How Did This Happen?

Swimming at Jaren's 2 years ago....

Swimming at Jaren's 2 weeks ago...

Christmas Day

Christmas morning we hung out at home and then headed to spend the rest of the day with the Gasparino's.

Opening gifts for Dominic was a challenge both Christmas Eve & Day. Were even were bribing him with cookies if he'd open just one more.

On a recent visit back to the G's house, he was asking Grammy if she had more presents. She responded by saying she thought he didn't like present. He clarified that he likes to look at presents but doesn't like to open them. I guess it gives us a little insight into that brain of his. It will be interesting to see how he'll be in the years to come.

Still loves his books

Quinton loves to be upside down.

If he's fussy and you let him hang over backwards he turns into a happy camper.

Go figure. Maybe he likes the blood rushing to his head!

Who would have thought it would be warm enough to ride a scooter on Christmas?!

Getting Nani's nose!

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve at the Regnier side. We headed over early so we had time more time to visit with family. The boys were able to open presents in stages too. Last year, Dominic wasn't all that interested in opening gifts. We thought it was due to his age. Well this year was a repeat. He was engaged for a few gifts and then his interest was lost. Rare behavior compared to most kids. Quinton almost seemed more interested but babies just love the noise and glimmer of all the paper!

Christmas Downtown

We headed downtown before Christmas for our annual trip to visit the tree in Daley plaza & dinner. Last year when we made it down, the weather was extremely cold & snowy. Daley Plaza was bare and it was easy to take pictures by the tree.

This year, the weather being so warm, it made the place crowded. We survived getting through the crowds, even with the stroller. We all tried warm spiced wine...which sounds good. Sounds and tastes are two very different things. Save your self some angony and don't try it. We are lucky we finished the two glasses between the 8 adults. Stick to a beer is the rule we learned.

The boys had fun seeing the light and being with the family.

Also, we continue to miss the big tree the City used to make. As you can see, the one big tree looks a little sad.

Winterfest

We spent Saturday at Navy Pier's Winterfest with friends.

The older kids had a great time going on all the rides.

Even the younger ones enjoyed all the lights.

For those adults who need take the edge off....

Dominic, Aiden & Alexandra

Pay attention to Mike's face in the next two pic's...

It's hard getting old, isn't it, Mike!

Where is the adult in this picture?

Cookie Decorating

Pretty big cookies, right?

Now my kid has half his cookie down while the other kids have 2-3 bits into theirs. Don't get in the way of his sweets! Now, it may look like he couldn't eat another bit. Don't be fooled. He polished off that cookie and didn't want to share with mom or dad.

First ride on a ferris wheel. He LOVED it. He couldn't stop laughing and had the biggest smile on his face the whole time. Of course the line for this ride took way too long and of course wanted to go again. Maybe next year buddy.