Windy City Nutcracker

 We have been very blessed with the opportunity to live by two major cities, New York and Chicago (both only 2-3 hours away).  I have to say, I think Chicago is our favorite and over the weekend we enjoyed a trip to the windy city for the Nutcracker.  
This year marked our 6th year to see the Nutcracker with Lily Grace.  Chicago marked our 4th state to see it in.  
We had the best time!!  Shopping, eating, mass at a new church and of course the Jeoffery Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. 
One word...magical!  It's our family favorite out of all the performances we have seen.  The stage props, costumes and our seats were all amazing.  
We look forward to a return next year and to the family tradition that continues to bring us so much joy and cherished memories.  

We woke to this before leaving for Chicago.  Lily Grace asked Bob to watch the house for us.  

Yes, my child travels with a hand me down briefcase from her daddy.  Too funny!

The hotel decorations were beautiful.

The city was lit up and festively decorated as well.

We got in a little shopping at Nordstrom where Lily Grace fell in love with these cowgirl boots.  She wore them right out of the store with pride.  I do mean large and proud.  Matt and I got the biggest laugh.

Of course we had to stop into American Girl where Lily Grace found Samantha.  She is so hoping Santa brings Samantha this year.  

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed a treat by the fire.  Oh yes!  And those boots!

After church on Sunday- and yes!!! those boots!  I have to say, I nearly flipped out when she asked with the most sincere face to please wear these things with her adorable, dress.  According to her it would be so fashionable.  Now while I was standing there trying to figure out what to say and contain my surprise, I could see Matt laughing out of the corner of my eye in the other room. I know the expression on my face had to be saying what I was really thinking however,  I took a deep breath and said okay.  And let me just say, she "wore" those boots.  Smiles and pride are all I saw

Her requested "kick up your heel" shot.

This year's Nutcracker

This is really how our family behaves out in public.  ha! ha!

Gracie had to get a picture of the orchestra and in particular the strings.

2014 Christmas Card Out-takes

Always one of my favorites....looking back at our attempts to get the perfect Christmas card picture. 

Merry Christmas!!

Happy 4th Birthday Molly!

Molly is such a good girl.  She brings so much joy to our family.  While she does:

*shed way to much 
*worries the life out of us when it gets close to     
  meal time 
*doesn't realize how big she is 
*is useless as a guard dog because she's way  
  too friendly and eager for a good rub  
*blocks the back door making it hard to leave 
  without bringing her along for the ride
  (especially to take and pick up Lily Grace  
  from school)

At the end of the day- this big 68 pounds of fur is loved to pieces!!!  Happy Birthday Molly!

Winter Recital

Lily Grace performed in her Winter Recital over the weekend.  She did a great job.  She played Minuet 2 for her solo piece and as part of a string ensemble performed Silent Night.  She looked quite adorable too!  Daddy and I so proud of you Gracie Cakes.  

Notice this look...it melts me.  You see, any time that Lily Grace performs in front of a crowd, she always looks for me.  Once she finds me, she always gives a little smile and most often a wink.  It's too cute!!  This is right in the middle of her performance of Minuet 2.  While that bow is quickly moving, she has her eyes fixed.  The girl is full of confidence.  

A Special Weekend

This weekend brought with it a very special guest.  Our elf, Bob made his return.  
Lily Grace was beyond excited to wake Saturday morning and find Bob downstairs.  He had set a festive breakfast table and left us a large Gingerbread kit.  Bob had woven himself into our dining chandelier and Lily Grace thought it was hilarious.  According to her, 'Bob expertly wove himself in there."  
Bob didn't stop there.  He really dazzled up the kitchen sliders with bows everywhere.  We also found a wonderful story, The Sparkle Box.  It's a beautiful story about the true meaning of Christmas and serving Christ by serving others.  
Saturday not only marked the arrival of Bob, but also marked the end of the 6 week period Lily Grace had to wait to change out her earrings for the first time.  She was beyond excited.  Daddy and I surprised her by letting her open two boxes from under the tree.  Each contained a new pair of earrings.  She picked the butterflies and we changed them out.  
Bob even got in on the earring action Sunday morning when we woke to find him in our Christmas tree wearing a most colorful pair of earrings.  Too funny!  He also left something for Gracie that she's been looking forward to, her letter from Santa.  
What a special weekend with memories made.   These are the times I cherish.  

The smile says it all and absolutely melts my heart.

She was so worried about not being able to change out her earrings because she didn't have any.  She couldn't figure out why daddy and I weren't more concerned or understanding of this fact.   Little did she know that Matt and I were just as excited for her. We already had two new pair that we purchased shortly after she had her ears pierced.  

Her first pair of real earrings- butterflies 

We had several laughs decorating this house and several candy spills along the way.

Our colorful creation- complete with tons of icing

Now those are some colorful earrings

Letter from Santa

Thanksgiving down South

This year we boarded a flight and spent Thanksgiving with our families in Alabama and Florida.  We had lots of food and fun!
We are certainly Blessed!

Lily Grace enjoyed time with Honey learning to crochet.  She has decided that crocheting is much harder than she thought.  Honey makes it look so easy.  

 Jessica and Tanner hosted us for the first time in their new home. Everything looked great and the goodies were delicious.  

Matt grew out his vacation beard.  (AKA: I'm off work and don't have to bother with shaving.)  I must say, it started to grow on me and Gracie.  We all got a good laugh Sunday morning as he tried out a goatee and a mustache right before shaving it completely off.  

Lily Grace dug into a turkey leg.  Thanks so much to everyone for hosting us and working so hard to make everything so nice. 

While Bob elf hasn't officially made an appearance yet, he did leave Lily Grace a cozy welcome home gift upon our return to IN late Friday night.  

Halloween on the Prairie

With rain and snow falling, Laura Ingalls and Pa ventured out Trick -or- Treating.