Christmas in Gurnee

Leah puts on some "lipstick".

Jadon and Leah sport their look-a-like sweatshirts from Jeff.

We went to Gurnee on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with the Pinses. We brought along some of Jadon and Leah's new toys that they were itching to play with, like Trick Tracks and the dollhouse. We played and snacked. Then we had a nice ham dinner and gift exchange. We missed Steph and her family, but it was still really fun, especially staying up late talking and laughing with my parents. What a great Christmas!

Christmas Day

The ladies are having fun putting together Barbies swimming pool.

We really enjoyed our Christmas morning at home. The kids emptied their stockings and opened all their presents. We played together, had cinnamon rolls, and watched our annual family video that Brian put together. Then we spent the afternoon at Larry's house. We had an elegant dinner and exchanged presents. A big hit was a gun that shot mini-marshmallows. The kids kept begging to be shot so they could eat 'em up. Leah and Jadon had fun playing with their cousins and all the new toys. We ended the day with a round of charades.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Brian and I took the kids to the Candlelight service at FFF. The kids loved holding the lit candles and Leah got really excited when we sang "Away in a Manger". We sing it with hand motions at home daily. Then we went over to Deb's house for a Crab Leg dinner. Brant and his family made it through the snow and we had a nice dinner and gift exchange. The kids especially enjoyed running around the dark house with their new Twinkle Toe and Luminator shoes.

Snowmen

When the weather warmed up to the 30's, we got some great packing snow. We made a big snowman, but then Leah requested a little one. When we visited them the next day she gave him lots of hugs and licks.

Visiting Grandma for Christmas

Yesterday, the kids and I drove up to Dubuque to see my grandma. My parents were there as well and we had lunch and a nice gift exchange. The kids got to watch cartoons and enjoy some special treats, like these Rice Krispie Pops.

Here, Jadon the Tiger is enjoying snuggle time with Grandma. My affectionate little boy was in heaven.

Brunch with Augie Friends

Libby, Wendy, and Kim, my Augustana roommates, came over on Tuesday for a reunion/Christmas get-together. We got to meet Kim's 6 month old Molly and see Libby's baby bump; she's due in March. It was a nice time of catching up since we left the other kids with babysitters. It was so relaxing! I'm thankful for these good friends and that we've been able to keep in touch over the years.

Jadon's Party and Sledding

Jadon's last day of school before Christmas vacation was Friday, Dec. 17th. They had a small Christmas party which included decorating a stocking ornament, making a candy Christmas tree, and having cookies and milk.

On Saturday, Brian watched the kids while I went into the QC and finished up Christmas shopping. I made it back in time to go sledding with the family at Sinnissippi Park again. The kids love it!

Brian's Work Party

Work parties at the DC are not too glamorous, but they do serve a nice lunch and Santa is there to listen to wishes and pass out goodie bags. There is also cookie decorating and balloons. I think Leah was more excited to go to dad's work party than her own class party. We had a nice time.

Leah's Christmas Party at School

Ana, Ms. Kim, Grant, Brody, Kyla, Santa, Kathleen, and Leah

Leah's little party was on Tuesday. The kids in her class decorated a bell, sang some Christmas songs, and got a surprise visit from Santa (Kyla's grandpa). Leah was shy with him at first but by the end of class she kept giving him high fives. He passed out gifts (from Ms.Kim) and the kids exchanged presents with each other. They finished up with a treat. Leah was desperately hoping to catch a glimpse of his sleigh on the roof as we left, but it could not be seen from the parking lot.

Snow Day!

Church is cancelled this morning so we're all enjoying our snow day at home. I've neglected my blog for a couple weeks while working heavily on Christmas projects, but now I'm all caught up. I hope you're enjoying the Christmas season and look forward to seeing many of you over the holidays. Love, Abby

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Julie hosted this year's U.C.S.P. This year everyone brought their A game, but Sarah took home the trophy, even though Julie put on the heat with her Poncho get-up. Watching Julie stroke her mustache and catching her unexpectedly out of the corner of your eye from time to time was quite entertaining. We had good food and conversation, and really enjoyed the game Telephone Pictionary. I always laugh so hard with this group and enjoyed our day together.

Jadon and Leah had fun on Julie's trampoline.

Feliz Navidad!
Brian brown-bagged it in keeping with the look of his sweatshirt.

Charity and I found sister sweaters, beaded sweaters with detachable fur collars.

Christmas Party Playdate

We had another Gingerbread themed Christmas party for the kids this year. We sang carols, read "Gingerbread Friends", decorated and ate Gingerbread People Cookies, and played. An indoor snowball fight was a big hit this year. Lori made "snowballs" by stuffing white pantyhose with batting.

Snow Fun

This was Jadon's first written sentence, which I found on the Magna Doodle after his quiet time. Of course the top line says "Jadon". The bottom line says, "Brecken (heart) I love you". My son is not only smart, but a total sweetheart! (Brecken is his best buddy.)

We sorely neglected our camera last weekend, but on Friday night, Brian and I got all dressed up and went to Josh and Jayme's wedding reception (a couple from Harvest Time). We visited and danced the night away. On Saturday morning, the kids woke up to a Winter Wonderland. We went to the Kitson Tree Farm and cut down our own tree this year. The kids had a blast in the new fallen snow, stopping along the way to make snow angels and throw snowballs. That afternoon we went sledding over at Sinnissippi Park. Over the course of the next few days we went sledding several more times- now that's a good workout!

Cookie Making Day

The Sunday after Thanksgiving we made Christmas cookies at Brant and Amie's house. We had fun and made lots of pretty cookies. That night we went to Larry and Cindy's house for dinner and took pictures. It was a busy week with all the family get-togethers, but we enjoyed family bonding time, especially with our siblings that were home for the holidays.