Snow Day

Before heading away to celebrate the new year, we went outside to enjoy the snow and the park!

(Snow Angels) 

(Snow Balls) 

Christmas Day

After we had opened our presents and enjoyed our Christmas morning breakfast we got ready and hopped back in the car headed to Downer's Grove to spend the day with the Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Colleen, Uncle Patrick, and Uncle Brian. 

(Charlie opening his new Jake movie and Toy Story)

(Spider man PJ's!) 

(Helping grandma open her gift) 

Horner Ho-Down

This year we celebrated Christmas Eve with the Horner's at Charlie's godmothers house. For the first time in decades there were more kids than adults and lots of presents to go around. Charlie had fun playing with his cousins and more presents always help!

(Enjoying the food and company)

(Playing with his cousin Ryan) 

(Captain Hooks ship. Life doesn't get much better) 

Horner Christmas

Before heading over to the Horner Ho-Down my parents came to our house to have lunch, spend some time with Charlie and let him his gifts. I think Captain Hook is a clear favorite this year!

(T Rex Puppet) 

(Captain Hooks Hook's)

(Future Captain Hook) 

(The fishing hook is a hit) 

Painting Christmas Cookies

We tried decorating cookies last year for Santa and Charlie ate most of the frosting before it ended up on the cookie. This year, Charlie understands that Santa is coming and is excited to leave him cookies. Although he is a year older, my son LOVES frosting so I found an alternative to frosting cookies -- we painted cookies. Charlie loved painting the cookies for Santa and is very excited to see if he likes them. 

(First we paint the cookies, then we bake them) 

(Concentrating) 

(The masterpiece is complete!) 

Zoo Lights

We bundled up and headed to Lincoln Park Zoo to check out Zoo Lights this weekend. It was actually a pretty mild evening for December and Charlie always enjoys checking out the animals at the zoo.

(Daddy and Charlie leaving the reptile house) 

(Charlie forcing a smile for mommy) 

(Snack break - chocolate milk and cookies) 

(Family hug) 

Arlington Heights Christmas

After having dinner at my parents house, we thought it would be fun to check out the Christmas lights in the downtown area. I think Charlie liked running through the park more than the lights.

Visiting Santa at Macy's

We went to Macy's for our annual visit with Santa. Every year I worry that Charlie will be scared, and although he was a little apprehensive at first he had no problem telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas -- a turtle. He has never mentioned the word turtle to me or Matt so now I suppose we have to get him some sort of turtle toy. I cannot let a 2 year old think that Santa doesn't listen!

(Another picture?) 

( I will try to smile) 

(Not so sure about this) 

(He sat long enough for a picture)

Dobry Family Christmas Card

It took us quite a few shots to pull this one off, but I love it! 

Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest

On Monday, Matt took the day off so we could spend the morning together at Navy Pier. Every winter they decorate the pier for Christmas and host the Winter Wonderfest. It is like a large indoor carnival, but it is beautifully decorated and there is even an indoor ice skating rink. Charlie loved every ride and even got to ice skate for the first time. He still needs a little practice, but he had a great day.

(In front of Santa's train) 

(On the ferris wheel) 

(Loving the rides) 

Roscoe Village Winterfest

Normally a large reindeer would scare any child, especially if the reindeer tried to pick up that child. But Charlie, he wasn't scared. He loved meeting Rudolph after breakfast in Roscoe Village!

Soccer

There is a very large indoor soccer arena in Pilsen, which is not far from our house. They offer kids clinics on the weekend and we thought it would be a great way for Charlie to burn energy during the winter months. Unfortunately, even though Emma was in class with him,  he didn't seem to like the group activity as much as we hoped. He spent most of the 45 minutes doing whatever he wanted. Instead of running around the cones, they ended up on his head.