So I feel like I say this every year but it was so so so cold on our trip to Illinois. I think it was colder than usual. The temperature with windchill was well below zero. In spite of that, we still had a beautiful time visiting with family and spending time together celebrating Christ's birth. We even had a white Christmas. You can't beat that!
We did Christmas a little bit differently this year with the Baum side of the family. Instead of traveling to Morton to see Grandma, Grandpa and Deona, we headed to Uncle Randy and Aunt Nicole's house in Geneva, IL and everyone came to them. This was nice for us since Geneva is only a 45 minute drive from Grammy and Grampy's as opposed to three hours.
Coloring with Grandma!
Making yummy cookies.
The kids enjoyed chasing around Toby and Josie the cats.
Lots of puzzles were done this trip! Roger and his various assortment of helpers completed two in just two days.
Game time with Aunt Nicole
Josie was so nervous with all the noise and houseguests but Cora was determined to win her over.
Watching for Grandpa and Deona to arrive.
So many stockings!!
More puzzles
Everyone tried a sip of bacon soda which was super gross.
Grandpa and Cruzy did some Mad Libs
Grandma and her dog Tillie
Things got a little crazy at our birthday party for Jesus!
Coco and Deona
We decided to something a little bit different and a little bit special on Christmas Eve this year. We took the kids to downtown Chicago for some sightseeing, a hotel stay and a fancy dinner.
It was snowy and super cold. We started out with lunch at one of our favorite Chicago places, Portillos.
We stayed downtown at the Blackstone.
We went to the Christkindlmarket, a fun little German Christmas market downtown.
Everyone was pretty cold but we ate a few German chocolate Santa's and some cinnamon almonds
And browsed some of the ornament shops to choose a few new ornaments for our tree.
We took the kids to their first real fancy restaurant. We had a great time chatting and doing "questions" while we waited for our food. All three kiddos had steak. Cruz told the waiter that it was the best steak he'd ever had (which it should have been, haha).
Not the best photo but hey, we're all in it.
On Christmas Day we headed to Clare Oak's to celebrate Christmas with my Grandpa Puzzello and Aunt Mar. The 26th was our celebration with Grammy, Grampy and the cousins and the 27th we spent with my Dad's extended family. .
Cousins
My sweet Cruzy Bear.
Pool and darts were big hits with the guys.
So was cousin time.
Great Grandpa and Cruz
The three girls had such a fun time playing together this year. Cora enjoyed playing with both Jemma and Jade.
This pic just makes me laugh. Jemma was getting a little chat from her mom in this photo and I kind of love Cora and Jade's little smiles about it.
Sister Cousins
Sweet boys
The boys are into these little squishy characters called Ooshies.
Cruz was so so excited to open one of the limited edition "rare" ooshies.
I wish I had gotten a better photo but these two dancing together to Christmas music were so stinking cute.
Family pic.
Sweet Coco and Grammy.
We managed to still get out on the 28th despite some snow and other weather conditions. Our flight was delayed and we didn't get home until after midnight. But I'm so thankful for the chance to celebrate Christmas with our families. Its such a blessing to be able to do that every year. Thank you to all who let us destroy your homes, who fed us and who showered us with fun and thoughtful gifts. We love you all so much!
