Christmas/Joy to the World!

Christmas Eve-Eve

Lots happened in the last week before Christmas. Benjamin and his preschool classmates treated us to a sweet production of "The First Christmas." Ben was a shepard......complete with camel. Nothing put me in the spirit more than a room full of little kids belting out Jingle Bells and Silent Night.

Then Santa visited his school and even remembered Sidney.

On Friday we held our annual Christmas party at Paula and Greg's house. This is the 3rd year that our friends and kids gather to celebrate together.
Do Steve and Sid hear jingle bells and reindeer hooves?
Yes! Santa came to the party, too.

With that present in her hand, looks like Paula has been nice this year :) Now that 4 out of 5 people in our house (stay healthy Steve!) have had and recovered from a 24-hour flu, we're ready for Christmas. Bring it!

One holiday at a time

Before Santa rolls into town, here's a peek at our November trip to Chicago and Thanksgiving feast(s). First was the "Smackdown" in Naperville: a delicious gathering of the Baleiko family from all corners of the U.S.

Then we braved the cold to burn some calories...

...in preparation for Thanksgiving II, the Saturday after, with the Friedmans in Elmhurst.

Chex Mix was Sidney's favorite treat by far.

The guys entertained themselves (and us) for hours playing T-ball.

We returned to Florida Dec. 3 for the tree lighting at the park across the street. Note Sidney (back in a tank top) at the bottom of the frame, glow-stick in hand.

Thinking thoughts of loved ones near and far for the next holiday.