We pulled off a great Surprise!

Grandma pretending to play video games with the boys.

It has been in the works since mid November when we booked our flight to Wisconsin and told only Matt and his family we were coming for a surprise visit. Matt and Jessica were instrumental in setting everything up to allow our visit to be a surprise. Everything was all arranged to run smoothly until our flight was cancelled 7 hours before we were scheduled to leave and the next flight put us in 11 hours later then our initial plan. We improvised and Matt so kindly picked us two zombies up at 12:30 central, 1:30 am to our bodies. Grandma and Grandpa came to Matt's the next day around 10:30 and when Matt called for Brendan to come down and Boyd walked down instead Grandma was in shock. Eva has a picture somewhere that is perfect. When I came down a minute later my mom looked equally shocked and I was like, "How do you think he got here mom?" So the kids played video games and card games, we ate and laughed. Then Grandpa took the two boys to the Bucks game and spoiled them ice cream with new uniforms after the game. They were in good spirits as the Bucks took home the W. Brendan spent the weekend with Boyd and the two were like brothers. They enjoyed playing games, pool, going to the park, grocery shopping with Grandpa and riding the stationary bike. Basketball at my old high school was also a hit. It was so nice to go home for a few days and the surprise meant there was no cleaning or meal prep for mom to stress about prior to our visit. It was a relaxed weekend. Thanks to Matt and Jessica and Mom and Dad for making it so memorable. A great way to close out 2018.

The famous pig Giannis signed against his agents rules. 

Basketball cards with grandpa.

Putting Great Grandpa Udovich's pool table to good use.

Post grocery store treats with grandpa.

Sugar rush!

Bedtime stories with grandma.

I broke my rule of not traveling to Wisconsin after Thanksgiving. The weather was decent. 

Tracking the miles in his new jersey.

The 3 amigos.

They didn't want grandma left out.

We found this young boy selfie from the game. Apparently grandpa was on the other side of Brendan and his yelling made Brendan's right ear hurt. 

Taking aim.

How do we only have one dog snuggle picture?

Twins observing basketball practice. Lots of memories in this gym.

Daughter and Mother

1 on 1. When grandpa was about to win Boyd had an injury-pride injury I'll call it. 

I held my own in a few games.

Boyd's first time Snowboarding

In an effort to reduce unnecessary stuff we focused on experiences for Boyd's birthday. He really wanted to try snowboarding so today he and I made the trek to Massunutten. We arrived when it opened and he took a 2 hour group lesson. Then he was set free on the bunny hill. A few runs later he decided he was ready to hit the chair lift and big runs. I was terrified to send my baby alone into the slopes (and to do the chair lift solo). He was so brave and learned so much about snowboarding and himself today. I was such a proud momma and watched the hill for 7 1/2 hours. He couldn't get enough. His tenacity and attitude were amazing. I can only imagine how sore he is going to be when he wakes up. Happy belated birthday present Boyd.

Practicing on the bunny hill.

Strapping his boot in to ride the chair lift for the first time. He later told me strapping to his board was so satisfying.

What am I letting him do???

Always relieved to see him at the bottom in one piece.

For a day 1 snowboarder he did pretty well.

We love Stafford's Fire Departments Tradition of driving through the neighborhood with Santa on board.

Ready for Santa.

Too excited to sleep. 

Reading his note from Santa.

Boyd found the pickle so he gets to open the first gift.

Yes, he wanted a Go Pro.

We got a dog for Christmas!

Ready to give snowboarding a chance.