SNOW DAY!

What a weekend for Chicago weather! Well, last Thursday night, we received a freezing ice storm. In fact, this tree pictured above shows the ice. This picture was not taken in Naperville, but in Normal, IL, a few hours south of us; however, it shows the beauty and the results of our storm. Friday, school was cancelled. I was thrilled to be able to sleep in until 7:15 (after a 5:15 mass call from the school principal); however, the boys were disappointed. They knew they were missing a day full of fun, parties, friends, and not much work. Needless to say, they created their own fun in the backyard. For the first time, I was able to let the four oldest play on their own for over 15 minutes in the snow. In fact, they were out for 2 hours. Evan explained that it was so cold that he started getting a bloody nose, but it froze and stopped. That is pretty amazing stuff for a 9 year old boy.:)

Evan also discovered that the snow was so icy, that he could crawl across without leaving any impressions or fall through. I love discovering with Evan.

Emma had a blast making snow angels, sledding, throwing snowballs, and just walking around on the snow. I had to feature this picture because of her sitting stance. This is how I have sat on the floor my whole life (especially when I change diapers), and now I have a daughter sitting like me. It hurts my family and my husband to watch me sit like this, but it's so much more comfortable. I find it funny that Emma sits like me. I only hope she doesn't end up knock-kneed like her mother. Sorry, Emma!

Isn't Lizzie just adorable!? She's one of the cutest snow babies I've ever seen! She cried as I carried her back in the house, but her boots kept falling off and her toes were FREEZING!

The boys fought over who got to take Lizzie down on the sled for her first ride. Precious!

Braxton had the best aim for the snow balls, but was also the best companion for Lizzie down the hill in our backyard. He's my big, friendly giant.

Friends in Harmony

This summer I was invited to be a part of a very talented group of women called Friends in Harmony. It is a choral group comprised of women who are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is in its 15th year! I have had a marvelous time singing with these choice women around the city of Naperville. They are all beautiful, talented, and fun. I feel humbled and grateful for the chance to be a part of them. Singing such great Christmas music for the elderly and sick truly brought the spirit of Christmas into my life this year. Thanks, sisters! Merry Christmas!

Carter's snowman

We received our first big snow last week. It was nice and wet and perfect for a snowman. Carter built one all by himself. Emma, Lizzie, and I went out to admire his work and make a snow angel or two. The impressive thing is that Frosty is still standing a week later waving to our neighbors. His carrot nose has been eaten by rabbits, but the radish eyes are still watching the snowflakes fall and cars drive by. :) Emma insisted we make a snow kitten. We did, but it's hard to tell in the picture...and in real life. My creativity only goes so far, I guess. Nevertheless, it's looking like a winter wonderland around Chicago. Gorgeous! I love all of the lights reflecting off of the snow. Despite the cold, it warms my soul!

FAMILY

A few days after Thanksgiving, my sister and her family dropped in to join the party for a few short moments. My parents had already left, but I promised I would take a picture since all ten of their grandchildren were together under one roof. We are missing the youngest, Max, who was napping, but have the others. Mom & Dad, this is for you.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It's all about getting together with family and friends, sharing some good food, and focusing on our many blessings. This year, we had the privilege of hosting my parents and my brother's family. We had a full house, but it was one full of laughter and energy. It's always fun when grandparents, cool uncles, beautiful aunts, and fun cousins come. Despite the brisk, freezing air, the kids played outside a bit. We also found some fun indoors when we went to see the movie Bolt and played at Airtastic, an indoor bounce/slide/playground facility. What a blast! We are so lucky to have family willing to travel to see us. We love them and can't wait to see them again!

My parents, Kurt & Marie Alleman,... two of my greatest examples and blessings.

My brother Wade, and his wife, Stephanie...an instant party.

Emma and Kaelene got matching shirts and tiaras for the special day. Aren't the darling?! Thanks Stephanie!
Here's the group of kids ready for a movie! It was cute, but they definitely enjoyed it more than the adults.

Lizzie and my dad. This week she solidified saying the word, "Papa" and now looks for the phone or the laptop (for skype) when I mention his name. So cute!!!My dad was such a great sport going outside in the cold and playing with the kids while Steve, my mom, and I worked in the kitchen. By the way, my boys want another chance to compete at PIG and HORSE. :)

WICKED

Months ago, Steve and I decided to take the boys to see Wicked before it leaves Chicago. It is one of their (as well as one of ours--who are we kidding) Christmas presents. We kept it a secret until we were passing by the Oriental Theater. Amazingly enough, they guessed the surprise in response to the question, "What is something you've been wanting to do in downtown Chicago for a very long time?" Yea! We had a marvelous day! The boys chose Potbelly's for lunch. We saw the windows at Macy's while being entertained by a terrific paint-bucket drum line. And then the finale...the play, "WICKED." I loved sneaking in glances at their faces during the impressive musical scenes and watching them figure out the connections to different parts of the Wizard of Oz storyline. This was my 4th time seeing this play, and I could see it four more times without tiring of it. I am so thankful for this marvelous day and I hope the boys remember it for a very long time--they'd better.

Pinewood Derby

Our Pinewood Derby was held in November this year (normally it's in January). Last year, Evan took 2nd overall. Well, his turn was definitely over as his car really struggled. Braxton, on the other hand, had quite a bit of success. He even won a heat or two. Both cars looked phenomenal. Steve has figured one thing out...paint jobs get awards, too. I think Braxton has received the award for the shiniest car for 3 years in a row. He deserves it!