Back to the Grind

Good evening everyone. About a day behind but it was a busy week so yeah..catching up today. Here we go. Last Tuesday was her first day of 2nd grade. She woke up at 6:30 AM ready to go! She did the same thing on Wednesday as well. How does my kid wake up early? She was super excited for school and because I took the day off Tuesday, I got to hear how great it was. She loved they did math with gummy worms :P It was great to reunite with her friends at lunch and recess as well (of course Cecilia). She seems to have balanced everything out nicely in that department. Going into 2nd grade, she wasn't thrilled not to have her BFF in her class, but she knew she'd see her at lunch and recess, so she was okay with that, plus she gets to hang out with her friend Charlie and Ryan during class time that she befriended in Kindergarten. Awesome. Plus, she really really likes her teacher so that's awesome as well. I helped out Jill for a few hours at a school before heading back home for the day. Later, I had to run and pick up some extra backup socks

Thursday, Jill had an early day so I helped her pack up her car and off she went to a Picture Day at another school. I stupidly thought "hey, I'll get a bit more sleep before getting Mia up". My alarm never went off and I woke up at 7:50am. That meant I had about 30 minutes to get Mia to school. She woke up quick, had her breakfast and we were ready to roll. Phew. Never want to do that again. We had practice later in the soggy field. The whole week, we got rain every single day so I didn't know what was the field going to be like. Like I pictured, it was pretty bad. We didn't even use the goal because that section of the field was just a swamp. Jana, one of our players's Dad referred to it as the "swimming pool". We set up about 15 feet away from the field some cones as makeshift goals and had a scrimmage. The kids did fine and we had some great goalies and standout goal scorers which gave me and my assistant coach Kevin confidence going into our first game. We did a team huddle and a 1,2,3 CHEETAHS before calling it a day. Later, we went to Stonefire and took advantage of their new promo before heading home and calling it a night. Friday Mia finally let Jill change her earrings. It was an ordeal. but we had to do it because it's mandatory for soccer games.

Saturday was the big game. Mia slept in her uniform all fired up and ready for the match. They re-positioned the fields this season, which confused everyone. Once we got all of our players, we warmed up and were ready to roll. They got the first goal against us. Ainslee was a bit sketched jumping on the ball and they took advantage of it. Damn. They picked up a couple other ones before Adalyn scored our first goal. Insane. She was playing defense and ended up taking the ball straight to the goal. Crowd went crazy. Seriously. Too funny. Half time came around and we switched out keepers. Addy got another goal which sent their keeper into a sobbing fit. They had to stop the game to comfort her and get her to stop crying. Aww..Cotton Candy picked up another goal  before Addy got our last goal of the match. Her hat trick. Unbelievable. Her family was totally proud. Despite the loss, everyone on the Cheetahs was in good spirits. We had so much possession the first half and could have easily scored 4-5 goals. We'll work on 1v1 at practice as well as trying a new formation. Every single girl wanted to continue playing, and no one wanted to sit out. Sorry guys, I have to always be rotating players in and out. They're all looking forward to the next game.

Later, Jill and I went to Mayville for my friend Nichole's wedding. Awesome time and as always great to reunite with my old college friends. Sunday, nothing much happened before I went to work.

This week, practice, plenty of work, maybe catch a Chelsea game and Mia's got her game Saturday. That's all for now, thanks for reading!!

First Day of School

Good morning everyone. Having a very slow Labor Day after a night of drinking and dancing with some old college friends of mine last night, but we'll get to that later. This week was the official last week of Summer before school started Thursday. My goal was to enjoy it as much as I could with the diva. Wednesday, we met up with some friends of hers at the park. Hannah and Gracie met us so the girls had a great time playing and running around. They won't get to see each other much during the school year so I figured it would be great the day before school to hang out, tell secrets and play one last time.

Mia had high hopes her BFF Olivia would join as well since she had a Best Friends necklace she wanted to share with her. She didn't make it. I guess the past few days she wasn't feeling great. Mia was missing her greatly, and well after FaceTiming with her and her Dad, it appeared she was feeling better so we went BACK out to the park (different one) and they hung out for one last time. She gave Olivia the necklace and they played. I love seeing Mia care for her friends like this. To have these special friends that she loves so much, it makes me very happy. Wednesday evening we got the very excited girl to sleep a little after 9:00pm. I packed her lunch for her and drew her a small picture for her to see at lunch time.

