Sunday, December 23, 2012

Cookie decorating night

The kids waited, not so patiently, for us to decorate our cookies for Santa. I didn't bake anything else this year because I didn't have anyone to feed it to so we didn't need it. But, you have to make Santa cookies:-) Madeline was all about it, while Ben put a few sprinkles on one cookie and then ate it the rest of the time, lol. Adam even made the Hancock building and a cubs cookie in honor of our first Christmas here. Santa's going to love his cookies!

Downtown adventures

Yesterday we went downtown to experience Chicago @ Christmas. We saw window displays, had hot chocolate at Ghirdellis (sp?), helped Santa out a bit ;-) & went to chriskindlemart. I only wish we could have really enjoyed the market but EVERYBODY was there & we could move. But, it was still cool. We will go back for sure next year; but, during the week.

Thanks pinterest!

Yummy Christmas pancakes

Santa visit

We ended up visiting with Santa by surprise @ Northbrook mall. He was just as magical and patient as ever. We could take our own pictures and with no line the kids got to spend about ten or fifteen minutes with him just chatting. Ben was the most excited by far! He kept saying hi Santa from the second he saw him. Our surprise visit turned out to be just worked:-)

Parent observation @ ballet

Here's a few pictures of our little ballerina from our parent observation. Her studio does these for the younger, non-company children so they can learn technique and they preform once they are in company. It's kind of nice:-) Madeline just loves it! She said she wants to be on tv, lol.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Thanksgiving and more

Over the weekend before Thanksgiving we headed out for adventure. Leaving Friday EARLY in the morning we got a taxi and headed to O'Hare. Other than the stress of going thru security the kids did wonderful on their first flight. We left straight from the airport (after meeting Grandma & Papa TC for the rental car-thank u!) and drove to SC. We were so excited to see all of our great friends and grateful to the Vitters for their hospitality. Madeline & Hannah loved being together 24/7 & I was so excited to finally meet Hayden! Plus it was wonderful to get to hang out with adults and catch up with my best bud Katie (trying to get a word in when the girls talk on the phone is almost impossible, though cute). We lucked out and even got to see the Millers before they flew out:-) I also got to go for drinks with SC work friends. Plus, Adam got to go to youth & hang out with Hank.
Monday we said our "see you laters" and drove to NC. After that it went down hill. We all ended up with the flu and didn't get to see most of the family. It was the first time the kids have really been sick. Back in SC the Vitters got it too...who knows where it came from but yuck-o! Luckily no one threw up.
The flight home was less enjoyable. Not only did we have a layover in DC, our sickness was not over so everyone was grumpy and our heads hurt.
We relaxed the weekend and kept the kids out of school Monday to make sure they were well.
We can't wait to visit again and stay well the next trip:-) maybe not traveling during flu session...

One other exciting thing: Benjamin has been working on potty training since we have returned and he is doing awesome! Today he even had his first bm in the potty! He is wearing big boy undies and school except for nap-time.
I'm so proud of my little man!

Monday, October 29, 2012

Extreme Trick or Treating @Northbrook Whole Foods

Today, after visiting yet another church (I liked this one but still no sure it's the right one), we headed to Whole Foods for there trick or treating event. I know some of you are thinking, at a grocery store?!? That's a hippie momma for you :-) I would venture to say that of all our weekend adventures the kids enjoyed this one the most. It was inside, so it wasn't cold, they got treats they know and love (& know mommy will let them eat), plus face painting & lunch. And , while daddy occupied the kiddos after lunch I got to grocery shop alone...it's a joy to take they kids @ times but its oh so nice to shop alone every now and then. Anyway, here's a few pictures of our fun & goodies.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Haloween fun...it's just getting started!

This year the kids will definetly get the value out of their costumes. On Thursday we went to Project Pumpkin at my building. I forgot photos but the kids had fun! Benjamin LOVED tossing the balls in the "jack-o-lantern" mouth. Madeline even was able to guess where the candy was on the cup game. She's got a good eye, lol.

Today we went to the Evanston Farmers Market as usual. However, today they had a kids section for those under 12 who came in costume. The got a goody bag with fun, non candy things plus some of the vendors gave out things like apples and they even got a pumpkin for free!

Then, come lunchtime we ventured out to Old Orchard Mall (kind of like Sandhills for my SC folks:-) they had a TON of things to do! They got pumpkins, made cute hand ghosts, had a picture drawn of them both, got treats and stickers, and a glitter tattoo!

Tomorrow we're going to Whole Foods after church and who knows what is the plan for the 31st! But hey, it's free fun:-)