Friday, December 26, 2014

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Charlie!


My Grandpa turned 80 last Monday and my Aunt Diane planned a lunch to celebrate him.


My Uncle Steve spoke about what an amazing and loving man he is.


Diane tends to be a very organized person, so everything ran incredibly smoothly, which was no small feat given all the young kids that were present.



The kids led us in singing "Happy Birthday".


Poor Paige fell asleep.


With all of their great-grandkids and great-nieces and nephews.


Pretty girls!


Little men. Don't they look like they're discussing football or something?


Trying to get a decent shot with the men and their boys. It took a minute, but a few shots in, we all realized Luke's "pointing" was actually flipping us all off. Blake's reaction shot is priceless.




Good enough. As always, it was great to see everyone and all be together, especially to honor such a great man. We love you, Grandpa Charlie!



Holiday Happenings


 
We've been very busy with holiday-related activities the last couple of weeks. First, Miles had his Christma "performance" at school. He was a little bit of a goofball when he saw me and Matt's parents in the audience, but he did a great job with all the motions. He didn't seem to be singing, but he was definitely moving his mouth to the words. Overall, I think he did great.



We also went down to Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier with Christy and Kali again. Paige was a pretty big fan of the Ergo for the first hour and a half or so. Then she wasn't.


The girls loved the rides. The crazier, the better. Miles, not so much.


He was happy to stick to the inflatables that he knows and loves.



We made a noble effort to get this shot.


We also went to a gingerbread house decorating party at our friends', the Corsellos'. The kids decorated for about ten minutes, then all ran around together for the next hour. It was fun. And yummy!



Paige and Matt hung out together while we were at the party.


Brooke is really into pre-literacy lately and it's fun to watch. She needed help spelling Miles and Paige.


Then, the day that we left for St. Louis, Brooke had her Christmas performance at school. They played bells, signed "Silent Night", and sang a couple of songs. She took it really seriously and also did really well.





BFFs!


With her friends, Annika and Kate.


After her performance, we grabbed lunch with Jamie and Brian and headed for St. Louis...

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Santa!



Yesterday, we made our annual visit to Santa at Medinah. We were not optimistic about getting a shot of all three with  no one crying, especially since Paige missed her morning nap, but they actually all did relatively well.


Miles was a little skeptical, but at least he didn't cry. I actually think he was excited to meet him. Don't let the steely demeanor fool you.





I LOVE this moment that Jamie caught between Paige and Brooke. And Miles' expression that's happening at the same time. Ha!


Santa photo dump.





In typical Brooke fashion, she decided to throw a curveball in what she wanted to ask Santa for when we were on our way there. I had told her no "Barbie Dream House" (I think she only wants one because she's seen commercials for it. She doesn't play with Barbies yet.), so she said she wanted a "Barbie Dream House Car." Again, I put the kabosh on that one. Bah-humbug. She settled on accessories for Isabelle and matching clothes for her, Isabelle, and "Rose" (the random baby doll that she decided to bring with her in a sling that morning). She keeps us on our toes! Miles stuck to his story and asked for a "blue beep beep". Done.


We got a couple pictures of all the family that was there (can't wait till Bri's big enough to join next year!). Miles somehow made it into the girls' picture. And I don't think he was too excited about it.


Don't Brooke and Miles look thrilled to be there?

Next, we went to the Oasis for crafts and face painting.






Brooke was pumped to have a "princess Elsa" face-painting job; although she politely pointed out to the lady doing her face that Elsa is actually a queen.


Brooke ran some errands with me that afternoon and her face lit up anytime someone complimented her makeup.


Miles was very happy with his baseball, too.



As usual, this little lady was a trooper.


Brooke with her "sweetheart," Rose.


I love this one!


It was such a fun time as usual and so special to be able to share it with family. Let the Christmas celebrations begin!