2008 Christmas Memories

We took our annual trip downtown to see the Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre. This is our 5th year, and unfortunately it wasn't the best rendition we have seen. We had some free time before the show and visited the Kriskindle market with the kids. We enjoyed seeing all the German crafts, eating chocolate covered fruit, and walking through the slushy snow.

It is so great having a daughter old enough to take pictures for us now. I am usually left out of them since I'm typically the photographer.

The chocolate covered strawberries and bananas were sooo delicious. I can't even verbalize how good. Just like their mom. They love the chocolate stuff too.

Before seeing the Christmas Carol we went to Petterino's for dinner, where Paul and I had some of the best Prime Rib ever! Eating at this restaurant is a treat for us, they give you new silverware when yours is dirty and they even come around and wipe the crumbs off the table for you. I wish someone could do that for me at home.

Kylie had a "Holiday Hoe-Down" at school and we were so proud that she memorized all the music! She definitely loves performing. She even stood up on a stage and danced a really cute country dance. We were lucky enough to get seats in the second row.

2008 Christmas Celebration Activities

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Paul's brother Chris and his family. Paul's parents recently moved to Florida and most of Jenna's family are in Las Vegas. Jenna made some awesome spiral ham, cheesy potatoes and green beans. She also made her infamous layered ice cream jello.

The girls really wanted shoes from Santa. Lana and Kylie are really into the Converse Shoe trend. They also got new bed quilts, baby dolls, books, an electronic journal, scrapbooks, DS games, DVDs and tickets to see the musical Wicked from mom and dad (orchestra seats!).


Mom and Dad were pooped out on Christmas day and it looks like Lana snuck in a picture of us taking an afternoon nap. Note Jennas red neck warmer filled with Lavendar beads (you can warm it in the microwave, and it is such a relaxing treat).

As a family we made a great effort to give during the holidays. The girls walked the neighborhood for almost 2 hours in 20 degree weather to gather items for the Rockford Pregnancy Center. Paul and I tried to help the girls understand the meaning of giving and to truly feel the spirit of the Christmas season.

We've always had a hard time deciding where to hang our Christmas stockings and I finally figured out we could hang them on the banister. I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner!



Lana and Kylie love wearing their Christmas outfits the Sunday before Christmas, so they can wear them twice in 1 week.



We are sad to take down the decorations this week, but are so excited to start again with a fresh start in 2009. As a family we have set our guiding principles (aka goals) for 2009. Our most exciting event in 2009 is Kylie getting baptized in 3 weeks!