terrific.  Not to hot or cold and inside.  A real treat

Kick, Kick, Kick - she wants to learn to swim without a float - mission for summer

Second game - we had to win in order to make it to the championship game - this was after the game - we did win  Hooray!

Way to go Checkers  4-2 score

Friday in Reston, Va

We left out about 5:15am Friday morning - heading to DC for a hockey tournament.

Our hotel room - Finally made it

Playing video games

Eating at ChickFilA before the first game

Goodness do these two look alike or what

Really scarey

Garrett dressed and ready for the 1st game - He looks huge to me.  The little guy to the right is an 8th grader and two years older than Garrett - look at the difference

Checkers waiting to take the ice

Good game - 6-1  way to start the weekend

The team line up - tapping hands after the game

Little Bit of Everything

Our little town has a new Olive Garden  YUMMY!  I am so excited.  I was thrilled when McAllister's came to town.  Now we are continuing to step it up.

Thanks Mom and Dad  Lunch was terrific.

The best part.  I had left overs so I ate it twice.

This picture below thrills my soul.  Nothing makes a mommy smile than when her kids get along, depend on each other, work together, and hold hands for the whole world to see.

Thanks guys for making my heart sing.

Ella "driving" the car (not really) while Jeff checked us into our hotel. Hello Washington DC

Seth picked his bed.  Nice room - ready to snooze - started the day at 4:15 am.  Ready to snooze.

Hockey here we come

1 game today

2 games tomorrow

1 game Sunday ( 3/4th place or play for the Champonship)

Gotta start the road trip off with a little ketchup.  Thanks ChickfilA  We love the new dip.