Christmas Story: Part One

Since Mike and I have been together, we've split the two major holidays with both families.  It's always hard not being with your family on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but we want to be together so the best option was to switch every year.  This year, it was our turn to be in Iowa on the actual holiday so we were lucky enough to have the whole Adams family visit us in Chicago the weekend before!

The day before they came, I was walking down the street close to my work and took this picture.  I forgot to tell anyone but it was obvious Chicago was pretty excited to have the Adams (or Addams) Family in town!  I mean, who else would get a full marquee to announce their arrival??

I was super excited for the weekend because it was Luke's "first" First Christmas.  :-)  I couldn't wait for him to open gifts and spend time with everyone.  It was a whirlwind trip, but we had lots of fun and it was awesome seeing Lily, Stella and Luke together.

Nana, Papa and Aunt Katie stayed with us and Casey, Andra, Lily and Stella stayed downtown at the Rafaello Hotel.  I can't wait to have enough room for everyone to stay with us someday.

When everyone got into town on Saturday we hung out at our house and munched on some goodies and let the kiddos play.  We decided it probably made sense to open gifts before we went out for dinner.  Lily had absolutely no objections!

Luke was in the middle of the action but we realized for the first time he didn't really like the sound of tearing wrapping paper.  Everything happened so fast that it didn't last long though!  Here are some pics of the loot - we all made out pretty good!


Lily and her Lalaloopsy Dolls!



Stella Bella with her new scooter.

Lukey and his awesome new chair

I just love how Stella looooooves her baby Luke.  She kisses and hugs him all the time.  It is so sweet.  Luke of course, is only interested in climbing on or taking whatever Stella has at the moment. But I can't wait until Luke "gets" the hugs and gives her one right back!

Luke doesn't have any idea why Stella Bella loves him so much!

We trekked over to Roots for dinner after we opened gifts.  Roots is a fun pizza place in the 'hood so we all bundled up and walked there.  Luke fell asleep in the stroller and slept the ENTIRE time - for 2 hours in a crazy loud restaurant.  He was pooped from all of the excitement!  After dinner, we strolled home and the Webb family headed to the hotel and the rest of us put on our comfy pants and ended up in bed before long.  Kinda like what happens on the real Christmas Day.  :-)

On the way to Roots.... 

 On Sunday we went downtown to do a little Michigan Avenue shopping.  We were able to get a few things knocked off the remaining gift list and besides, what's a trip to Chicago without at least a little time on Michigan Avenue?  Nana and Papa took Lily and Luke to the Disney store and they each got a toy.  Pretty lucky kiddos.


Stella and Luke hanging out in their strollers



Nana, Papa and Stella waving at the rest of the crew on the street

Everyone but Nana and Papa headed home after shopping.  They were able to stick around a bit longer so we went out for lunch and got to spend a little more time together.

I'm sorry it took so long to post this - it was a great weekend and we are very lucky that everyone made the trip to Chicago (except for Chris - we missed you!).  Next year it's Christmas in Michigan!