Too Young?

Ever since max was a year old I have tried to keep him involved in activities. I want him to learn, grow, and interact at a young age - because I think it will only benefit him! We enrolled at the little gym of Springfield, where he took baby gymnastics classes. He learned to balance, jump, roll, listen to an instructor, wait in line, and interact with other kids his age. It was the greatest thing we could have done and although the drive sometimes sucked...it was good for him! He is a high energy little boy and he needed something to run it all off. As he was approaching age 3 I started looking into other options for sports. I figured soccer was going to be the only option but found out that he could do hockey! My brothers both played hockey so I thought why not...but he could not even skate?!?!? I went to a meeting and learned a little more and put to rest some of the false things that I had heard from others like...

1. Hockey is expensive - False

*although it can be, it is very affordable for beginners. $200 for beginners and $50 for equipment (minus helmet, stick, and skates) plus the season is October - March

2. You kid has to know how to skate -False

*my child could not even stand on his skates and they had him up on his own taking small strides within 3 weeks

3. You practice late and on the weekends  - False

*beginners practice Monday and Wednesday from 5-5:45pm and occasionally Saturday mornings at 8am if there is extra ice available 

At home - this was our first time getting all of the pads on...it takes practice!

Learning to skate pushing the net

One of our amazing coaches giving max some one on one instruction

One of the moms on the team personalized all of the jerseys for $5!!! They feel cool and the coaches know who is who ;) 

My big man giving me his best game face. 

This was just some of the things I had heard that made me question it. If you do have questions I will be happy to talk to to you! Max loves it and looks forward to practice each week! I could honestly do nothing when we started...not even stand up! Now he can skate, get up when he falls (most times), and participates in drills . I can't say enough good things about the DYHA program. They treat you like family and the coaching staff is exceptional!!! If you have young ones don't over look this as an option to get them involved. Ohhhh and yes...now I am a hockey mom :) too funny!!! 

And yes practice is exhausting and when we get home it is dinner and a good glass of wine! This one is still my obsession!!! 

xoxo, 

G 

Most Magical 3

So the tonsil thing was a complete success...even months down the road! He is sleeping more soundly and hs yet to be sick (knocking on wood). Fast forward to today we have done soooo much!!! We were a little down for the count over the summer other than some quick trips so we hit the ground running in the fall. We had a small family birthday party for Max at our house, giving us a few weeks before the big vacay! The theme was tractors after a few rides inn the combine this harvest with papa.

 If you follow my blog you know we have been to Disney a time or two before - I LOVE DISNEY!!! Well we decided to plan a family trip for fall and to celebrate Max's 3rd Birthday :(. We were there for a full week this time, which I could have stayed longer to be honest, and it was perfection!!! October 17-25 and the weather could not have been better!!! I am telling you it was 1,000x better than last years HOT summer trip! The days were warm (not hot) and evenings were cool. We didn't stay at the same hotel this time as I try to always stay somewhere new...mind you I went to Disney as a kid once a year until I was probably 13?!?!? Last time we did the cars family suite at the art of animation and this year we did the Coronado Spring Resort. Brad jokes that I booked it because of all of the Mexican restaurants on the grounds...ok maybe a little right!!! It was fabulous and was more of a resort than where we had stayed before. There was a spa, several restaurants and lounges, gym, pools, sand beaches with hammocks (the best part of you as my husband) - it was great!!! 

We also did the Disney dining plan this time around and what a feet thing! All your meals and snacks are then paid for upfront and you just make your reservations and enjoy! At the last minute I decided to upgrade our plan to do more sit down meals and it was a great decision for us. We did a lot of specialty and character dining and the food was fantastic! We even got to eat in Cinderella's castle - which was a first for Max and Brad both! The birthday boy has to dine with royalty right??? 

Ok final perk about when we went was...it was during the Epcot food and wine festival. When max was catching a nap this was great to try yummy food and adult drinks!!! And after a week trip to Disney we all need one of those :) We also met some friends for Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween party which was so much fun! It was cute and everyone was in costume - plus the shows and parade were awesome to see! I would highly recommend catching this!!! 

Some people think we are nuts for doing this and tell us that Max is to young but if you could see his face light up, like we did, you could see it was all worth it. His face lit up seeing his favorite characters from the movies and the magic of the fireworks! Simply amazing and it truly is the happiest place on earth...no cares or worries, just magic and excitement :) 

It was the most magical 3rd birthday for Max and I love these memories we are making for our little family! 

xoxo,

G