Neil's First Day of School

Let me start by saying, no mom is not a lazy blogger. The boys were supposed to start their new preschool on Tuesday, but we were all sick, so today became Neil's first day of school. Got him a new backpack – Lego Construction Workers per his request. I can't really explain adequately how excited he was, but he was pretty jacked up. Neil had no problem entering his class or worrying about me leaving. He was into the new toys before I left and didn't even wave goodbye.

Ben will be safe with the super reflectors on his coat.

My Birthday Dinner 2011

As per our annual tradition Brian took me to a surprise destination for my birthday dinner. This year was Sugar Toad. We now know that a sugar toad is a puffer fish and they are tasty. Here's the chef tasting menu that we enjoyed as well as the wine tasting for me and beer tasting for Brian.

TEMPURA SUGARTOAD

-DOMAINE CHANDON, “CLASSIC DOSAGE” BRUT, CALIFORNIA NV-

SHIGOKU OYSTERS: APPLE MIGNONETTE

YELLOWFIN TUNA: SOUTHERN PICKLED SLAW

BLACKMOUTH SALMON: GOLDEN RAISIN PESTO

-PINOT NOIR, J. CHRISTOPHER, “DUNDEE HILLS CUVEE” WILLAMETTE VALLEY ’07-

-ALLAGASH BREWING CO. “WHITE” WITBIER PORTLAND, MAINE-

“PERFECT EGG,” GAUNCIALE, CORN CAKE, GRAVY

-SANGIOVESE, MOSBY “LUCCA” VINO ROSSO DI CALIFORNIA NV-

-BREWERY OMMEGANG “HENNEPIN” SAISON COOPERSTOWN, NEW YORK-

BLACKMOUTH SALMON: PASTRAMI SPICED, ARTICHOKES, HEDGEHOG MUSHROOMS, BARIGOULE BROTH

-SYRAH, VENTANA, ARROYO SECO ’07-

-TWO BROTHERS BREWING CO. “LONG HAUL” ENGLISH BITTER WARRENVILLE, ILLINOIS-

CAROLINA TRIGGERFISH: BOK CHOY, CELERY ROOT, PICKLED GRAPES, BLACK GARLIC

-CABERNET SAUVIGNON, MANIFESTO!, NORTH COAST ’08-

-NORTH COAST BREWING CO. “BROTHER THELONIOUS” BELGIAN STRONG DARK ALE FORT BRAGG, CALIFORNIA-

CAMP FIRE S’MORE SOUP: VANILLA BEAN PANNA COTTA, BURNT MERINGUE

-WARRE'S WARRIOR PORT NV-

-GREAT LAKES BREWING CO. “EDMUND FITZGERALD” AMERICAN PORTER CLEVELAND, OHIO-

Aside from learning what a sugar toad is we also had a perfect egg. This is cooked sous-vide which I have seen a few times on Top Chef and was pretty interested to try. Of course our eggs were made even more perfect by having a crispy panko coating. 

When we ordered the tasting menu they ask if you have any restrictions or allergies and how adventurous you are. This time I did have to make one request. I saw that they had a cassoulet on the menu which just happens to be one of the lets say five dishes I make well and regularly. So my request was that they not serve me that. I knew it would be way better than what I make and I couldn't live with the potential disappointment I would feel every time I eat my own.

I addition to the lovely dinner we enjoyed, I always get a kick out of the getting dressed up portion of the evening. Here's what I threw together this year.

Momma feels pretty good for 38.

Check out those great runner's calves.

 

Winter Frolic 2011

Ben's school held their annual Winter Frolic. Ben and Neil really enjoy these events but for different reasons. Neil really enjoys the obstacle course, pretend snowball fights and snack, while Ben is happier pinning the nose on the snowman and sponge painting snowflakes. But hands down the coolest thing is the sensory tables. This time it was with Insta-snow. We had to do this twice. They have also loved the sand, rice, and pasta tables in the past.

As if this wasn't enough fun for one day we took the boys to the Eber's house for a pizza party last night. They have two boys ages 7 & 5. They boys played nicely all night and even stayed up late til 9. Unfortunately that still doesn't mean they will sleep in. The best part of someone else's house is all the cool toys they have. Here was Neil's favorite.

Mike Ozog's Visit

Mike came to visit us this past weekend. It was great to be able to spend time with family. He was able to stay with us Friday and Saturday night and even got to attend one of Brian's hockey games while he was here. The boys love having company and even though they may have mistakenly called him "Uncle Dan" a few times, they enjoyed their time with him. Here they are enjoying Candyland together.

 

We would love to host any other visitor who would like to spend some time in the Chicago area.

Neil-ism

I've posted a few of the funny things that have come out of Ben's mouth now it's Neil's turn. Generally speaking he's a pretty funny guy cause he seems to be very imaginative, i.e., asking where his chipmunk is at bedtime. We've been playing along and we cup our hands to lift his chipmunk from under the bed to curl up with him. But anyway here the latest quote:

"Cows get milk in their butt."

Holiday Weekend Fun

Everyone had a little something special to enjoy this weekend. We went to the aquatic center in Bolingbrook on Friday. I guess swimming is not like riding a bike… the boys seemed like they forgot how, but they did really have a blast and enjoyed the kiddie slide. I got to run outside on New Year's Eve Day, the weather was a beautiful 45°. Plus I got to spend the afternoon shopping with my girlfriend, Tina, on New Year's Day. (When did New Year's Day stop being a holiday when everything was closed?) And the big event for Brian this weekend is something I call the "bender". Sunday he will spend all day at the bar with his hockey friends. To each his own.