Ohio State Hockey Game

Saturday, January 22, 2011, we attended our first Ohio State hockey game.  The games are played at the Schottenstein Center on campus; same arena as Ohio State basketball.  We started our evening with dinner at Barley's before heading to campus on a very frigid night!  Trey did an amazing job with our seats and we enjoyed center row seats--perfect vantage point for a fast paced hockey game.   

 The zamboni clearing the ice before the start of the game.  The zamboni reappeared after the 1st and 2nd periods with a child being treated to a zamboni ride each time.  I looked at Alexander and simultaneously we replied, "I want a zamboni ride"!  

 The Ohio State University Men's Hockey team before the start of the OSU/Notre Dame game.

   I learned two things while watching the game.  First, a "power play" occurs when one team has a player(s) in the penalty box and the other team has a full team on the ice.  And, if a player is in the penalty box and the other team scores, regardless of penalty time remaining, the player is "released".  So, I tried my best to learn a little, which I did, but I'm still unclear of how this game's really played.  It's definitely fun to watch!

 After the 1st period, Brutus helped two little peewee leagues begin their 4 minute game.  Oh my gosh, it was adorable to watch the little ones on the ice!

We enjoyed a wonderful family evening together and hope to return for another hockey game soon!

January Winter White

Winter white returns to our area.  We enjoyed warmer temperatures earlier in the week and watched the snow slowly disappear as the rain chipped away at it.  We were finally enjoying the grass, but today the grass disappears under another blanket of white.  

 A rare scene--our roads are covered in snow in spite of the plows being through our area several times this afternoon.  We've shoveled once and will most lucky need to shovel again when the snow finally ends.

Typically, I dread the sight of snow and wait impatiently for Spring to finally appear after what feels like 6 months of winter.  For some unknown reason, I'm actually enjoying the white snow this winter.  It truly looks beautiful as it hugs the branches and covers, once again, the grass.  I'd love to take the boys sledding, tubing--some sort of outside winter activity.  Unfortunately, the temperatures are predicted to plummet below zero tomorrow and the thought of outside activities will have to remain just that...a mere thought.  In the mean time, we'll enjoy the quiet, peacefulness of the winter white.

Shooting Hoops

Alexander invited Noah outside to "shoot hoops" and what followed made my heart smile.  Alexander was politely guiding Noah on the proper technique for shooting a basket and patiently showing Noah a lay-up.  The boys get along well, but their interests differ considerably.  So, it was heartwarming to see them enjoying time together.  Alexander promised to help Noah continue to perfect his game and Noah took his brother's promise seriously.  The next morning, Noah announced that he wanted to play basketball this winter--all it took was two brothers spending a little one on one together.

Noah, before the start of his first basketball game. 

The league requires "man to man" defense, so the boys are lining up across from the opponent they'll guard during play.

Noah, number 3, passing the ball to one of his teammates to resume play.

Racing down the court to stop a potential basket threat.

Noah rebounded and dribbled the ball down the court before passing to a teammate.

An attempt at two.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching Noah on the court.  Alexander has been true to his word and has attended Noah's practices and offered his advice and assistance.  Both boys are playing basketball this winter and I'm one happy Mom--absolutely LOVE watching the boys play their sports!
Go Number 3--we're SO proud of you!

Welcoming 2011

Good Friends

Celebrating 2011 with sparklers...

And more sparklers.

Preparing to launch the glow lantern just after midnight New Year's Day.  Our lantern brightening the night as  it rises higher and higher.

Happy New Year!

Lulu and Sophie exhausted from continuous play.

Happy 2011 to you and yours!

Sophie's Gift

 Sophie received a little something under the tree too!  Of course, "Mom" had to prepare the dog biscuits, but I'd do almost anything for my "Sweet Sophie Girl". 

A very patient Sophie, FINALLY ready to sample her treat.  She must have liked them because there were no crumbs on the floor!