Illinois Christmas

December 22 & 23: Geneva, IL 

December 24: Downtown Chicago

Downtown on Christmas Eve is one of my favorite newer traditions we've adopted. The city is bustling and so full of pretty decorations! The song "Silver Bells" runs through my head. Then you go to sleep and you wake up to a magical, silent city. Its really amazing.

The kids loved their dinner at Morton's. While we waited for the food to come, we chatted. I would ask a question and we would go around and answer. One of the questions was "Who is someone you know who models being caring to you?"  Cruz answered 'Rowan' which melted my heart. Rowan answered 'Grampy' which was also the sweetest. We asked our waiter to take a picture of us and he did. Afterwards, Cora ran up and hugged him. He looked so surprised, haha! 

December 25: Schaumburg, IL

These three bring so much cheer to the nursing home. You can tell the residents love seeing kids. 

Group pic minus the O'Connor's who had to head out early to another Christmas celebration. 

December 26:  Crystal Lake, IL

December 27: Crystal Lake, IL

December 28: Home Again

but first... the tiniest bit of snow! 

We had the best time celebrating the birth of Jesus with ALL of the people we love so much. We had a smooth trip home (other than an overweight present suitcase, haha) and are unpacking and ready to relax. Thank you everyone for all the food, gifts and fellowship! We are so grateful for you. 

More December Fun:

Santa: 

This year the boys humored me with a Santa picture. Cora was still excited to go see him. The kids did have fun pulling out all of our previous Santa pictures and seeing how much they've grown.

Book Buddy Party: 

The 5th graders had a special Christmas party at school with their Kindergarten book buddies. Both Rowan and Cora took a lot of time and care to pick out a perfect gift for their buddy. 

Cora and her best friend Claire wore matching jammies.

The whole bunch of Kindergarteners. 

Decorating Cookies:

Claire's big sister (who is in Cruz's class) had her girl friends over from school to decorate cookies. Claire got to choose a couple of friends to come too. 

The little girls loved hanging with the big girls. 

Christmas Parties: 


I got to jump between the kids Christmas celebrations today. Rowan's class had snacks, a hot chocolate bar and a mug gift exchange. Rowan brought a mug that looked like a basketball with a little attached hoop.


Row took home a Titans mug which he was very excited about.


Cruz's class wore their pajamas, did a cute craft, had snacks and did a book exchange. His teacher read a Christmas book to them and every time they heard the word "Joseph" they had to pass their gift to the right. They got to keep the book they ended up with at the end of the story.




I am Cora's room mom so I was pretty busy at her party! Her class ate some fun snacks, they played Christmas Bingo, and also did a book gift exchange.


A little girl in Cora's class forgot to bring a book for the exchange so Cora sweetly offered to share.

Okay, now its time to pack up and head to the airport. We can't wait to see all of our family SO soon!

Merry Christmas!