Christmas

Steve and Grandma Eve at Aunt Dorthea's house - we all enjoyed a delicious meal of ravioli, gnocci, meatballs and sauce - all homemade!


Liv and Grace really boogied to the Christmas music.

The kids get their first glimpse of Santa. Veronica looks skeptical.

What a fun few days of celebrating we had - thanks to our families who made our Christmas so special!

Christmas Eve

We had a great time at Grammie and Grandpa's on Christmas Eve. Liv played us some songs on the piano, "fixed" Babe, and once Esme got there they were up to the usual mischief. And once the mens choir showed up, our night was complete.

Merry Christmas!

Candlelight Cristmas Dinner

Esme's first (and certainly not last) sip of egg nog.

Olivia looks worried as Grammie tells of watchful elves in every corner.

We had a magical evening at Medinah last night. The girls were enamored with the strolling carrolers, and loved their special dinners. Tired with full bellies(some more then others, ahem, Esme!) they were ready to go home.

When Your Sous Chef is a Toddler

Liv and I made these delicious sugar cookies on Sunday. The most fun was painting them with an egg wash prior to baking. Olivia loved it.

Jeez

These holidays are exhausting.

Light as a Feather...

A 38 lb feather that is.

What a Tree!

We love driving by this Christmas tree. Much to Steve's embarassment, Liv and I got out for a photo op. She willingly posed.

Christmas Cookies

We started the Christmas cookies on Sunday. Chewy chocolate with peanut butter chips, and peanut butter blossoms. Pretty much the same cookie done differently. Olivia was a big help (mostly) and would exclaim every time a batch was pulled out of the oven: "you did it!"

No Zoo, Boo Hoo!

Our plans to visit the Holiday Lights at Brookfield Zoo were foiled by the rain. But, we had a great time at Aimee's. Liv totally kept her cool when informed that we weren't going to the Zoo. Success!

Santa

Olivia was delighted to get to meet Santa. We could see her giving an animated description of something she wanted. But we weren't close enough to hear (rats!). Afterwards, I asked Olivia what she thought. She said: "it was beautiful." I couldn't agree more.

Olivia's First Haircut!

Picking out a movie to watch during the haircut. And yes, we did comb her hair. The tangle comes back.

Olivia did great, I was the one that ended up in tears instead (what?).

Fabulous.

Too much?

Oh well. No turning back now.

I can see my name in lights...world renown make-up artist...

I had Steve's work party tonight, and Liv and I were sad about leaving each other. So I told her she could get ready with me. And boy did she ever.

Tinkerbelle

Little Tinkerbelle is back. The outfit is shorter, the legs and hair longer, and the baby chub gone. Sigh.

Meet Raisin

Mrs Bleskin (Esme's Grandma) gave this adorable bear to Olivia. Liv has fallen in love, announcing it's name today. A welcome replacement to Bones.