Thursday we got up early, got the sleepy diva awake, dressed, fed and out the door. It was a very emotional walk to school. To think how fast the last 5 years have gone, and where we're at right now, is surreal. This little child will be at this school for the next 6 years, making new friends and experiencing new things. Mia was determined as ever as we walked in with the other misty-eyed parents. We waited in the gym for the teachers to meet with the kids. They told them to say their goodbyes, and that was it. I wouldn't see Mia till the very next morning. 7 hours of school. It seems like a lot to take on but that's what kindergarten is these days. Jill and I walked home, both sad and somber about our little girl growing up. We were relieved when we learned the neighbor boy was going to be in her class with her so at least she knew ONE kid. Jill went to work and I went home, but luckily had a freelance photography job to go to at 10:00am to keep me busy. I can't talk much about it till things are published, but it was a lot of fun and you should see something in the near future.

Mia and Jill stopped in by me at work and I couldn't have been more stoked to hear how school went. Mia didn't say much because I was hella busy, but it sounded like she liked it. She said the girls liked her pink/blue hair piece she had in and they thought it was dyed. She simply told them "no, but the blonde hair is natural!" Adorable.

The next day, we walked across the street again and dropped her off but this time at her class. When I saw her Friday night after work, it sounded like she had made some new friends. Saturday she did her homework while I helped my sister move some chairs with my brother to her new apartment. We cleaned and spent some time outside with Jill's pal that drove up to visit. Jill and Leanne conspired a plan Saturday to get early Sunday and drive down to Indiana to visit a friend for her birthday. Sort of a surprise, and thats exactly what they did. They left at 5:00am yesterday and should be home today. After I got out of work last night, I drove over to Bullwinkle's to meet up with some old college friends to celebrate my friend Shawn's wedding. We drank, danced and had an awesome time. It's pretty rare I get to drink with friends these days so this was a pretty fun night. We always have an awesome time, and I expected nothing less than pure drunken debauchery from Shawn and his new wife.

This week, back to school tomorrow for the kiddo,  she starts ballet and tap tomorrow after school, I'll probably squeeze in some drumming and I don't know what else is going on. Thanks for reading!

Early Bird Wedding in the Windy City

Good evening everyone! MY was it a busy week! I'll try to jet through this quick since there is a lot to discuss. 4th of July was a busy day. Mia rode her (new) bike in the mini parade which consisted of kids who decorated their bikes all patriotic around a parking lot following an old woman in a golf cart. They had to get there early as well to participate. There were a TON of kids and Mia had a pretty good time. She loved the guy who made balloon animals. These were balloon animals to the next level. He did a Ghostbusters pack, a giant hot dog and a large octopus all while joking around with the kids. He was very fun to watch. She and Jill went to the fireworks later while I made time and a half at work. When she got home, she discovered the harsh reality that she had some gnarly mosquito bites. The one that bothered her the most was right on the bridge of her foot.

For the rest of the week, she whined and complained about it which unfortunately, made our lives miserable. Wednesday, she was to start her dance class and I had a 2nd tattoo session. The whole morning, she just went through ice pack after ice pack totally unsure if she'd be okay to dance. My in laws came over to take her to class when I left for my tattoo session. I was "under the needle" for about 3 1/2 hours totally 7 1/2 so far. Another 4 1/2 to go most likely. Can't wait to get the water, shark, turtle and Diamond Head filled in next. When I got home, Mia explained that she had a blast at dance class but didn't do any dancing because of her foot. I totally understand and hope this week she'll be able to dance. I'm taking her this time and will wait in the hall for her. I also hope she meets some nice friends since she apparently was pretty shy.

Thursday was a rough recovery day on my tattoo. I wrapped it up just to be safe to keep any bacteria out. Made it easier too when people wanted to see what it looked like. Friday afternoon, we left for Chicago. The traffic was all kinds of fun, and when we arrived at the hotel late, we found out that the hotel we set up a reservation to was under construction, and that the whole wedding block moved to a DIFFERENT location. Awesome... They didn't have any open rooms at the new location and didn't transfer our names, but they ended up giving us a recently renovated room at the hotel (under construction). Good. We almost didn't have a place to stay for the night. Almost. The room was very nice and thanks to some Chicago traffic, we missed the dress rehearsal but luckily found them and got to enjoy the picnic. The sunset over the city was gorgeous as we ate and enjoyed the beach.

