Christmas

We woke up at our home on Christmas morning. Dan read the Christmas story while Sylvia followed along with our nativity set. Then we opened our stockings. Sylvia also got to take a look at her new play kitchen since we did not attempt to wrap it. She hadn't received any kitchen toys yet so she preceded to put anything and everything into her oven...including baby Jesus. Daddy and Sylvia made our traditional french toast for breakfast before we opened our presents. Sylvia enjoyed delivering the presents to me and Dan to see what the tags said. She now has the hang of openings gifts and knows exactly what to do. She quickly asked for "more" after opening each gift. My parents stopped over for a quick lunch of Chinese food before Sylvia's nap. Dan and I also took naps. After nap time, Dan's parents came over to open gifts and eat dinner together.

Chicago

Dan, Sylvia and I returned from Chicago this evening. Although the weather was not ideal, it was a great time to visit a couple of attractions that are usually very busy at other times of the year. It was fun to take a trip with Sylvia before the baby comes.

Shedd Aquarium
Dan and I went to the aqaurium a few years ago and did not notice any of the interactive activities available. This time that is where we spent most of our time. Having kids sure changes things.
The Robie HouseWe stopped to take a few pictures of a Frank Lloyd Wright house while in the Chicago area.
Train & Bus Ride
Sylvia got to a ride a train and a bus for the first time while we were in Chicago. She kept saying "ride train" and enjoyed looking out the window with daddy.
Chicago Children's Museum
Sylvia really enjoyed the Children's Museum. We could have spent all day there if it weren't for nap time.

Accomodations
Our friend, Linda, has a sister who lives in Chicago and we were able to stay at her place while they are out of town for Christmas. It was wonderful to have our own place and not be at a hotel.

Christmas with Aunt Ginny

Aunt Ginny is going to be out of town on Christmas so we did an early celebration last Sunday with the Broffitts.

I think we wore Nana & Papa out.

Big Sister to Be

We've obviously announced that I am pregnant but I've been meaning to post a picture of Sylvia in her "Big Sister" t-shirt. This is how we told our parents that we were expecting again.

Shake Your Sillies

First Snow

Sylvia and I went out to play in the new snow a few days ago. It was cold and windy but she didn't seem to mind. The only thing she didn't like was not being able to get up by herself when she fell down.

Dan has a new helper when it comes to shoveling since I won't be doing too much of it this winter.



I found her some "new" snow pants at Goodwill the other day. 2T Columbia snow pants for $2.63 that look like they've never been worn. I also picked up her snow boots there last year at the end of the season. She got her new Iowa hat from Aunt Ginny for her birthday.

Our Tree

We brought our Christmas tree home last weekend before all the snow hit. Sylvia was a bit under the weather but enjoyed getting out of the house. She asked to eat at the Dairy Queen while we getting our tree and was sad when I told her they were closed.


Dan set up the tree and put the lights on. Later on, Sylvia and I listened to Christmas music and decorated the tree. She liked saying all the color names while looking at the lights and insisted on hanging ornaments from the light bulbs and not the tree. She was very interested in helping and only dropped and broke two ornaments. I was reminded while decorating that she is only two and does not watch where she is walking. Dan has been busy studying for his third architecture licensing test so he was unable to help us decorate. So, when we were all done we bought peppermint milk shakes and surprised him at the office.


So far, Sylvia is doing a good job of leaving the tree alone. She likes sitting in my lap and telling me about the ornaments. Her favorites are a 49ers football,a Hawkeye snowman holding a football, and a little glass duck. I have some gifts wrapped, but I'm not sure about putting them under the tree yet. With her recent birthday, she now knows what to do with presents.

Project Update I

Back in October, Dan and I bought these cabinets at the Habitat Restore. I got most of the sanding done right away and then put the project on hold. Here's what they looked like a few days ago before I stared painting. I'm still not telling what they're going to be.

Best Friends...

Linda and I took Henry and Sylvia to Sears to get their pictures taken together. They played together at our house before heading out and did their share of arguing. However, on the way to the Sears Sylvia asked for Henry the whole time. We had a great photographer this time and both of the kids did a great job. They really liked being there.



Henry and his family will be moving to New York this summer so I'm glad we've got these pictures (and all of the memories).