The Aggie Adventures

2015-02-19T15:27:00.001-06:00

2015-02-19T15:25:00.001-06:00

Photo session

2014-11-26T08:28:00.000-06:00

Beverly Shores Summer 2014

2014-09-30T21:05:00.002-05:00

A wonderful way to end the summer!

Wilderness Territory Spring Break 2014

2014-05-14T06:03:00.001-05:00

recent ads

2014-05-13T20:58:00.004-05:00

Austin - recent Sears ad

Ava - http://tinyurl.com/lnfwnnb

Austin - http://tinyurl.com/n2rfpk4

Ava -http://tinyurl.com/pbmjvly

October Fun

2013-10-30T20:01:00.002-05:00

Twas a good year for carving, no blood.

Chicago Bears football player, fairy princess, Snake Eyes. No more group costumes, these kids can think for themselves.

West Loop Halloween Parade with god-brother Conner

by the great power that be, Alexi, sleeping

Ava, on a scooter at Toys R Us

sometimes, they CAN work together

Celebrating Sebastian's 2nd birthday

Ava and Milayna, matching Oranges

playing with campfire is ok, right?

I asked for 'one nice picture', this is the best they could do


Need pirate pj's???

School is Cool

2013-09-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

School, is cool and back in session. Ask Mommy and she'll say it wanted to start afew weeks sooner.... Austin is at a new school for Kindergarten, Ava continues to grow at pre-school, and Alexi gets to enjoy his time with Mommy. Lola and Ava had a special girls-only sleepover. Afew weeks before school started, we were able to visit Grandpa and Gamma at the State Fair, and we even rocked out at this year's Lollapalooza!!!

If you've ever seen Austin eat, you would know that an all-white school uniform is the last color Austin should wear

Ava was ready for preschool this time...

Alexi... was ready too...

With Austin starting school earlier, Mommy was able to spend time with Alexi and Ava at the playground.....

... and at the pool

Ava micro-managing Alexi at gymnastics

he learned how to take selfies while on the toilet

Bitty-baby playdate

Listening to the band at Summerdance

Lola, Auntie Emily, Ava, and the new friend - Caroline

Mommy and Ava

Austin, really likes taking pictures

Chivas - Austin and Ava's soccer team

2013-08-28T20:36:00.002-05:00

Introducing.... Austin and Ava's 2013 U5 (under age 5) soccer team - Chivas. Our team comprised mostly of the other neighborhood kids and a preschool classmate. We had games Tuesday and Thursday nights, all summer long. With Austin on the sidelines with his arm injury, Ava was called up and asked to step up the Aggie representation. Maybe we scored 15 goals, but we were the BEST at team bonding. Post-game snacks were of high priority and everyone enjoyed themselves. I look forward to coaching them every year.

Alexi Remi is 3 - montage

2013-08-25T23:19:00.000-05:00

A short (but action packed) montage of our now 3 year old, Alexi Remi. As fast as he is, as energetic as he can be, we love him more, each day. Happy 3rd Birthday, Alexi!!!

2013-07-21T21:48:00.002-05:00

Time flies, when we are having fun. Or... we are just so tired, from keeping the kids active, that we don't get chance to update this blog. Man... they are fast. It doesn't help, that the sun stays up longer, so they don't think they need to go bed. Regardless, when Austin, Ava, and Alexi are finally asleep, we hope they had fun, learn to be good people, and remember that we love them dearly. The theme of this summer has been 'outdoor-while-modifying-things-so-Austin-and-his-broken-arm-can-also-have-fun'. He's been a very good sport, while Lego's have been his go-to toys this summer. Hang in there Austin, before you know it, we'll all be back in full swing!

at Maxwell Street Market

Pinata-candy-rage!!!!

No big deal.... Pulling on bluegills like a pro.. No big deal, but it is....

Mommy altered one of HER dresses, so Ava could wear it too!

an oldie, but goodie

Ava, you can't be serious with book, with you dolly just lying there

quick pool session with Mommy

playdate with Chloe - these girls are the sweetest together!

Grandpa, do you have another arm to hold Austin?

playdate with the Trupia's, thank you!!!

Again, Ava thinks soccer should be played in air-conditioned domes

the kids were making sure the tires were rotated properly

Camping with the Noah, Kyle, and Godfather Joe.

No matter how much else there is to do in the woods, campfires are the most fun

We hope Uncle Brian didn't mind extra blue hair gel.....


For most of this summer, this has been the only way to keep the kids contained.