The next morning, we woke up at 3:30am. Yes, that's right. The wedding was at 6, so we had to get up super early. Mia wasn't a fan of it. "WHY IS IT STILL DARK OUT!? ITS NOT MORNING" Yes it is kid. Luckily, she didn't put up too much of a fuss, and we got out the door and made it to the beach. The sun was beautiful as we watched from a distance Matt and Whitney getting photographed in the early hours of the morning. There were probably 25 people on the beach in a very intimate ceremony. It was real nice and probably the last beach wedding I'll attend. We had some donuts and bagels and were on our way. With the reception not for 10-12 hours, we had a LOT of time to kill, so we hung out for a while in Downtown Chicago. There wasn't a lot opened and Mia had her heart set on going to the infamous Dylan's Candy Store. We spent some time roaming around Michigan ave and luckily the Disney store was opened. What was funny, is that the employees there, act the exact same way as the ones in Florida at Disney World. They treated Mia like a princess and were very courteous to her. It was fun.

Finally, Dylan's was opened and Mia had a blast going through their crazy candy store. She picked out a bag's worth of candy to enjoy. We went back to the parking garage, paid our enormous parking bill and left. Napped on an off at the hotel before checking out, and switching to the OTHER hotel. After that mess was cleared, we went to the reception. The food was incredible. Mia didn't care for it and during the speeches she fell asleep. Yes. Right on Jill's lap. The long day wore her out and she slept for about an hour before we woke her for a little square of chocolate cake. The crab was too cranky to bowl or do anything so we left. Sunday morning, we got up and had breakfast with the wedding group. Absolutely delicious veggie omelet made right in front of me. After breakfast, we went home. First, we stopped at Gurnee Mills to see what all the hype was. It's actually pretty disappointing. From what I hear from everyone that goes, it's this amazing mall that's a blast to shop in. No, not even for Jill. When we got home, we had a quick dinner and went to Secret Life of Pets with both sets of parents + Tommy. It was very funny and well worth watching. Over the weekend, the Torrent won their home game thus clinching the Midwest Central Championship. Very proud of these guys.

This week, Mia may hang with her friends Tuesday. Hopefully the weather is good. Dance class is weds and my half brother is coming in for the weekend. That's all for now, thanks for reading!

The Gourd Innards Extraction

Morning! Was incredibly exhausted last night so I didn't get to write so I'll try to knock this out quickly. I've gotta wake up Jill shortly. Over the weekend Jill and I photographed a very country themed wedding in Columbus Wisconsin, which is approximately in the middle of nowhere. In the general Sun Prairie area. Anyways, the weather wasn't the best. Very cold and all day rain was threatening us with and shaking a fist exclaiming "WHO GETS MARRIED AT THE END OF OCTOBER OUTSIDE? MUAHAHA!" Well, kinda. Anyway, the bridesmaids looked awfully cold, but when it was time to go, they were ready. The ceremony was on a bridge and the sun was out! So we were quite happy about that. So like any creative team, we got to work. We used to photograph wedding all the time when we were kid-less so this was kinda fun to do again. I had to climb the very top of the ledge of the bridge to get some photos above the big crowd surrounding the couple. Luckily, I didn't fall in the river.

After the ceremony, the weather started to get ugly, so we didn't get to use the bridge for post-wedding photos, and after a few family and extended family shots, the rain came. On the way to the reception hall, we were bummed about it. Mia was patiently playing with Grandma and Grandpa Chicago during the wedding. Earlier she got to play with animals at the farm which she of course loves.  The reception, we spent most of the time getting as many photos as we could, and 10:30, we called it a night. I had to drive back to New Berlin because of my early shift (well 10am that day) so I made it home by 12:15am.

Wednesday, Mia and I bummed around a bit. Hung out with her Uncle Andy and Grandpa. She drew them some pictures, and shared nicely with Easton. Later after dinner, we carved pumpkins. Last year was "Sesame Street" themed. This year, kitty. I did a Hello Kitty one for her and Jill knocked out an amazing cat pumpkin. Mia loves both of them, so I'm happy. My Hello Kitty pumpkin was quite tricky, but in the end looks cool. we just need some candles. This weekend my sister gets married, we may go to Andy's hockey game, and I work 7-3pm Sunday. After work we're taking our little sea horse trick or treating. May do the morning trick or treating at Pick N Save Saturday while Jill's getting my sister ready for the wedding. Lastly, great win for Chelsea Tuesday. Love watching the highlights after a long day at work. That's all for now! Thanks for reading :)

Fools In Love

A lot to discuss this bright and sunny morning (way too tired to type last night). So last weekend was a complete blur, and not in a drunk-every-night blur, just a blur because I was here, there and everywhere. Friday night, worked till 10. Came home hoping that Mia would want to get some sleep, but the kid wanted to play. I had to get up at 4:45am and at 12:30am she wants to play my drum set. Well anyways, I think I ended up getting 3 hours of sleep somehow. So while at work, I got the text from my in-laws that drove up planning to watch Mia that evening so Jill and I could go to a wedding, that Jill got sick. She finally caught what Mia and I had earlier in the week, so Jill couldn't make the wedding or reception. I ended up going to the reception solo because I didn't want the bride/groom to pay for two empty plates. Jill's parents were gracious enough to take care of both Jill and Mia. So I went to the wedding, and when I got home, both Jill and Mia were sound asleep. Reception was a total blast. Great catching up with some friends from long ago.

