County Fair

In early July we went to the St. Joseph County Fair. We all had a fantastic time, but Luke loved it so much I'm worried he's going to run away and be a carnie. He loved the food, the spectacle, but mostly he loves the rides. Hopefully soon we'll get the pictures up of him and Myla on the froggy hop ride. 

Hot Chocolate

The kids have an Advent calendar with little boxes that they

open each morning for a little treat.  Sometimes it's a little 

trinket, but usually it's a slip of paper with a fun activity for the

day.  This particular day, the activity was "drink hot chocolate!" 

They both loved it (and mom did too!).  I especially love

Luke's reaction below.

Christmas in Chicago, 2012

Every year we try to take a trip to a city for Christmas, usually Chicago.  This year we spent the morning at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.  It was our first trip there, and we were very impressed.  They had a great exhibit of Christmas trees from around the world, and a special Charlie Brown exhibit!  And the surprising hit of the trip was the German U-boat they have there.  We'll definitely be going back.

We followed that with a trip to visit Santa at Bloomingdale's on Michigan Avenue.  This is the third year that we've managed to find the big guy there, and he was worth the long wait in line.  Here the kids get their first glimpse:

Talking to the man himself!  Myla asked for real kitchen tools, and a Clarice lunch box.  Luke asked for race cars.  They very accurately reported that they'd been good that year.

That was fun!

Tree Decorating

Halloween 2012 Slide Show

A Cupcake Baker and Joey Votto

For Halloween this year, Myla was a cupcake baker and Luke went as Joey Votto.  Myla's outfit was inspired by the contestants on Cupcake Wars, which was one of her favorite shows at the time.  She was also excited about the fact that I told her we could make cupcakes to go with her costume.  Luke was still a little young this year to have much say in his costume, so we picked Joey Votto because 1) we had most of the stuff already, 2) the Reds were having a good season so we were in the spirit, and 3) he looked really cute with eye black.  See for yourself!

The Halloween festivities included a trip to Zoo Boo and our usual trick-or-treat outing with friends in the Johnson's neighborhood (sadly the last one, as they've now moved!).  This was the first year that Myla seemed like a big kid, running from house to house with her friends the Smokers, and generally acting crazy and having a great time.  It was so much fun to see.

I've pulled a few of my favorite pictures here; check back Monday for a full slide show.

Leaves

 

Patches 2012

A highlight of every October is the local pumpkin patch scene.  Besides being fun, the patches provide lots of great photo opportunities.  Here are some pictures from our 2012 trips.

Florida Vacation: Slide Show

Florida Vacation

Last October, we met Nana, Pop, and the Fishes in Destin, Florida for a much-needed vacation.  It was Luke's first trip to a beach, and Myla's first since she was one year old.  The kids loved every minute of it (with the exception of the plane ride, which led to an eventful car ride from the airport to our hotel).  They played in the sand for hours, walked in the water, lounged in the sun, and had a great time with their extended family.  We can't wait to do it again--Myla still talks about Florida as if it's a magical place.  And for our week of relaxation and perfect weather, it was.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip.  Tomorrow I'll post a slide show with a lot more.