Alexi wanted to take a selfie and Ava photobombed.


A behind-the-scenes look at Alexi, while working. Coming to a Meijer advertisement soon.

Ava, always 'pleasant' to play soccer in the humid weather

Ava was hanging on so she didn't sink. I was just happy for the affection.

Austin, is now old enough to stay up and watch the Lakefronr 4th of July fireworks.

No big deal.... just the STANLEY CUP at the Hinsdale 4th of July Parade!!!

On the Chicago River's water taxi

Alexi... almost a 3 year old......

This day, I was Alexi's Daddy, not a Coach

Costco hot dogs, really a mouthful

Ava, at Gymnastic summer camp with her McKenna

Apparently, a crayon behind his ear, is 'like Daddy'

Generally speaking, most kids stay away from fire. At Cousin Kaitlyn and Rachel's HS graduation party

At New Buffalo Beach, with our cousins!!!

Alexi, trying to get his Uncle Boyet to build sand castles

What could go wrong???

At Kai's birthday party

Alexi and Daddy day, at Oak St Beach and Navy Pier

Alexi, drinking his milk, and checking out the volleyball girls

Ava, and new friend Mr. Wiggins

Father's Day dinner, at Scoozi

Austin and Ava, didn't want anymore camera time, they just wanted to play with their new legos.

Aggies, Every Day

2013-05-30T20:00:00.000-05:00

A short montage of what we've been doing the last few weeks. Taking pictures and video often, is our way of remembering what we've experienced. From every day walks to the car, to all the wonderful outings with friends and family, we enjoy these precious moments.

(A little easter egg from the past... this was the montage shown at our wedding. I finally got around to converting and uploading it. The kids love it.)

Finally.... nice weather....

2013-05-09T22:56:00.003-05:00

Not that the weather has stopped us before, but, we don't need to wear so many layers. Recent doings - we've signed up Austin for ice skating lessons(Thank you!!!) Before these lessons, he's never skated on ice before and is progressing well. Ava, again, has been busy with gymnastics, tennis, and finally, basketball. Alexi started swim class and I now have video and still proof of him eating. Austin and Ava's school had their annual fundraiser, while Lola and Auntie Emily bravely watched the all 3 kids overnight. We met Gamma for a surprise lunch and Auntie Elaine even Star Wars Danced with Austin. This past weekend, buddy Noah joined us for a day in the city. Then, on Sunday, we went to the zoo to check out their latest exhibits - Dinosaurs Alive! Uncle Brian even joined the kids on a trip to the museum.

pretty darn cute

the kids like to prepare Millie's litter box by hand

everyone played(wrestled) really well with each other

the girls, taking in the scenery

kite flying was cool, but ice cream was cooler

Waiting in line for 'tattoos', at the comic book store

yes, the boys do actually get along

Alexi(and us) really likes the forward facing cameras on the phones

Ice cream before dinner? Why not.

While Austin is at school, Mommy takes the kids to the UIC fields.

Austin, now able to skate across the the width of the rink. You'll hear Ava singing out of boredom, in the background.

I guess I could have stopped this one...

yes, Alexi is trying to bite the bubbles

Star Wars Galactic dancing w Auntie Elaine

On a playdate with Daddy, Alexi does actually eat.

These, were the crowns Mommy hand-made for the school fundraiser

special daytime mission: surprise-lunch-date with Gamma!!!

shopping with Lola, wasn't so fun

going to Chuck E Cheese with Lola was

Happy 4th Birthday Ava!

2013-04-11T21:38:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th birthday Ava Marie! You are a very precious daughter and caring sister; loved by many.

Ava's new American Girl 'Charlotte Webb'

As the weather gets warmer, the kids are back to their park district activities. Ava is back at her gymnastics gym, Austin is starting ice skating lessons, and Alexi starts swimming. With all the usual action going on, the kids are worn out and asleep by 8 - which is good for Mommy and Daddy.

Alexi chillin' and eating his Cheetos

Austin, at his first ice skating lesson. Each time he fell, he was quick to get up and kept practicing. He didn't cry or try to get off the ice. His determination was inspiring.

quick glance at the Robotics Competition we attended

The week before Easter, we spent afew nights at the Wilderness Resort, in the Wisconsin Dells. Three days of indoor waterparks with our friends, was awesome.

I love my waterproof camera

If Alexi had his way, he'd sit on this for hours

Although this short clip is around 1 minute long, these two were spinning for about 10

our local playgrounds are SO awesome

Winter.... just go away already....

