Christmas 2012

Oh, what a great, celebratory Christmastime!  It was about a month of fun and parties.  The kids enjoyed every second of the family and friend time.  This year for Christmas, the girls were into princesses (and really anything with glitter on it) and Declan received trucks and cars (since our toy supply was lacking in that department).  Chris jokes that his co-workers may think that he came from a strip club because he, well all of us, constantly have glitter on us from the princess dresses the girls always are wearing.

Claire loved (and received) anything and everything Cinderella.  Tess was more open-minded with her Disney princesses and was happy with Merida, Sleeping Beauty and Rapunzel.  Tess was also very excited about gadgets this year (taking after her dad) - her watch and headphones.  You can tell in the pictures below what each kid liked best, because they were wearing these presents at Christmas breakfast (and Claire's Cinderella dress all day - during her nap and even to Christmas dinner).     

This was the first year that the girls picked out and gave each other and Declan presents.  It was very sweet how much time and thought they put into these gifts and how much joy it gave them to give them.  Tess gave Claire a princess domino game and Declan some little people cars.  Claire gave Tess a little mermaid bath toy and Declan a blue animal shirt.  Also, Tess gave Chris and I a beautiful ornament with the Holy Family on it.  Thanks to my mom and Elizabeth for taking Tess shopping and Chris for taking Claire shopping.

It was a happy, happy time.

Tea Time

While pregnant with a baby girl four years ago, I would daydream of bows, ballet, pig tails, her playing soccer in ruffly socks, and --most of all -- tea parties.  I am a big tea drinker and enjoy slowing down and the conversation that usually comes with the sipping.  My love of tea and tea parties has been passed down to Tess and Claire.  From a very early age, Tess and I enjoyed tea parties on the floor and Tess's gift to Claire when she was born was a tea set.  Most days, you can find Tess and Claire having a tea party in the basement. The conversations they have while sitting at their little table melt my heart.  

So, given our love of sitting down for a cup of tea, this year I decided that the girls were old enough for high tea at The Drake.  Yesterday, Chris and I brought the girls to the fanciest tea party any of us had been to. I have no other words but to say it was magical.  The room was gorgeous - all decorated for Christmas. Each of us were served our own tea pots, cups and saucers while carolers roamed the room singing Christmas carols.  Approaching our table, Tess requested "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and then sat mesmerized, listening to the singers.  Chris showed the girls how to quietly place their tea cups on their saucers. Tess started calling us all "darling" as she sipped her water out of her china cup.  Claire, who preferred milk in her cup, ate banana bread and desserts "like a lady" and acted well beyond her two years.  They loved playing big girl with mom and dad. At one point, I teared up, reflecting on how my dreams of having tea with my daughters has become a reality.  I hope tea at The Drake during the Christmas season becomes a new, annual family tradition.  I know Tess agrees: as we left, she told me she wished we could live there!

Taking after Daddy

Family Christmas Brunches

Chris, the kids and I have had a great time hanging with our families this Chritmas season and Santa has been a success so far.  Tess was flabbergasted with the fact that Santa knew which princesses were their favorites when making their presents.  Currently, Claire likes Cinderella and Tess likes Merida (from Brave).  I can't wait for Christmas morning!

Trouble...

Take a breath

The holiday season is so fun (especially with three little ones), but so crazy busy.  We have been running non-stop since Thanksgiving - Chris and I, and the kids.  Every once in awhile in this season of blessings, something makes you take pause and consider all of you have.  Today, as I attempted to cross one more item off my to do list, I went through our pictures from this past year to make photo calendars for some of you.  This picture made me stop and catch my breath.  Easter seems like yesterday, yet look at how young the kids look - all three of them ... deep breath ... I wish I could press pause.   I love them so much.

Our Pup

When Declan did this tonight, all I could think of was the puppy from 101 Dalmatians:

Claire's First Haircut (2 years and 3 months)

Declan's First Christmas Tree

Christmas Time!!!  Yesterday, it was 60 degrees in Chicago, so we all went in our spring coats to pick out Declan's first Christmas tree.  And tonight, in their Christmas jammies, they each got a new ornament and we decorated the beautiful tree.  This has always been my favorite time of year, but with kids, it is just MAGICAL!  From the awe of putting a tree on the car and bringing it into our house, to the excitement of having daddy lift them up to put the star on the top.  As you'll see, both Tess and Claire wanted to put the star on top of the tree this year.  Good luck to Chris next year, when all three kiddos want to help!