Decorating Cookies!

The kids decorated some gingerbread cookies that Meegan on Sunday. The Bradys joined us for dinner and a movie. It was a wonderful way to end the weekend and spend some time together before we all head separate ways for the holidays. The kids had a blast decorating cookies and we enjoyed watching the movie! It is nice that we can get together and let the kids play while we play games or watch movies. We are very lucky to have such wonderful friends!

Our early Christmas

Last weekend we celebrated Christmas together as a family early since Justin has to work over the holidays the boys and I will be staying in Indiana until January. We are looking forward to the trip very much but will miss Justin not being there! They boys were excited about getting to open their presents early. They loved all their toys and even the clothes. Especially the fleece PJs that they can't wait to show off to everyone!

Morning Snow

So this morning the boys and I woke up to freezing weather and a little snow on the ground. They of course we excited while I on the other hand am still dreaming of fall. It is amazing that yesterday morning it was almost 50 degrees and pouring down rain in the morning but by the afternoon it was freezing and snowing. Granted the snow melted luckily but it is now very cold outside. They boys want it to snow so that they can slide down the hill next to our driveway. And apparently our hill used to be the go to spot while the house sat vacant. The neighbors said that they used our hill and our neighbors hill last year during the winter. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and and wonderful weekend. Stay warm!!

Tree LIghting @ the Fire Dept

Sunday evening we went to the tree lighting and to see Santa @ our local fire department. The ladies and I had hurried back to Dayton after our trip this weekend to Chicago so we could make it home in time to take the kids to the tree lighting. They were more excited to see Santa though. I personally loved the Christmas tree. The men from the fire department also outlined the entire fire station in red and green lights. It was beautiful. They had hot chocolate and cookies for the kids. They also had a big bon fire going outside that you could go sit by after you saw Santa. The kids had a great time and even got to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Pics from Chicago

View of the building on Michigan Ave

View of the cityscape outside Macy's

Meegan, Me, Ashley, & Casey

Me, Mom, Amber, & Amanda

It was cold in the morning getting off the train but by the middle of the day the sun was shining and it was a bit warmer. Or it could be that we were just sweating to death in the stores and happy to be outside where it was cooler. Thanks to Mom & the girls for inviting us. And a big Thanks to Mom & Dad for letting us crash with them for the weekend. We had a great time! *and to Amanda---BANG We win :)*

Showing the girls Kentland & Brook

Friday I took Meegan, Ashley, & Casey home with me to Kentland. We spent Friday night with my mom, dad, & sisters. We left Ohio in the morning and made a pit stop in Lafayette. We had to stop & Walmart to pick up groceries for the dinner we cooked for my parents. (It was delicious by the way....nothing beats home made chicken & dumplins!) Then it was up early in the morning to head to Chicago. None of my friends had ever been so it was an adventure. We drove to University Park and caught the train into Millenium station in Chicago. It was a first time train ride for my friends as well. We spent the entire day in Chicago. We were all exhausted... the youngest members of our group slept the whole way home while the older ones in our group chatted away. It was a wonderful weekend. Good times with great friends. I am sad that 2 of my friends are moving far away but I know we will stay in touch! Hope everyone has a great week!

Cookie Exchange with the Scrapping Ladies

My homemade bracelets!!

This pic is for Uncle Justin... his favorite little buddy as a future Bengles football player

Cannin with Santa!!

Me, Jane, Jamie, Cannin, Meegan, & Ashley

Today was the dessert exchange with the ladies (& Canni b too!) that I get together with & scrapbook. Even though it was raining and nasty out we all headed over to Meegan's house for a little girl time. Everyone brought such tasty treats!! We always have a good time chatting, eating, and scrapbooking. But today I scrapbooked a bit then Meegan taught us how to make jewelry. I made 3 bracelets and I must say I quite enjoyed making them. Cheri was unable to make it today but we sure did miss her!! Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend.