New Years Eve

We all headed to Ohio to celebrate New Years with Eugene and David. We drove down with my parents, and Mario and Shirell and the boys met us there. We had a great time. We spent an afternoon at the Imagination Station--an awesome children's museum. We all had so much fun.

peek a boo Giana

playing doctor with Zio Gene

clouds

Playing in the sandbox

Then we went back to Eugene and David's place, where they made a great Mexican fiesta!

Look how cute the girls are-

smile

Talia, Ryan and Payton Talia almost made it til midnight...

We stayed over until midnight and then went back to our hotel. We headed to breakfast before heading back to IL. Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas

Although we were all still pretty sick, we all headed to Mario and Shirell's to celebrate Christmas with my family. The girls had a great time opening presents in the morning. Giana was just so cute as she gasped every time she opened a present, and then quickly asked, "can you open it?" Talia just loved opening everything and then setting it all out to take it all in!

sitting in their new chairs:

getting ready to go

Shirell made a delicious lunch and then we opened presents!

It is always so much fun to sit around and talk to my family. There is never a dull moment!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve

It seems that we can't catch a break around the holidays each year. Poor Giana has the croup, and needed a steroid shot, Talia has a double ear infection and bronchitis and Kenny and I both have sinus infections. UGH!! Because of that, we decided that Giana and I were going to stay home and not venture to Wisconsin to celebrate Christmas Eve with the Engstrom's. Kenny promised to take pics though...

here's a sleepy and sick Giana (and sad Kenny)

Talia and Kenny before they headed north

Talia with her cousins Pierce and Reagan (who hurt her head)

Here's the tree--Santa came!

Hens Holiday Party

Our Thursday "Hens" playgroup had our annual holiday party on Thurs. Dec 9. The girls got dressed up in their super cute matching Hanna Anderson play dresses (and Giana in her new super cute hat) and off we went to the Lipani house.

The girls brought presents for Santa to bring to other kids who do not have enough presents this year and Talia happily talked to him about what she wanted for Christmas (again). At least Giana didn't cry this time. :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!! We can't wait!

Sweet Sisters

Look how sweet my girls are!

First Snow!

The girls had a great time playing in the first snow of the year. We wanted to get out during the day, but the day escaped us and it gets so dark so early these days. It was only about 5 when we went out, but it was already dark! That didn't stop Talia and Giana from having a great time sledding down our front lawn and making snow angels. This was Giana's first time ever playing in the snow and she really seemed to like it.

Back inside--look at their pink cheeks!

Trimming the Tree

We were all so excited to put the tree up this year. Talia was a great helper and even Giana wanted to help too!