Wheaton Christmas

We spent December 26 celebrating Christmas with family in Wheaton. Our first stop was (Great-)Grandpa Ed's house, where special guest (Great-)Aunt Lois was visiting from Boston. The girls opened presents, Skyped with several family members, played piano and organ, and had a great time.

Opening presents -- Christmas never ends!


Evie


Sophie shares


Pose!


Piano duets

Next, we were on to (Great-)Aunt Kim and (Great-)Uncle Steve's house for a wonderful party with our Van Oss relatives. There was lots of great food, even more presents, and tons of fun.

All of the girls' cousins, aunts, and uncles gave them this wonderful house, a fabric shell that fits over a card table (so it's all collapsable!).


Reading in their new abode.


All the girls: Laura, Sophie, Hilary, Katie, Allison, Evie, and Lizzy


Worn out

Rock Band

Their national college tour starts next week.

Christmas Morning

Rogers Park Christmas Eve

We were lucky enough to spend Christmas Eve with Libby and Emma (and their parents, Kerri and Martin, and grandparents, Earl and Betsy). We had a great time! The girls played with flashlights all evening and we all had a bit too much to eat, which is how every successful holiday gathering should go. Thanks so much, Kerri and Martin!

The lovely Emma


Libby gives her sister a big hug


Sophie, Libby, and Evie

Happy Holidays

Ready for the World

Sophie and Evie applied for their passports yesterday.

The Most Wonderful Time

Yesterday was a day filled with Christmasy activities. First, we spent our morning decorating more gingerbread cookies.






Then we were off to Uncle David's Christmas trombone choir concert.









And finally, we spent our evening door-to-door caroling with members of Mom's choir.




A good day.

O Christmas Tree

Chalking It Up

Decorating the chalkboard in our Shriners Hospital waiting room. (Six-month checkup, all is good.)

Gingerbread Adventures

Decorating our gingerbread boys and girls, a fun and messy adventure.

Giving Thanks

Our Thanksgiving holiday was lovely, filled with visits from lots of family. We're sad to say Uncle Dan left on Sunday, and Grandma Joan and Grandpa Rich left this morning, and I think they all took our nasty cold with them, but we had a great time with them while they were here. We were terrible about taking pictures, but here are a few.

Visiting Sue the T-Rex at the Field Museum


Strolling


It's a long walk to the parking garage


Evie and Sophie help Grandpa build the tallest tower.


Aftermath