Winter Wonderland

Christmas break has wrapped up, the girls are back in preschool, and we are finally catching our breath from a very busy and very fun month.  We had a great Christmas season and as I have some time, I am going to try and document some of the cuteness and fun.  I'm going to start with our trip to the Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland.  We love the gardens, but had not been to this winter event before. I can't believe what we were missing.  The lights outside were beautiful and the inside greenhouses were spectacular.  Coming in from the cold, the heat, the smell, the sights were all magnificent.  The Chicago themed miniatures, trains, and gingerbread houses were pretty amazing too.  It had just snowed that day and the night was so calm with no wind and a cool but not too cold temperature.  Brian, the kids, and I played in the snow covered field surrounded by twinkling lights throwing snowballs and the whole night felt a little like Christmas magic.  It is certainly a tradition we are going to add to our Holiday Celebration. 

I tried to get a posed picture but I think this one is better.

Luke loved the ride.

I love how my wonderful husband is always up for an adventure.

A Chicago Bungalow that reminded me of our Norridge house the Bundalo Bungalow.

A miniature scene with Union Station, the Hancock building, Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, Navy Pier, and more.

My little girls enjoyed the scavenger hunt.

Luke always love the action.

Our adorable little Luke at 6 Months

Who says boy's clothes can't be fun?

 What are those?

 These are some of my favorite favorite pictures of Luke from the last few months.  We are embracing all that boy fashion has to offer and I am trying to take as many pictures of our cute little baby as possible.  He is very good-natured and so adorable.  I just love this age.  I love the rolls, the cooing, the baby legs, the feel of his skin, the smiles, the snuggles, the kisses, the gasps of excitement, the interactions - pretty much everything.  If I could keep him this age forever I would.  He is sleeping well, content when awake, loving baby food, and rolling all over the place.  We have to watch him, the toys, and now the Christmas tree because if he wants something he just rolls right to it.  Luke does show the slightest temper when the toys don't do exactly what he likes, but like any bamboozled mother I just attribute it to his above average intelligence.  Luke loves his sisters and constantly looks for Kate and squawks to get her attention. He also loves going on walks and sitting up like a big boy in the stroller.  We constantly check to see if he is asleep, but he just sits calmly and content to take in the sights. He is really starting to enjoy our Mommy and Me class and gets very excited to reach out and pop the bubbles or to grab the parachute.  He is just starting to nap consistently for a stretch in the afternoon and I am loving it and him.  Luke still gives great kisses and can almost always be calmed by Mommy.  Brian has nicknamed Luke Butterball which has shortened at times to Butter.  It makes us all laugh.  We feel so blessed to have such a good baby.  We have a lot happening in our house and he just fits right in.  We love you Luke!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from our Little Turkeys!

Our Sweet Little Pilgrim

Meggie with her friend Weezer. I loved it when she kept trying to read to him.

Our Attempt at a Family Picture

Some Turkey Shots

 We were blessed to have 15 adults and 8 children as part of our Thanksgiving feast.  I was just happy to have plates and seats for everyone. My grandmother would have been proud!

 I just love our Thanksgiving turkey hat and am a little sorry this might be my last baby for it, but I certainly will be happy to pass it on!

 We are certainly thankful for all our blessings of family and friends and especially thankful for Brian's Dad's upcoming surgery.  Hoping for health in the year ahead and a great Christmas to go with a great Thanksgiving.