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Christmas Morning

Christmas morning was very exciting at our house. Here are some pictures and videos. Thank you everyone for all the wonderful presents, the girls loved them.

Christmas Lights

Last night we decided to go see the Lincoln Park Zoo lights. It was free into the park but we had to pay to park, it was a little outrageous, but we had fun. They had some free crafts for the kids to do too. The girls got a stick on tattoo and made reindeer antlers. There were a few animals to see, but mostly they were asleep. It was a little chilly, but we had a fun night.

Preschool Program

Libby's preschool had a Winter Lights performance last night. Here is one of Libby's best friends from her preschool. They were suppose to wear purple for their part in the program.

Libby sitting with her class.

Each class sang songs for different December celebrations all over the world. Libby's class was in charge of Las Posadas, so they sang Feliz Navidad.

Here are all the kids singing jingle bells. They didn't want to stop singing so we had to cue them to end with our applause.

Playing nicely

Playing nicely together at our house does not happen very often, so when it does we take pictures to prove that it really can happen. So that what these are, the girls playing nicely with each other.

A visit with Santa

We went to the mall last night to see Santa, and get Jake some new shoes. Libby was very excited to see Santa and tell him what she wanted for Christmas, but she freaked at the last minute. After we were done taking pictures, Libby decided he was an ok guy and gave him a hug. Avery on the other hand wanted nothing to do with Santa after he gave her the candy cane, hence I had to hold her for all the pictures. Libby did ended up telling Santa she wants chap stick for Christmas. She later told me she just wants presents for Christmas. I love this age where they don't have to have some specific toy yet. Makes shopping a lot easier for me.

Decorating the tree

Jake is finally home after being away from us for three long months. He got home Saturday night. So last night for family home evening, we decorated our Christmas tree.

The girls had a blast helping Daddy with all the decorations. Avery especially loved it when Daddy helped her put ornaments up high on the tree.

I found the elf and hats and Libby just had to make silly faces.

Posing for a picture.

I know she looks like she is on drugs, but it is the only picture I could get of her in her elf hat. (ps got to love shatter proof ornaments).

12 weeks of Loneliness

It's been a long time since I made a post on here but I thought I would fill you in on the last few weeks of my life while I've been traveling around the southwest. Alone. By myself. In our minivan.

It started in Chicago, IL the day before I was supposed to leave. Yes you've already heard about this but I want it to start my story:

I got rear ended! The end.

Then I stole "Holly's" minivan and packed it full of clothes, bags and toys. My first stop was Albuquerque, NM. Where I stayed with some classmates Danny and Paul, I slept in the front room, on an air mattress, alone. There, I found things to kill time so I didn't go crazy being without the fam:

#1 Mountain Biking

#2 Sushi

#3 Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Festival

There was a pink pig balloon and I thought Liberty would enjoy it. Because it's pink.

I then went on to Southern California. Where I stayed with my friends the Pierces, Eliot and Kim and their 4 kids. I slept up stairs, on the couch, alone. Although occasionally I was woke by little kids playing around me, which was ok since I was in their play room.

Having family and old friends around in San Diego helped pass the time. I connected with a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. And when I wasn't visiting people I was doing this:

a lot.

Next I was off to Phoenix, AZ. Here, I get to stay with my aunt Darr and Uncle Bill. It's been great to see them. I've been doing a little exploring here too:

more mountain biking.

The only problem; all this time is I've been missing my favorite people. Holly, Liberty and Avery. Luckily, we live in modern times and have cell phones and web chats so we get to communicate. Plus, Holly has been good to update us all on the blog. One of the best things though was getting picture messages from Holly giving me little sneak peeks and updates on what was going on. So I thought I'd share some of these pictures and stories with you since they haven't made the blog yet.

They started with autumn hitting Waukegan and Holly went out to play with the kids at the park near our apartment. Holly said the whole time Avery kept bringing her sticks to take home. So she sent me a picture.

It made me laugh.

Then Holly called me one day to tell me Avery hadn't moved since she woke her up in the morning. The poor girl had a stiff neck and supposedly sat like this until about 5pm.

it made me sad I wasn't there to help.

I guess they were out shopping one day before Halloween and Liberty found a pink wig. She tried it on and came up to Holly pleading, "Can I have it?"

it made me miss them.

Then Halloween came and Holly went to her parents for the next few weeks. Which is good, because I know she's getting lots of help with the kids. While there she sent me a picture of another pumpkin she carved just for me! Because she knows how important feet are to me being a podiatrist and all.

it made me love her even more.

Then she went shopping for clothes with her mom and sent me a couple more pictures. One updating me on her baby bump (which she'll probably delete once she sees this post) and another of Liberty, because once Holly took one of herself Libby HAD to have one of her.

They made me thankful!

I'm so thankful that I have such a loving and supportive wife and kids. Who while I've been away have been making the best of their time without me there. Even though we won't be together this Thanksgiving I want you to know I love you Holly! I appreciate everything you do for me and the childrens.

And I have one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: 9 more days and I'm starting my trip home.:)

Pumpkin carving

Libby got to pick a pumpkin at her preschool today, so we decided to carve it up. It is the first year Jake and I haven't carved a pumpkin together since we have been married. Usually Jake makes the face and cuts it out, so mine doesn't look as good as his usually does, but Libby liked it so that's all that matters.

Libby so proud of her pumpkin.

Avery and Libby scooping out the pumpkin's insides. That is as far as Avery would put her hand in the pumpkin. She didn't like the slimy insides, Libby on the other hand loved it.

Avery disgusted with the guts on her fingers.

Libby excited to clean out the pumpkin.

Avery doesn't like the pumpkin guts.