Pars what?

After over a year of Tyler complaining of back pain, we finally got him moved from our pediatrician (who just retired) to our family doctor, Dr. Bhatt.  He was able to see Tyler over Christmas break and sent him to get an x-ray of the back.  While we waited for results, Tyler was prescribed a stronger type of ibuprofen and some muscle relaxants.  This seemed to help.  Finally got results today...he has a pars interarticularis defect.  After reading up on it, I am guessing it was caused from continual trauma during sports, mainly football.  There is no cure or treatment...he can only continue to take the pain medication when it flares up.  Just another quesion about sports today and what a toll they take on growing bodies.

Snow

Gabi was super excited that she had a four day weekend!  Friday was their first snow day and with yesterday being Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday, she had quite a little vacation.  She was glad to play in the snow a bit over the weekend...unfortunately, with the mild temps today, most has already melted. 

ND vs. South Florida

Ben's Union at work was gracious enough to give out tickets for the Notre Dame vs. South Florida basketball game last night.  Uncle Dave was also gracious enough to give up a few extra of his tickets so Gabi was able to bring three of her good friends (Emma, Lizzy and Nikki) along with us.

It was a good game...the girls payed attention to most of it...but they also kept busy with their Ipods and of course, Dippin Dots. 

Their main objective of this night was to make it on the JumboTron...and they did-twice over actually, one in real time, dancing, and one time by sending a photo sent by Uncle Dave from his phone...

Notre Dame defeated South Florida 60-49...still undefeated at home.  Go Irish! 

Snow...a bit late

So the snow has come a little late this year...none for Christmas, which made me a bit sad, but it came a couple days later and melted.  And then...it came on Sunday.  About a good 6 inches or so.  Just enough for the kids to have some fun yesterday.  So glad Tyler is still home to take Gabi.  He ventured out with Abby and her brother Max (same age as Gabi) for some snowboarding and sledding.  Sounded like they had a GREAT time.  I know Gabi was super excited that she learned to snowboard!  Can't wait to see the videos that Abby took!

Welcome 2012

Gabi, Ben and I stayed in for New Year's Eve.  Ate a nice dinner at Wings, Etc. and came back to relax.  Gabi had one thing she wanted to do and we did it...twice.  We played her Quelf game.  Lots of laughs.  Gabi even said, "you guys aren't as boring as I thought you'd be."  ha 
We watched Dick Clark's Happy New Year to see the "ball" drop and woke Ben up about 15 minutes prior.  We talked about our resolutions and both Ben and I decided we wanted to just "get and stay healthy."  Taking care of ourselves healthwise is a priority.  Gabi wants to "stop picking her fingernails."  We'll see how she does on that one.  Either way...it was bittersweet to say goodbye to 2011.  Had alot of changes this past year and not anticipating any big ones in the near future so we welcome 2012 with open arms.  Cheers to the New Year and a chance to try and get it right again.  Happy New Year!!!

Rabbits

Trenton and Tyler have both been itching to hunt and it just so happened to snow 2 days after Christmas to leave a dusting.  Ben had to work on Wednesday, so he suggested asking grandpa to go along.  They also invited Abby's brother, Nick, since he has taken a recent interest in the whole "hunting" hobby....They brought home 4 rabbits.  Sent 2 back with Trenton since he had to leave that evening (picked up another wrestling tournament to ref on Friday and had to work yesterday).  It's been a great week with him and he will be missed.  Glad he was able to spend some time with his brother and grandpa doing things they love before he left.

Birthday Party for Jesus

And in the evening, it's back at Chad's, if we have time to celebrate what the holiday REALLY is about.  Lots of sweets to eat and especially alot of laughs playing games.  This year the game was The Logo Board Game that Abby was kind enough to bring over.  Unfortunately, the men outdid the women and won this year.  LOVE laughing with the family.  And that is why I didn't get more pictures....too busy playing.  Caught this one, though, of Tyler helping Reese with her Lincoln Logs...
Just so happy we don't forget what the real reason for Christmas is...

Luke 2:11-12

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Christmas with The Reinoehl Side

We always make our way over to dad R's house after brunch.  Unfortunately, we were unable to coordinate with Pam's family, but we were able to visit with Pam for a bit that afternoon.

One thing I always look forward to is the candle from dad R and the lotto tickets from Dave!!!  Those are always givens.  Uncle Dave always gives us each a snack/drink along with his gifts...Vernors for Ben, Mac and Cheese for Trenton, Reeses for Tyler and Gabi got gum! 

Another cute, cute gift came from Pam and family...an IU garden gnome.  Planning on hiding that til Tyler leaves :)
And we can't forget Jenny, Travis and Mackenzy.  They called as we were there.  Gift cards all around from them!  Just wish they could have been there.

Ben had a cool squirrel feeder made from an Amish guy that comes into his work.  Made a great gift for Dad R

And again, finished off our visit with pics

Christmas Brunch

We have gone to my brother's house for several years now for Christmas brunch and gift exchange.  It amazes me at how together my sister in law is, especially after having her family over Christmas Eve, us over on Christmas morning and both sides for Christmas Evening.  I have alot of respect for her and am in awe at how put together and calm she is.  Very well done :)

Love the food and we are always stuffed by the time we sit down to open gifts.  And the lattes.  Caramel please!  YUM  Thanks Chad!

A great time.  A little disappointed with no snow, but was nice to see the sunshine.  The girls always have a good time playing with Gabi and seeing the boys from home from college. Got lots of nice gifts but the absolute best gift is being together as a family!

Reese is hilarious.  Every gift that was given to our family from my brother and family were from "Reese" and every gift that she got from our family was from "Tyler."  Those two <3

And Ben got his Notre Dame Jersey he has been wanting from my parents :)

Had to finish off the visit with pics!

Christmas Morning

7:30am - wake up call by Gabi
8:00 am - stockings

8:05 am - gift opening
8:30 am - clean up wrapping paper and boxes, everyone make their own little piles of gifts
8:45 am - make call to mawmaw/pawpaw and grandpa
9:00 am - put casserole in for brunch
9:05 am - get around for the day
Seems like a quick morning but it is one we ALWAYS anticipate.  Even as adults, or at least I do.  I can barely sleep on Christmas Eve just thinking of everyone's reaction to that gift they will get the next morning.  I LOVE IT! 
Some highlighted gifts...
Gabi - standing jewelry box, UDraw for Wii, clothes, Sperrys

Tyler - Zellers jersey (IU), North Face backpack, Blackhawks hat, clothes

Trenton - Toews jersey (Blackhawks), clothes, Sperrys

Me - Yoga pants, massage certificate, Chicago Bears hoodie and socks, button up camp shirts
Ben - Green Bay Packers shirt, slippers, Insulated socks, IKam Extreme :)