2013-03-21T22:47:00.003-05:00

It's cold, really cold, and the kids just want to play outside. With Easter just around the corner, Aggie kids are warming up for another season of being playful and keeping their parents on high alert. As Austin, Ava, and Alexi wrap up their winter programs (basketball and gymnastics), more durable gym shoes are needed for the next session of basketball and tennis. Austin will also start taking ice skating lessons while Alexi starts swimming. Also, Ava will be in the next session of basketball with her Manong Austin. If all these activities don't help them sleep thru the night, nothing will. Seriously. Maybe they'll wake up later than 530am??? Prolly not.

(We are in camera-transition-mode, so picture and video taking took a short hiatus, sorry)

Happy Birthday Chloe!!! Sorry Austin couldn't make it, he was alittle under the weather that day.

2 years old??? Yeah!!! We had a blast at the party!!!

Chloe, Ninong Christian, and Ava - exploring the jungle gym. Daddy isn't as limber as he used to be.

Buddy Andrew, driving the girls


Alexi, with Uncle Georgi

swarming Defense, then, lights-out, perimeter shooting. look out DRose.


When you don't have batteries, make Daddy push the corvette

Alexi loved the laying down in the snow, alittle too much

Ava's version of sledding, Austin trying to sneak up on Daddy

Grandma, I think we need to talk....

some of Austin's recent work

Easter Bunny, we love you?!?!?!

2013-03-08T21:45:00.001-06:00

Alexi - this was the only moment he wasn't tearing. Ava - wanted nothing to do with Mr E Bunny. Austin - was the only one that really WANTED to take this picture. I'm assuming it was the chocolate bunnies that were handed out.

Retro "3-1-2" pose

February Freezing Forever, Fine.....

2013-02-21T22:45:00.000-06:00

Austin, Ava, Alexi - keeping us busier than ever and we enjoy every possible moment(except when they fight, don't listen to us, and generally cause trouble). If we keep them busy, they can't hurt each other, right???

McD's is ALWAYS good, even better when the kids SIT and EAT

Alexi, baffled, at Austin's penmanship

nevermind the worksheet being upside down, but, Ava is quiet

Ice Kream Kones at Ikea

After dropping off Mommy, Auntie Emily, and Malinda for tea, Ava and Alexi cried furiously, for they were without their Mom. Only resolution - playground time.

rather than try to be designated spotter for the kids, I found it easier to video record them

Uncle Jerome's basement is the bomb

at Jumpzone, for cousin Mason's 5th bday party


at the house that Jordan built

girls night in, sushi and movie in bed

After wishing Lolo and Lola safe travels to the homeland, Ausint and Alexi were exhausted. I wanted to document the two, together, quiet, and NOT fighting.

Austin, and his hunting hat

I'm trying to teach these two the finer points in dipping cooking into milk


				s

when in Springfield, consume mass cheetos

proud Grandpa and Austin, completing their Lego set

Austin and Ava are now signed with BMG Models. We are excited about this venture as BMG does casting for commercials, TV, and movies. To see their pro pictures pls check the links below.

Austin - http://tinyurl.com/anvcpd9

Ava - http://tinyurl.com/asb9bac

Brrr... It's cold in here, there must be some Aggie's in the atmosphere...

2013-01-31T21:37:00.000-06:00

It's been a very fun week for the kids. Grandma and Uncle Brian visited, we played at an indoor carnival, and we had dinner at Ekho's. Austin and Alexi had hot cocoa time at the stealership(while nothing was fixed on the Routan).

Thank you Uncle Brian for the gifts!!!


chill-axing

Fishing, for some prizes

A climbing wall, might be our next indoor project

Another week, another bump on Alexi's head

sugar free hot cocoa? not.


Austin has been real creative with his Lego's; creating scenes, making characters, and not picking them up!

Unfortunately, these were only sold in Canada

Should I be mad? Google maps didn't ask for my authorization

2013-01-25T21:35:00.001-06:00

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This... is the BEST feeling in the world

2013-01-24T23:19:00.000-06:00

Being surrounded by my children, sharing a laugh, and feeling the love. These kids are my true inspiration. Always, smiling.


This moment captures SO much of their personalities


I interrupted his reading

Ava, is small, but strong.


Panda-facemasks, afterschool playdate

Always the professional

Freezing our fannies off...

