Spring Concert at ALCS

The night was filled with music from around the world as we enjoyed the kids spring concert at ALCS.

Once Upon A Potty

On Friday we decided that we have had enough of diapers. We put Ian in underpants and started our journey of potty training our youngest. Despite having about 12 packages of pull ups , I figured having him potty trained would be worth it. Over the weekend we had about as many successes as accidents, but Monday was a nice change. Ian only had 1 accident, which was when he was sleeping. We made it through all of our errands and a trip to the west side for the Chiropractor. We are SO proud of him. He is enjoying the reward of a jelly bean for potty and a mini fruit roll up or mini twizzler (leftover Easter treats) for poo poo. So far he has only asked a few times to go, but we know that will eventually change. We look forward to the day he willingly goes to the bathroom to go potty and not having us pick him up and have to encourage him to sit there and work on getting the potty out.

We are proud of our little man!

Ben's Admirals Birthday Party

On Friday we celebrated Ben's upcoming birthday with 6 of his friends. Four friends from Madison joined us after school and drove with us to Milwaukee. We met up at a friends house where 2 more of Ben's friends joined us. We celebrated with pizza, juice, and snacks before heading to the Bradley Center for the Admirals hockey game.

The kids were treated to great seats in section 219 rows Y and Z, with a GREAT view of the rink. The Admirals scored one goal after another against Chicago. We celebrated Ben's birthday with cupcakes during one of the breaks.

Ben was excited to see his name up on the big screen wishing him a happy birthday. This was a very special present from the Boppre family.

The kids also got to go into the Media room to have a special meet and greet with Roscoe. The kids posed for pictures and asked for his autograph.

After the game we headed back to Madison where the boys had a sleepover. Most were so excited from the game that they did not fall asleep until a little after midnight. This did not stop them from waking up by 6am for breakfast. Parents came around 9 to pick up their kids. It was a great birthday...definitely one Ben will remember for a long time!

kids eating pizza at Becca's house before the game

kids holding up their tickets before going into the game

the kids pose with Roscoe, the Admirals mascot

Ben blowing out the candles on his cupcakes

Ben with Roscoe

Ben was excited to see his name on the big screen...thanks Becca and Bill

cheering after another goal scored

Jared, Ben, and Caleb

Boys getting their last screams out before getting in the car to head back to Madison

Happy 7th Birthday Ben!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter from the Marthaler Family.

This weekend we headed up to Minneapolis to spend an early Easter with Justin's family, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We enjoyed a delicious meal, great conversation, and games. The kids loved playing outside in the beautiful sunshine with their cousins.

With the 5 hour drive, we decided it would be easier on all of us if we stayed in a hotel rather than head back to Madison. The kids LOVE staying in a hotel. They jump on the beds, run around, and swim in the "cold" pool and the "hot" pool. The kids woke up early to find their Easter baskets that were hidden in the hotel room. We went for breakfast then let the kids indulge in one of their treats. We checked out of our hotel and headed to church at Justin's aunt Sharon's church, St. Michaels. The service was amazing, especially with it being Easter. The kids enjoyed the service as well. We were a little nervous at first since we ended up in the second row, right behind the pastor. Thankfully the kids behaved and even participated in some of the service.

To make the 5 hour trip home easier on the kids, we stopped at Dennis and Judy's house in Eau Claire. The kids love playing with Kevin and Renee and we love having the opportunity to spend time with Dennis and Judy with minimal interruptions from the kids. They adore Kevin and Renee, so they get lost in play. We had another delicious meal, great conversation. Justin and Dennis even got to play trains and build train tracks with Ian.

An uneventful trip back to Madison with all the kids exhausted! Out of the car, in the house for teethbrushing, prayers, kisses, and good nights. Tomorrow we start a new day with Justin out of town on business. We also prepare for the kids going back to school on Tuesday and for Ben's birthday party to the Admirals hockey game on Friday!

Here are a few more pictures from our Picture People trip to the mall on Friday...

Ian turned 3 on February 27

Ben turns 7 on April 14