happy holidays!!

With the holiday season wrapping up and as we start to take down our decorations, I'm just reflecting on what a great year it's been. I feel grateful and thankful for those around me and to God for teaching us new things about ourselves and providing for us. We love our families and are so proud of our kids. We will be welcoming new members to both sides of our families this coming year so that is exciting. I hope everyone out there has a wonderful 2012! :)

visit to St. Louis....

we spent christmas in st. louis this year. we haven't been there for the holidays in quite some time so it was so nice. my dad broke out the 'ole dickens village he used to love. he collected these figures and buildings for some years and he even hand-built this enclosed case to display it. but since we haven't been home for the holidays in a while, they haven't displayed it. so when i walked in their home from the airport, i was so happy to see it out!



addison's annual letter to santa :)



princess things from santa!



.... and the sleeping beauty dress that she asked santa for!



ellie equally excited about her snow white outfit!



not only a holiday celebration, but we also had a bridal shower for my sister, Jennifer! since we were all home for christmas, we decided that having her shower while we're both there would be ideal.









the dessert table


















there were 11 of us. the party consisted of mostly aunts and cousins and one of Jennifer's bridesmaids. it was a really fun time and turned out well!



the beautiful couple!



opening gifts...



we are so excited to have sam join our family. he is a wonderful guy and a perfect mate for my sister. and we are so excited to incorporate new holiday traditions as he celebrates hanukkah. we played dreidel and lit the menorah each night. addison and all of us were very enthusiastic about learning about hanukkah!



love this cute apron she got!






and after the shower, my uncle and my dad wanted to do a "hot shot" (whatever that means??!!) so they found this horrible whiskey (who knows how old this is??!)... and they did a shot with jimmy and sam. blech! gross! i have to say the name of this whiskey is so funny! because whenever we get together with my dad, especially in st. louis, he constantly wants to drink with jimmy (and now with sam also) even in middle of the day! we always end up leaving st. louis feeling bloated from all the food and alcohol we consume there! hahaha



jennifer + sam




New Years at home...

we had jimmy's side come over for new year's dinner. all the brothers (and cousin) and their wives came into town. we exchanged gifts and had christmas celebration part 2!









and baby hannah napping peacefully.... :)
peace and love to everyone... happy new year's!