Wii

We got a Wii for Christmas thinking Hailey might enjoy it and we could replace some cartoon time with some active games. She has played the Dora game we got and does pretty well at it, but her favorite so far has been the We Ski. Here she is playing it. She's pretty good.

And here is Dad boxing. The funniest thing he has said to me - This isn't for me, its for Hailey. I think he has played for about 2-3 hours tonight. He played tennis for so long, I think his arm will hurt tomorrow. Now he is boxing up a storm.

Christmas Day at Nana and Papa's

We had a really nice day at Nana and Papa's. Hailey enjoyed opening presents and it didn't matter if they were hers. Present were my family and Uncle Jim, cousins Shannon and Jimmy and Shannon's boyfriend Mike. We had a great turkey dinner and a lot of laughs. Thanks Mom and Dad for Christmas and everything else you do for us.

Hailey got a new doll she had wanted. It coos and giggles and cries. It is annoying as heck, but she loves it. She picked it out at the store and when she was opening it, she turned to me and said, Mom - the one we saw at the store! The cradle was mine when I was a little girl. My mom held onto it all these long years. She had it refurbished and new bedding made for Hailey. Needless to say - Hailey loves this cradle. I love the history of it. I guess that means when my girls are done with it, I'll have to keep it in my crawlspace for 30 years....hmmm...

There was a train theme of sorts. Hailey got this train set that closes up to carry around from Aunt Kate. Madison got the one that the train goes down the track. As you can see, Hailey liked playing with it. Maddie is just trying to get a chance to play.

There were a bunch of shenanigans with the cradle. Its a good thing its sturdy.

Shannon and her boyfriend Mike

I think the hat from Christmas Eve must have been in the diaper bag, or else this is my mom's. I am not really sure. It was a source of entertainment again though.

Hailey is horrible with names. I tell Kris she gets that trait from him. She kept saying, "Where is the girl that Maddie likes?" She couldn't remember Shannon's name for the life of her.

Maddie is a serious ham!

Maddie is touching the barbie car when she gets a chance. Any other time, Hailey would snatch it from under her and say I don't want Madison to touch it. Oh, the love of sisters! We are starting to see it this Christmas. They would both just start screaming when upset.

We got home and Hailey was still messing around with her cradle. She told us she was going to sleep.

Maddie is almost there

She kept standing and then sitting back down. She is getting close....

Christmas Morning

There is something great about waking up at your own house on Christmas Morning, even if you sleep on the couch to ensure your older daughter doesn't sneak down to see her presents from Santa. I didn't have that to worry about though - Hailey was so tired from the night before that she didn't wake up until 815 or so. For her, that is unheard of and especially when she knew Santa was coming. The night before, she was so cute. When I put her to bed, she was sad and she said with extreme seriousness, "I hope I'm not on the naughty list." I assured her she was a great big sister and a good girl and would be on the nice list.

The Barbie remote control car. Barbie and Mackenzie (thats what Hailey named Ken)

New baby stroller - I think Madison enjoys it as much as Hailey

Candyland a huge success

The new recliner is a big hit too. Maddie loved to sit in it, but can't quite climb up herself. Hailey enjoyed watching some cartoons comfy with a blanket and all.

Cookies and Daddy juice for Santa

Yep, thats right - Santa likes Daddy juice. Hailey told us so! They had to be put down by the chimney since that is where Santa comes in. Strangely, he leaves the presents up by the stockings though!

Who knew Santa left notes? Hailey thought this was pretty hilarious. She left Santa 2 cookies, a chocolate covered pretzel and Daddy juice. He didn't eat the regular part of the pretzel so Hailey told us, he only liked the chocolate part.

Christmas Eve

When we are in town for Christmas, we spend Christmas Eve at the Cronins. We always have such a great time. Hailey really enjoys hanging out with Olivia and Esme too.

Hailey and Esme running around

Maddie enjoying some quality time with her godparents, Aimee and Marc

Maddie and her Papa

Three Musketeers (Hailey, Olivia, and Esme) up to something

The girls played in the closet for a good portion of the night. At one point, they brought in pillows and blankets and said they needed a radio. Mike provided his iphone with music and the girls were in heaven.

Kate, Nana and Maddie

The girls were checking in on Maddie

The girls ate lots of snacks. We brought Goetz dip, so Hailey was content.

This just cracked me up - not sure what my kiddo is doing...

Every year, the Cronins provide some hilarity with their gifts. This was the mens gift - the santa baseball cap combo. The girls was the snow hat. This is the 1st ever womans group picture. A new tradition we will have to continue.

The fun with the hat continues

Esme was running from pajama time

The girls all ready for bed, provided some music. All in all, a great night with my family and friends.

Family Pics

We got our family photos done in November. We had a great photographer in Lombard - Maria Pisano - here is her website - mariapisano.fototime.com. We met her at Morton Arboretum and walked around and took pictures. Here are a few of my favorites. Attached is the whole album (if you feel like looking at all of them). I would highly recommend Maria if you are looking to get any photos done.

Many of you have seen this one for our Christmas cards. We were planning on using a family photo until we saw this one. Then there wasn't any question. We just love this picture.