2013-01-21T21:27:00.001-06:00

A slight winter break, but we are BACK. The Aggie's have rolled past a household of flu-like viruses and pushing straight ahead!!! We've had alot in indoor fun recently - birthday parties, gymnastics, and Austin started basketball. As hopeful parents it'll only be a matter of weeks, before all the Big10 schools come knocking at our, excited to offer Austin full-ride basketball scholarships. That's how it works, right?

No work-day for Daddy, no listen-to-Mommy day for Ava, so we napped

Happy 1st BDay Owen! We all had a blast at the Nature Museum

petting the museum's turtle - very cool

Alexi, checking his 'email' at one of the museum's exhibits

Ava wanted to sleep with her butterfly mask on

The gnome hat made him elude cameras, as usual

Austin sure likes his fun dip candy

By the end of the day, Alexi was too tired to run, so we were finally able to take pictures with him.

Great picture taking skills Austin

look out MJ, here comes AA


As much as Ava doesn't listen to Mommy, she sure loves cuddling...

Austin, demonstrating how to use the Vtech Innotab 2S

Ava, on packages on baby wipes, only in Canada...

November, Movember, still-waking-up-at-5am-vember

2012-11-30T00:07:00.000-06:00

Whomever thought of the daylight savings, obviously did not have kids. Or at least think of how Alexi and Ava don't care to adjust their internal clocks. With or without sleep, we LOVE THEM UNCONDITIONALLY. We enjoy spending all our time with them. If its taking Austin, Ava, and Alexi to the circus, toy fairs, or just playing outside - we love every moment with them. Thanksgivings were family feasts, our shared-bday weekend was bountiful, and Grandpa's retirement party weekend was exciting. Oh.... and Alexi was the cutest darn panda for Halloween.

We don't eat McDonald's often, but when they do, its for the Happy Meal hats

quick pit stop at Daddy's work

Does this black eye look bad? Alexi runs so fast, that his feet will come out from underneath him

Pretty Mommy and Ava on their way to see the Nutcracker ballet

Aggie outing at the Circus, thank you Lolo and Lola!!!

Ava's dream meal - cotton candy

Thanksgiving day at Uncle BriBri's

Grandpa, carving the tasty bird

Turkey Bowl game or Star Wars toy time? Easy one to pick.

At the Horse Statue outside of my office

OPPA Chicago-Austin style

cleaning the oven, is a family matter, really

Chicago Toy and Game fair

No biggie, just afew guys from some sci-fi movie

R2, AA, NS, and KS

playing, playing, playing

sweet Ava

Alexi really needs to learn to run from Ava

Go Bears!!! Maybe next week???

Gangnam Austin and cousin Max style

Congratulations Grandpa!!!

Ava in Grandpa's office

as far as the kids were concerened, playing with their cousins was the REAL party

Alexi w cousin Tessa

Johnny-Alexi Cash

These next set of pictures were taken by Austin, on his walk to school. Its an intertesting view; we're are glad he's not camera conscious.

haircut day for Austin and Alexi

Ava Princess, Alexi Panda, Austin-stegosaurus. Thank you Mommy for sewing the boy's costumes.

Halloween morning, Austin and Ava were able to wear their costumes to school

These 2 pick the wrong times to sleep, always

Austin and Ava having a blast with Sacha at Sebastian's 1st Birthday party!!!

Thank you Lolo and Lola for the Chinese traditional outfits!!!

All cylinders are firing

2012-10-18T22:33:00.000-05:00

Ava... wondering why I'm taking her picture

I couldn't pull off this sequence w/o my Alexi-man

Austin's school had a hoedown just for the 4 year olds. Its always fun there; kids get along so well and all the parents are friendly.

Tool time at Lolo's garage

No big deal, just Austin executing an o goshi at judo

Free Play section at a nickel arcade; playing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles , of course

Roommate for a weekend - Ekho!!!!!

Panda-boy & T-Rex

Ava swinging, with no fear

October ads

2012-09-27T22:18:00.000-05:00

Austin's soccer banquet

2012-09-27T21:56:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, Austin received his coveted soccer trophy. He was so happy and we were so proud of him. There was face painting, cake, and even a b-boy and b-girl battle. Next year, Ava will get her own trophy!

2012 soccer U5 Austin

This guy....


It wouldn't be a meal without cake

Ava, giving Alexi style

still warm enough to playground


painting Halloween masks. too soon???

Bears' GameDay, we love our Hooters wings

The kids will eat the wings to the bone


Alexi with a Wall-Street-Michael-Douglas look

playdate at Noah's house after his soccer game