WINter

So, did we even have winter this year or what?!  I say WINter was a WINner!  I don't mind the snow - unless it is still around in March which it usually is - but, I have to admit that it was kinda nice to have a break from 90 inches of it this year.  

I promise you, there was one Saturday that we had snow on the ground to take the kids out for some pictures.  Our snowman was pretty sad, but the snow angels were awfully cute.

 Minnie came out to play with us.

- becky

Chicago 2011

After much debating, we decided to take our annual trip to Chicago between Christmas and New Years. The winter weather this year has been very different than usual, and this held true on our trip. Instead of snow, we had a lot of fog and misty rain. It didn't make for great pictures, but we still had lots of fun!

Don't you just love it when the Shedd Aquarium is super crowded?! Not.

Camera in hand!

Yes, I know. That is our son on the WRONG side of the railing.

Annual picture in the bean. Don't worry - Mallory is only sleeping. (We did wake her up to see the Macy's Christmas tree.)

That building is really tall!

Peek-a-boo!

I see you!

- becky

Christmas 2011

Happy Birthday, baby Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

Opening presents with the kids was so much fun this year! I was really smart and wrapped Isaiah's gifts in Thomas paper and Mallory's in princess paper. I didn't have to label any of them which was a good thing since I was wrapping really late on Christmas Eve.

Neena and PawPaw got Isaiah a Thomas pillow pet. He loves it and sleeps with it every night.

It amazes me how pretty Barbie doll hair looks in the package. 5 minutes after the dolls are out, their hair is a fright!

Mallory takes so many fun pictures with her digital camera. Be watching for her very own blog - Mallory's Take - to be released soon!

Every year, we have a just-the-four-of-us family vacation the week between Christmas and New Year's. We had a 2-part trip this year - St. Louis and Chicago. St. Louis was quick, so we weren't able to see any of my aunts, uncles, or cousins that live there. :( Hopefully, we will get to see them this summer, but if not - for SURE at my cousin Mary's wedding in October!)

Tim surprised me with Busch Stadium Tour tickets in my stocking! FUN!!! A funny little story about our tour - while we were inside on the tour our salesperson for Miller Park called to confirm our purchase of Brewer Season Tickets for the year. What funny timing! Tim assured the sales rep that while I love the Cards, we are still Brewer fans, too. :)

We walked down the street to see where the Blues play. Game that night!

Score Card covers for each of the World Series wins. This year's yet to come!

In the dug out!

Time to call the bull pen!

Almost up to bat...

Cute little tourist

Blues Baby!

I had fun playing with the digital camera.

Might have to frame this picture above for Tim!

Making her mother oh-so-proud! Mallory discovered Toasted Ravioli on this trip. :)

- becky