Anthem Buddies

It has been so busy lately and I want to post some of our pictures from our Florida trip and I haven't had any time!  I had to take a few minutes for these though, they are too funny!

On Sunday Jack's team got to go to the Iowa Cubs game and be Anthem Buddies out on the field.

 The boys watching the first pitch thrown.

 They got to go and stand with the player that played a position the boys play too, Jack was by the pitcher, I wish I knew his name!

 The game was very fun, the parts I saw at least, Tucker had a lot of exploring to do.

 So after the games on Sundays all the kids can run the bases.  Of course all of the boys went.

 And Tucker too,  "Where is Brad?"  I am wondering at this point.

 Jack and Luke rounding third and going home, oblivious to where their baby brother is.

 Rounding second!

 Still going, he knew the way!

 Rounding third!

 Had to stop and high five Cubbie Bear!

And he makes it home!  Brad eventually found him at this point.  How can a child who doesn't even want me to leave the room be completely independent here?

Basketball

We have been really busy lately and I have been terrible about updating our blog.  Although we are long out of basketball season and baseball practice is in full swing I wanted to post our thee basketball players this year.  Selah joined in and loves it!

 I have a tricky time with action shots, I love them but not the blur!  Jack actually joined this team he was playing for second season.

 Luke really did great this year.  He had improved a ton and now loves all things sports like his brother.  Brad helped coach Luke and Selah's teams.  During one of the huddles they all needed to say what the most courageous thing they could think of was and Brad said that he had now coached a Kindergarten team two times.  One of the little boys then said to him "your a girl!".

Selah was a great player but is not the most competitive kid out there.  She told me after one game that she felt really bad for one of the players on the other team who never got the ball or a chance to shoot.  I have never heard that from the boys!
Now moving on to spring, we leave for Florida in a few days and there are flowers blooming all over our yard, I need to take time to grab the camera!

Decorah Eagle

Is anyone else following the eagle's nest in Decorah this year?  My dad sent me a link reminding me about it and I guess there are two eggs, we haven't seen them yet but it is so awesome to watch the mamma eagle in the nest.  The wind was blowing pretty hard this morning and the tree was swaying it is so high up there!    We will keep watching in anticipation!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/decorah-eagles

Finally!

 It FINALLY snowed enough here today for some winter fun!  After five basketball games today we bundled up and headed outside during the snowstorm.

 Tucker's only problem was with the mittens, I forgot how much they hate them at this age.

 Jack even got the snowboard out but we don't have quite enough snow for that yet.

 Poor Penny looked like she had boots made of snow after running around all afternoon!  I had to defrost her in the shower when we came in.

 Catching snowflakes!

 Happiness!

 Luke was not still very often for me to take a picture.

 Air!

Hopefully he stays awhile! Bring on the snow.

Cincinnati Chili

I got this recipe from a friend and I have a request from another friend to post it! It is good stuff,  we are having it this week.

Cincinnati Chili

1 Tbs vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 lbs ground beef
1/4 cup chili powder
1tsp ground cinnamon
1tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 bay leaf
1/2 (1 oz) square unsweetened chocolate
2 (10.5 oz) can beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp cider vinegar
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over med heat.  Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender.  Cook beef in broth- do not drain.
2. Add chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, bay leaf, chocolate, tomato sauce, cider vinegar, and red pepper.  Stir to mix well.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. It is the best if you now refrigerate overnight.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Reheat gently over med heat.  Serve over hot, drained spaghetti. Top with shredded cheese, and whatever toppings you choose, onions, peppers, etc.

It seems weird to add chocolate to chili but really it's yummy!

Sleeping under the Tree

Last night we slept under the Christmas tree!  They were pretty excited about it, I think we have a new Christmas tradition!

 Jack chose a warmer spot by the fire.

It was a fun cozy night by the tree!

Luke's Nativity

Luke is very much like his Daddy but there is one thing he does that is a lot like me.  I cannot walk by the Nativity with it all messed up and not set everything just where it is supposed to go.  I also have that problem with Selah's doll house.  We do a whole lot of fixing after our tornado Tucker had been around!  This Christmas season Luke has been very busy setting up their Nativity set only he puts them all where they should be right now. 

 The wise men are still very far away.

 The stable only has animals.

 Mary and Joseph are on their way to Bethlehem.

 And the angel is up high ready to come in when needed!

 Luke also has been learning about how they celebrate Christmas in all of the countries he has had in school.

He puts up an ornament for each one with their flag and loves to say Merry Christmas in their language on the back!