Daddy - Daughter Drawbot

Lily Grace loves doing projects with Matt.  They enjoy discussing angles, numbers, how things work and all things technology.  She loves to talk copper wire, conforms and taping machines with him and honestly, she can probably tell you better than I can what Matt does for a living.  ha! ha!
Leading up to Christmas, she saw a book filled with projects to do with your dad.  She added it to her wish list and was very happy to receive it from Santa.  
The first project LG selected for her and Matt to do was building a "Drawbot."  They spent last weekend gathering materials. This weekend they set out to tackle the project.  
As always when working together, there were some bumps along the way (and one on my island thanks to this project and the single digit temps outside forcing them to work indoors...) but by days end,  they had in fact built and tested the drawbot and above all, had done it together.  Both of them were all smiles and very proud.  

Supplies 

Not sure how Matt truly feels about this book. ha! ha!

Two peas in a pod

 Molly's work ethic! HA!

It works!

And there you have it!  Great job!

Christmas Day

We've enjoyed a wonderful, fun filled Christmas Day.  
We kicked things off with Christmas Eve mass and then a yummy dinner last night.  
This morning we woke Gracie at 7:00 and squeals of "Samantha" could be heard as soon as her feet hit the bottom of the stairs.  She was so excited to see the doll she's been wishing for.  We've all had a great time trying out all the exciting things Santa brought, playing games, opening gifts and hanging out in our P.J.'s all day.  
As always, the family time has been priceless.  Thank you God for loving us so much. You sent your son into this world to save us all.  We share in these blessings through your love and grace.  Thanks be to God!  Merry Christmas!

Lily Grace and our newest family member, Samantha

Thank you for my special bracelet Gracie and Daddy!

Very surprised to open up a gift from mama and daddy and find the Elsa costume she circled months ago in a catalog.  

It gets so cold in IN.  Daddy is always talking about cold feet so Lily and I were excited to surprise him with something he would never think to get for himself.  Enjoy your toasty toes daddy!

Molly kept busy with her own new toys.  

Blessed!  And yes, P.J.'s all day!!!!!!!  The best!

Getting into some new books

Picture speaks for itself

Yes, we have heard Let it Go several times compliments of LG.

We added a ping pong table to our play room and it has gotten a good workout today.  Matt and I get a little carried away.  

Bob Elf left us a four person Mancala game on Christmas Eve before he left.  We have really enjoyed playing.  Let me just say, LG is a fierce opponent and has skunked Matt and I more than one time.  

Worn out...these two took a break.  Yes, LG even managed to get that long dress inside that sleeping bag with her. Clearly, she's not going to Let it Go.  Ha!  

Look at these two cuties all ready for bed in their new matching American Girl Samantha pajamas.  

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.