All Hail Casmir

Pulaski that is.  And that seems to be the motto of DuBois, Illinois.  The 3rd of this month we took a little road trip back to the "homeland" to bear witness to the Annual Casmir Pulaski Parade.  I believe I wrote about this last year, however, I still haven't wrapped my mind around the fact that this actually happens so I must post again.

Once again we had a wonderful time catching up with family.  We met Paul and Lenee and Aunt Marcie and Uncle Orlie.  It is always an adventure when we meet up with them at the Mule Barn.  Jon went with us this year and looked right in his element I am afraid to say  : )

 Jon's favorite flags!

Uncle Vince, One handsome soldier right there!

 Eileen, this is Ritchie Wojtowicz's littlest one.  Vince is the oldest DuBois resident, Waylon is the youngest

 Milk, it does a body good

 Duck Dynasty  meets DuBois.  Actually this is Ken's cousin Eric.

 Everyone's favorite, the Stag  Beer float

 Even Aunt Marcie got involved

 Probably my favorite float.  Just a bunch of 21 years olds drinking beer along the parade route.

 Anyone else see my mom and dad driving something like this?

 I am going to venture a guess that this guy won't be part of the conclave tomorrow

Best. Idea. Ever.  A recycle truck for all the beer cans.  This dude made bank!

The weather was wonderful and we once again had a great time!  Can't wait for next year!!!

It's been a fun 14 years

I still remember the first time I saw Jon step on the ice for his first hockey practice.  You would think after 14 years the thoughts that I had would find a spot deep in the back of my memory, but they are still front and center.   He was about 4 years old and we signed him up for a Learn to Play session in North County sponsored by Twin Bridges.  He was so little on that ice with all that crazy hockey equipment on.  But he did great and so began and long and wonderful hockey life.

 I am not sure how Jon got the position of goalie but he has played it for a very long time.  I remember this tournament well.  We made it to the final game and lost in shootouts.  Jon was a little upset if you can't tell from the picture.  Alot of these kids have quit playing through out years but some Jon still competes against every week.  And he still talks to all of them when he sees them.

 He looks so little in the goal  

 Through the years he had a number of coaches and I will say they all were great to Jon.  And I believe it is because of these great coaches and teammates that his love for the game increased.

 Who needs a growth chart when you have a hockey net  : )

And the love of Notre Dame begins

Sometimes a pep talk is needed

 Bigger equipment and thousands of dollars later......

 Jon was very excited when he got named assistant captain by his teammates

 This group of boys is the Sr. group of the team.  And each one is a great kid.  I will miss seeing these boys play together on the ice.  Each one is going a different path but I know great things will come of all of them.

 Ken has always been Jon's biggest supporter.  After almost every game him and Jon will talk about what happened and what needs to be done different and stuff.  It is a bond that will never break.

 Sr. Night.  A very bittersweet moment

 These two crazy kids have been Jon's biggest fans.  I have had them by my side at countless hockey games and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Jon couldn't have better cousins than these two!

 Jon's final hockey game was against Alton.  Kind of fitting since this team is made up of most of his old teammates.  If you see an Alton and Granite player talking you can bet that Jon is talking to one of them, especially Jake Cunningham.  They have played together since Jon started and still give each other a hard time.

 Last team hug

As Jon exits the ice for the last time we say goodbye to smelly hockey equipment and gross changing rooms.  But the friendships and fun we have had these last 14 years will last forever.  

One of the best days ever!!!!

18 years ago today I was blessed with a beautiful, fat, precious baby boy.  Words cannot say how lucky I feel to have such a wonderful son.  And I know every mom says that, but others say that about him too.  He is sweet, hard working, loyal, selfless, and practically perfect in every way (except for the picking up after himself way, but that is a minor bump)

Jon has always been the weirdest kid!!!  But he sure can make me laugh! 

 His love of Pokemon has yet to fade!

 Grandpa Butch is still his best friend

 He still loves soda!

 Him and Josh are still the closest of friends

 And he still always has a smile on his face!!!

 And let's not forget his hair styles

Ken and I have talked over and over about the legacy that we leave our children and if something happened to us or them would we have any regrets.  And even though we made quite a few mistakes these last 18 years I can go to sleep at night knowing I have given him the best life possible.

 He has experienced places that most people only dream of

 Like having a snowball fight with his sister in June at the top of a mountain

 Or standing in the exact spot the Miracle on Ice took place

 Standing in front of a wild bear

 Seeing the wonders of Yellowstone first hand

And the beauty of the badlands

And we can't forget going into the swamps looking for alligators!

 He is crazy, and always knows how to have a good time no matter where is he.

This next year is going to be full of changes and new adventures for him and I know if anybody is ready for them Jon is.  He is strong and knows who he is and what he stands for.  And for me, that is the best thing of all!

I love you son, and am so proud of you!!!  Have a great, wonderful, fantastic next 18 years!