With the upcoming Party For Lisa, WZZM 13 visited the Creative Learning Center and interviewed Monica and Lisa about winning Ford’s Big Drive. Although there were a few inaccuracies in the story (Only 12 cars were given away – 10 through the parties and 2 to the grand prize winner, the Center’s Carnival was last night, Monica and Lisa’s last names were spelled incorrectly (Vedders/Lea)) it was still very cool to see this make the local media. In case you missed it last night/this morning, WZZM has the story on their website. They also have a copy of the video available for viewing as well. Congratulations to Monica and Lisa.

The last week has been pretty exciting and very, very busy for us.

On Tuesday, I got to volunteer at Nathaniel’s School as a Watch D.O.G. (Dads of Great Students). As part of the experience, I worked in several different classes including Nathaniel’s doing various tasks such as tutoring students, giving spelling tests, and playing games. I also got to help out at recess and have lunch with Nathaniel in his classroom.

On Friday, Nathaniel was named Art Student of the Month for the month of April. Monica, Grandma Vedders, Nani, and myself attended an assembly honoring him for his achievement (He was very, very excited).

On, Saturday, the Vedders Family took a road trip to IKEA in Canton, MI. The boys loved the idea of a road trip, and enjoyed the ride there. Once there, we spent over five hours touring the showrooms, marketplace, cafe, and warehouse. IKEA had some very cool furniture at very good prices…I’m sure we will be making a return trip in the future to re-decorate and re-organize the house.

I’m sure we had more going on last week, but that’s all I remember off of the top of my head. Be sure to check back soon, as this week is even busier than last.

Today Nathaniel has grown up a little more. Just before bedtime tonight, he lost his first tooth. He wasn’t sure whether to be excited or scared. He came running downstairs to tell Mom. After we calmed him down and closed his door after putting him to bed, Monica heard him call for her again. When she checked on him, he lost a second tooth right next to the first. You can tell he is pretty excited for the Tooth Fairy to visit him tonight.

Be sure to check out the Chronicles Cinema for a video of Nathaniel describing how he lost his first tooth.

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but at least it got us a snow day.   The Creative Learning Center where Monica works and Zachary goes to school closed right away today as did Knapp Charter Academy where Nathaniel attends first grade.  At first we didn’t think that Aquinas College was going to close, but luckily, just before 7:00 am they did.  So Monica, Nathaniel, Zachary, and myself are hanging out at home taking it easy.  If you do have to go somewhere today (which thankfully we don’t) stay warm and drive safely.

Today marks the 50th Birthday of LEGO, one of my all time favorite toys. I loved LEGO toys growing up and I still love them today (and so do my boys).

Here’s to many more birthdays for this fabulous toy.

Nathaniel, Zachary, Monica, and myself wish everyone a very, very Merry Christmas. Check back in the next few days as we add Christmas pictures to our gallery and Christmas movies to the cinemas.