Larsen X-mas Lights

So last year Chase was the ring-bearer in my cousin Robyn's wedding and he walked down the aisle with two adorable flower girls. The house pictured above is their home. It is in Elburn which is a little bit of a hike but definitely worth it. The house even had its own radio station that explained how many lights are on the house and how long it takes to decorate. We waited in a line of cars to get close enough to really enjoy the show and it was amazing. Each song was choreographed with the lights to make an amazing show. We'll go back next year for sure!

Polar Express 2010

Our tickets

We continued our yearly traditioin of riding on the Polar Express again this year. The "big kids" now remember what it's all about and look forward to drinking the hot chocolate & eating the cookies. The biggest event though is definitely the visit from Santa. The video is cute because you can hear Chase ask for a Star Wars although he wasn't asked what he wanted...he did correct Santa though. He told him he wanted the Star Wars guys, not the movie!

Santa Visit

Chase & Grandma

Making a gingerbread ornament for the tree

My mom invited us to her library for a "Christmas Around the World" theme. It was set up very cute with crafts for the kids to do, a Christmas tree decorated for every country, a holiday puppet show, a jazz band that the boys loved, and the unexpected visit from Santa. We really lucked out, we ended up being 3rd in line to see the jolly man and I was so grateful that I had my camera. Chase was totally excited and marched right up to Santa, told him his name and said "I want a Star Wars for Christmas." Immediately after Chase, Luke went up with no hesitation and said the exact same thing. It was so cute and I was so proud of them for being brave! After that we had some punch and cookies. I think this trip will become a new tradition!

First Snow 2010

The snow fort from Grandma & Grandpa Dom

Action shot

The awesome snowfort that Allison built

There is something about the first snow of the season that is so exciting! The boys were thrilled when they saw the snow falling and couldn't wait to get out in it. Our neighbors turned their deck stairs into a pretty awesome sled hill for the kids. Luke went on it once and that was it, he was done. Chase however, absolutely loved it and was outside for probably about 5-6 hours with a few little breaks here and there. All of the kids had a great time, some of us adults got in on the fun too. Nothing like a fresh snow fall to bring out the kid in everyone. It was great!

Message from Santa

Santa Claus has heard how hard the boys have been working to behave since Santa is coming soon. He left them both a message to keep them motivated!

Chase's message:
http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/c3ZfhnvaE89fm4vinOHng

Luke's message:
http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/SjFWXuevnh6zm6OPRz_7Ew

A great day

Today I took a half day off of work and spent the morning in Chase's classroom. I've been so curious and excited to see what a 4 year-old preschool classroom does and let me tell you, they do a lot! It happened to be "J" week so I was Chase's letter J, his Jessica. He was so thrilled that I was there with him and he could show me certain things that I didn't know about his school.

His teachers are so wonderful, they make his first school experience so rewarding, I can't believe how lucky Chase is to have them. They are so down to Earth and truly funny, although the kids don't "get" much of their humor. I was so proud of Chase's behavior. He was a great listener, respectful friend and a great help at clean-up time.

I also started our Christmas sing-a-longs class with Luke tonight. Taking the class with just the 2 of us is great. He is such a musical kid, he loves all things music, including singing, playing with sticks, bells or any instrument really! He keeps telling us that he wants Santa to bring him a guitar...I tell him only if he makes the "nice" list and some days that is questionable!

Overall, it was a day with my kids, I'm so grateful for them!

Family Pictures

Although this one is really bright, I love Chase's eyes and smile, a real one!!

The sneaky grin that I know so well!

Being silly

I'm really late in posting these pictures since they were taken in October. I don't really love any of them except for the one of Chase. I'm glad that we took them but I'm not sure any of them are display pictures!