New toy

Someone is happy to get to use his new toy!

First snow of the year!

The girls were really excited to get out in the snow! We had to go outside Friday night and let them check it out.

And Saturday morning, the first thing Avery said was "is it still snowing?" They begged us to let them play in it, so we got all bundled up! We built a snowman. Then, Avery wanted to build a snow castle. :)

Santa's BFFs

I took the girls to see Santa really early this year to avoid the crowds and waiting in line. Unfortunately, the day we went, they were having issues with the camera and Santa didn't start seeing people until about 45 minutes later than he was supposed to. So, the girls and I walked around the mall and played on the escalators. When we finally got to see Santa, Morgan was beyond excited. She screamed at the top of her lungs "SANTA SANTA SANTA" when she saw him walking towards us. All the other people in line just laughed.

When we got up to the front and had our turn with Santa, Morgan ran right up and gave him a high-five. Avery just stood back and checked him out for a little bit. Typical. Morgan told Santa she wanted a baby doll. Avery told Santa she wanted a big ladder. Um, what? I have no idea where that came from. Even Santa looked at me a little funny. I'm guessing she was the only kid asking for a big ladder for Christmas. Ha!

When we went to take the picture, Morgan hopped on Santa's lap. Avery said she would stand next to him. So, they gave her a little step stool to sit on the floor next to Santa. Ha! The picture was ok... no smiles, but at least they weren't crying.

At home before visiting Santa

Santa gave the girls chocolates

Silly faces!

Waiting patiently

Here it is... Santa Picture 2015!

More leaves

Matt raked up all the leaves in the backyard last weekend. The girls helped and then ran through them, kicked them, buried themselves in them... had a lot of fun!

Leaves

Nap Time

I would love it if they took naps until they were 18, so I could get a nap in as well! :) But, some days nap time goes well... and others, it does not!



They look really tired, don't they!?!

After that, I tried separating them, but they didn't like that. So, they fell asleep watching Daniel Tiger in our bed. At this point, it's whatever works! I can take my nap in the guest bedroom.

Finally fell asleep

They woke up happy... is this a hug... or a headlock?

Six years!

These beautiful flowers have been making the whole first floor of the house smell like a garden for the past week! Love them! And love the guy that gave them to me!

Looking forward to our kid-free getaway in December (and some warm weather)!

Happy Anniversary Matt!

Squirrels

We set out pumpkins for Halloween on the front porch. The girls had painted some and we got a couple at the pumpkin patch. I first noticed a few "scratches" on the pumpkins. And then they were being carved by our furry little friends. I googled what to do so the squirrels will leave the pumpkins alone. Hot sauce, red pepper flakes, soap, etc. all got poured on the pumpkins. Didn't deter these guys.

The squirrels would sit on top of the pumpkins and look at us through the front windows. They wouldn't actually run away unless we opened the door and came outside. Even then, they would just run to the edge of the porch and wait for us to go back inside. They taunted me!

A few pictures from Halloween

For Halloween, we went over to Ross and Erin's house for a little party. The girls had fun playing with all the other kiddos and passing out candy to the trick or treaters. I didn't take nearly enough pictures of the group! My brother has a bunch, so I may add some more once I get them from him. He actually has a family photo of the four of us so you can see Matt's costume. Matt somehow managed to stay out of all the pictures I took! :)

Helping Mama ice cupcakes the day before the party

Me and my little "Sapunzel"

"Mimmie Mouse and Sapunzel"

The girls twirling in their Halloween outfits

Avery was SO excited to wear Aunt Erin's headband

Minnie Mouse

Rapunzel

Avery even kept this headband on the next day!

Girls weekend

Every year, I get together with two friends of mine from high school. This year, they came to Chicago. We spent Friday night out in Downers Grove catching up and drinking wine. On Saturday, we headed down to the city for the night for some fun. We got mani/pedis at the Waldorf-Astoria spa (thanks to Matt!). That place is amazing! We had some fun drinks and yummy food at Quartino... love that place! We ended up at Howl at the Moon after that for a few more drinks and some music. Definitely a fun night out with Crystal and JJ! I'm so glad we have kept in touch and plan these annual trips to get together!

Halloween car at the Peninsula

Grabbing lunch at Jake Melnicks

Drinks and dinner at Quartino

Lemon drop shots at Howl at the Moon (yikes!)

Silliness followed those shots!

Boo at the Zoo

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Brookfield Zoo for their "Boo at the Zoo" party. The girls really wanted to ride the carousel, so we did that first. Avery finally got up the courage to ride on it again. She picked the peacock... definitely the safest option. :)

After the carousel, Avery wanted to get her face painted. No surprise there. Morgan was too scared to do it at first. Not sure why. After she saw Avery's face, she wanted hers done too, though. Avery picked a purple unicorn design. Morgan picked a dolphin. Such different girls!

We walked around a bit and saw some animals. The girls had a lot of fun!