Just a lazy week

Well I don't have much to report due to the craziness of the holidays!  We did get to spend the evening with Chris's mom (Susie) at our Women's Christmas dinner this past Friday, which I was VERY excited about!  The boys enjoy her being around so much. I'm sure I will have lots to report after our annual Black Friday shopping in Chicago this next weekend!
Caden had a hockey game in Springfield this weekend and I am happy to report he scored not one, but TWO goals!  He was very proud of himself!  He has become quite the little hockey player. 
I'm sure there will be more to come this time next week with lots of picture updates.  Stay tuned!

The 31st!

Well halloween was rather uneventful this year! We had Batman ska Caden and Spiderman ska Austin. We didn't even spend a dime on costumes this halloween! We raided my siblings old costumes and found batman and had Spiderman at home all ready. We went to a costume party at our neighbors the Saturday before and Caden won 'best costume'!! Austin didn't attend the party but enjoyed a night to himself with mama Susie and Papa Ratts (Chris's dad, long story behind that one lol). All in all it was a great weekend!

Typical Wednesday as a Merritt

Austin's class took a field trip to the pumpkin patch today! What began as a laid back ride to the patch turned into complete turmoil when my mom realized she forgot her camera! So as we are driving down the highway I proclaim "oh we gave time to run home and get it and still get to the patch when the bus does". Lol so we were off passed the bus as the parents on the bus looked at us like "crazy women drivers!". Made it to my house where the camera sat on the couch and took off towards the patch. We took the country roads (which my mom is not use to) which I knew would get us there faster than the highway... But I don't think my mom took her hand off the door or took a breath the whole way lol. But alas we made it JUST as Austin was stepping off the bus :). He had a blast picking out pumpkins to carve this weekend with daddy and Caden. The drive home was much more relaxed and probably a little safer:).
I also posted a picture of mummy cupcakes I made for Cadens class. In Kindergarten all the moms take turns bring the daily afternoon snack. I hope I'm not the only mom that brings junk food:/

Life as a school boy

Well, I thought I would back up a little bit and rewind to the beginning of school. As most of you know Caden started kindergarten this year and LOVES it! He has his teacher from 3 year old pre k, and loves her! The first picture is of him the first day of school.
Austin started his first year of Pre-k this year and has learned so much all ready! His teacher Miss Covington is amazing with them all! The second picture is from his first day...
Since school has begun they have really gotten into school spirit! Caden is so excited to grow up and be a "big hawk". He even told Chris that he doesn't want to play hockey anymore... He wants to play basketball in the "new hawk gym". Our school is getting ready to build a new high school, and though he has many years before he gets there, he is SO excited about the new gym. Exhibit 3 is the new gym...
Caden had so much fun with great, mama nini, and mama Susie! He is so blessed to have grandmas that love him so much!
We just got their school pictures back and have decided that Austin probably should just use his for his mug shot lol!
Most weekends are spent with our family and thankfully NOT doing a ton of homework! Caden even got to go to an Illinois game with papa ratts (Chris's dad), and Uncle Steve. He was exhausted that night!
We have even taken a short trip to Chicago for some last minute school clothes and Caden obviously enjoyed his chocolate ice cream!
Most of our nights are spent doing homework and reading books, until lately now it's hockey 2 nights a week... And we have seemed to start a new tradition of Thursday night Mexican And try to get Chris's parents to go as much as possible so we can see them more than just on the weekends! Our last trip Caden went around the table and did a photo shoot with everyone lol. Him and grandma couldn't quite figure out the camera....
Well that is life as a Merritt so far this school year... I'm sure it will get much more exciting this quarter!

A weekend at the rink

It seems like most weekend these days are spent at the Hockey rink... This weekend it was especially so as we convinced my Dad and little brother to hit the ice with us! Austin has decided not to play so his helmet had gotten a little snug!
Dad definitely found out he is still young at heart, but no so much in body though he looks young in the picture of us.
Our weekend concluded with Austin and I taking up our usual seats with Chris's parents to watch Caden's game. No goals scored by Caden, but his defense has seemed to improve a lot so far this season!
3 weeks down and many more to go...