The next morning I went to my nephew's baptism at 9am. Too early for this uncle :P. Ended up photographing the event. Later, came home, changed and got ready for my first adult-league pick up soccer game. Jill and Mia came too. Mia ended up falling asleep in the car so both of them ended up missing the whole game :( So the first half, I realized that I didn't hydrate myself enough and found it tough running with this super dry throat (still recovering from the illness too) and I played left-mid-forward. Wasn't getting a lot of passes to me (some ball hogs) and eventually dropped back to play mid-left-back. Much more comfortable playing defense. I really don't know why, but I enjoyed it. As much as I'd love to score a goal, I felt good keeping the other forward covered making sure he didn't get any shots off. Our team ended up winning like, 7-3 I believe. It was a lot of fun, even in 87 degree heat. OH! For Father's Day I got this little NHL air hockey game thing I can play with Mia, and this amazing Mia & Jill painted soccer ball. It's beautiful. When I came home from the baptism (I was gone all day) Mia was super excited to see me and kept saying "HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY" with the ball in her hand. Melted my heart.

This week I took off Tuesday and Wednesday. My nephew Alex was in town so my Mom and I wanted to keep the kids busy. Tuesday we went to the zoo. I finally got to pet the sting rays. The sharks you can't reach for so I didn't get to pet any sharks. Mia was a little irritated they wouldn't come up close enough for her to reach. We didn't see everything, but we saw enough. I have been to the zoo enough times where it doesn't matter what we see, just as long as everyone leaves happy.

Yesterday we tried Monkey Joe's. I have never been there, but both my Mom and my mother in law have been there and I guess the last time Mia was there (I think was quite a while ago) she was too little to enjoy the bouncy things. Well, this time she started out timid. Wanted to watch Alex do all the big gnarly slides. Later she slowly walked through this little kids one and was totally fine. Alex went in as well to show her how fun it is. Well in the end, they both chased each other around all of the obstacles, falling and bouncing all the way. They wanted to go into this other bouncy thing were you climb this ladder and go down the slide. Alex helped Mia climb the ladder (what a great guy!) and she went down the slide like a bullet. She got up "That was TOO fast DADA!" Then wanted to try it again. So she climbs the ladder, got scared at the top and I had to go in and take her down. For dinner last night, we went to Stonefire Pizza. She was too distracted by all of the games to actually want to eat her dinner, but she ate some. Both kids loved playing the games.

Sigh, so that's it for now. Back to work today and tomorrow. No idea what's going on this weekend. Thanks for reading!

Torture Doctor

Greetings. I'm not feeling that great, so I'm going to keep this one short. Over the weekend Jill and I went to our first wedding of the year. A friend from college had a SCOTTISH wedding. I've never been to one, plus it was outside which is always a thumbs up in my book. The groom was in a kilt as well. Jill's parents watched Mia for the evening while we enjoyed a rare night together. This saturday, we've got another wedding. In fact, this weekend is going to be incredibly busy for me. Working 2-10 Friday night (per the usual) followed by a 6am-2pm shift, THEN I'll have to change and meet Jill later for the reception. SUNDAY we've got a baptism to go early followed by some soccer later at 4pm. PHEW....I sincerely hope this sickness goes away. My little bro got my Mom sick a few days ago, she gave it to me and then Mia had it (for a little bit) Yesterday on the way back from Jill's studio I started getting sort of achey with my head starting to hurt. The throat was getting sore as well. Great....

Well later I was able to get Mia to nap (after driving around) and while she slept, I decided to as well with hopes that I could sleep this crap off. When she woke up she was very whiney and couldn't tell me what she wanted. Then, she stood up, and vomited hardcore. This was probably the very first time she's  ever thrown up so she was a complete mess, choking and crying. It was very bad. Within an hour, she threw up I believe, 4 times. Thankfully, after the last time, she started to feel better and was drinking juice and had some noodles with me.

This morning I took Remi out. Looks like the majority of New Berlin was spared during the storms last night. Art-wise, haven't done much lately. I've got projects to finish and projects to start, just need some time to work on them.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading!