New Years Eve at the Museum of Science and Industry

Gone are the days of dressing up and going out with friends to over-packed/over-priced bars on New Years Eve.  Now my perfect New Years involves a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry with the kids during the day.  That night, we got some yummy food from Whole Foods and the kids made a Happy New Years banner for our wall.  After the kids were in bed, Joe and I sat down to enjoy a glass of prosecco and watch Looper.  The night went downhill quickly after that as I came down with the stomach flu around 1 a.m.  But up until then, it was a very nice New Years.  Looking forward to a lot more family fun in 2013! 

Hanging at Michelle and Greg's Crib

And we concluded our Ohio Christmas Tour 2012 by spending a few days at Michelle and Greg's house.  

The only fitting caption for the next two photos is "crazy babies."

Sabine's favorite relaxing position - thumb in mouth, other hand rubbing belly button

As much as Finny had been looking forward to Santa's arrival and presents he had been equally excited about having lots of fun in the snow over Christmas.  I tried to temper his expectations by reminding him that I had zero control over the weather and there might not be any snow on the ground for sledding and snowmen.  Thankfully the weather odds were in our favor and Finn not only got to sled and make snow angels at Gigi and Papa's house, but Uncle Greg helped him build a snowman!  That is a happy boy!

Bath babies!

The 26th

More fun at Gigi and Papa's house.

Which ended with our annual visit from Uncle Jon to celebrate his birthday/Christmas.

Christmas Day

Santa found us at Gigi and Papa's house (something that had stressed Finnegan out for at least a month) and brought with him Buzz, Woody, and princess and super heroine costumes!

Princess Sabine

What boy doesn't love Toy Story!

 And the loot just kept on coming with costume jewelry from Gigi and Papa for the girls.

and a shark towel for Finn.

 Aunt Jen got creative and set up a paleontological dig as a gift for Finnegan.

And once the gifts were all unwrapped, it was time to change into our Santa pjs and play!

 What a great Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Molly & Lyle hosted Christmas Eve in their new house this year, and it was wonderful.  Great food, great drinks, great house, great company and great presents.  What more could you want?

After being very good through Christmas Eve mass (Lourdes for the most part), the kids finally got to open their first Christmas present.  Here is Finny getting his LeapFrog LeapPad2 from his aunts and uncles.  Sweet!

 And the girls getting their American Girl itty bitty twins!

The dolls are a hit!

 Zane being a good cousin and showing Lourdes how to play mini basketball.

Lourdes modeling Michelle's new scarf.

 End of the night shot of the kids in their new footy pjs from Grandma!

The lead up to Christmas

We arrived in Ohio early in the morning of the 22nd.  After a few hours of sleep, the kids took part in the annual cookie decorating tradition with Great Aunt Laura and cousin Jillian.  Then, it had snowed enough the night before for the kids to go sledding.  They had a blast!