Holiday fun!

December is always a fun month full of events and activities!  Since we are in a new city we are still trying to discover all of the things to do around the holidays and begin some new traditions.

This year, Reese and Sloane joined a Daisies group.   The girls all took a trip to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  This was the first time Reese and Sloane had seen this ballet...they were so excited!

One of our babysitters performed in the ballet... it was nice to see Miss Kelly dance.

The girls dressed up for the performance.  Don't they look beautiful?

After the performance, we joined a 1st grade Daisies group and all went out to lunch!  Our waitress was such a good sport....the girls had a blast!

The following weekend, our family had lunch with Santa! 

Brooks, Reese and Sloane each received a note pad, crayons and stickers to use while we waited for the food.  They also made a Christmas ornament and got a glitter tattoo.

My 3 babies!

Coloring!

Reese and Sloane seem to be getting closer now that they are older.  They are so cute together sometimes...

Sloane making her ornament

Writing her Christmas wishes...

Santa!

Sloane telling Santa what she would like for Christmas

Reese just gave Santa a hug

Then Sloane wanted to give Santa a hug

Santa pulling on Brooks' ears

Then he told Brooks he had a red nose like Rudolf 

Sloane could not stop talking to Santa!  She was so serious and so animated.

Holiday traditions

Our family is starting some new holiday traditions since we have moved to Illinois.

Now that we live so close to the great city of Chicago, we plan to take advantage of the events that happen in the city.

The Festival of Lights is an event in Chicago that includes a holiday parade and fireworks.

We decided to ride the train into the city....Brooks, Reese and Sloane were excited to ride the train for the first time!

Waiting at the train station to ride into Chicago

 The weather was perfect for the parade!  The commentary from Brooks. Reese and Sloane was priceless...especially when we saw the big inflatable characters like Rudolf!

Watching the parade in Chicago

Riding the train

 Brooks, Reese and Sloane are now old enough to participate in "Feed My Starving Children".

Together as a family we made meals for children in other countries who do not have food.

My heart melted as I listened to the trio talk about how they were helping other children....we want to them remember how fortunate we are to have food, clothes and a nice house.  

We also discussed how these children do not have toys and bikes like we do...a valuable life lesson.

I think this will be one of our favorite tradition in the coming years.

Sloane getting ready to pack a box of meals

Our family

Brooks and Reese making meals

Of course the holiday season would not be complete without a trip to see Santa!

Brooks, Reese and Sloane did notice that this Santa looked different than the Santa in Texas!  Sadly, this was a sign that my babies are growing up!  I am hoping to hold on to Santa as long as possible!