more christmas cuteness :)

On Christmas Eve we opened our first gifts...a new pair of pajamas to wear Christmas morning....

...and a new book!

mommy's little helper

Merry Christmas! We had to take an cute Christmas photo before we started our baking. Maryn had lots of fun making cookies! She helped roll out the dough and did great with the cookie cutters. Of course baking wouldn't be complete without a little flour everywhere!

Christmas at the Zoo and Disney on Ice

The first weekend of December we ventured to Christmas at the Zoo! It was a cold evening, but Maryn loved the lights and seeing some of the animals.

The next day we were invited to Disney on Ice at Conseco Fieldhouse. Maryn was not really aware of who all the Disney characters were, but she did know some of the princesses. It was a lot of fun and it was great to see her get excited! I'm sure we will have more Disney in our future!!

a bit behind...

Ok, so I have been quite behind in my blogging...oops :( Between yesterday and today, I made 10 new entries on our blog!! Be sure and check them all out and I promise I won't get this behind again :)

oh, what a tree!

The day after Thanksgiving we bundled up in our warm coats and headed out to Piney Acres Tree Farm for the second year. It was a chilly day, but the sunshine was warm. Once the tractor dropped us off, the hunt was on for the perfect tree! Maryn seemed to be in wonder of all the tall trees surrounding her and helped pick out just the right one...9 feet tall and quite plump!!

riding the wagon out to all the trees

waving "hello" to the trees :)

which one should come home with us???

Maryn's first time seeing Santa this year...she wanted nothing to do with him, but did let him get close so we could get a picture

the perfect spot for the perfect tree

all she could say was "wow"!!

thankful hearts...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Thanksgiving Day is always a little hectic...two families and two dinners in one day, but it's spent the people most important in our lives and the ones we love the most. Oh how thankful we are for family!

great friends + ornaments= 8 years of fun!

The weekend before Thanksgiving we celebrated the 8th Annual Ornament Exchange with our Butler friends. I can't believe it has been an 8 year running event!! It's made it's round of hosts and this year we were lucky enough to have it at our house. Christmas decorations came out early this year and yes, the lights were up outside! With 7 couples traveling from the north side, Chicago, and Jacksonville, IL, we now have 10 kids and 3 on the way in the coming new year. It was a crazy night, but so great to be with friends! Can't wait for next year!!

the happy hosts :)

our overnight guests...the Jones Family
Polly, Andrew, Adelaide and Oliver

the guys...minus Scott (it's ok Beier, we still love you)

the ladies

the kids...minus Tate

thank you Elmo for entertaining the kids while the adults ate dinner :)