Christmas 2008

Another Christmas has come and gone... but not without loads of present, tons of delicious food and time spent with family.

Holiday fever struck us shortly after Thanksgiving this year. We began by putting up our tree with the help of Aubrey. She really liked playing with the lights the most. We think she might be a little more helpful next year though. :)



Our first actual Christmas celebration was with Jeff's company, Legat Architects, at Brookfield Zoo. This is the second year they have decided to have it there and we really enjoy it. Aubrey got to see Santa again although she still has little interest in him. After dinner and presents, it was time to walk around the zoo. Unfortunately, it was very cold and rainy so we really only went into the monkey house. Aubrey enjoyed seeing the monkeys though...maybe because she is one, too?


We first celebrated the Sandberg immediate family Christmas on the 21st. There was an abundance of presents to be opened. Aubrey and baby-to-be both made out like bandits. Aubrey was so overwhelmed with all of the toys that she decided she'd just play with Grandma Sandberg's old toys. :)



Christmas Eve was spent at Aunt Judy and Uncle Glenn's beautiful home in New Lenox. All of the Sandberg cousins were there with their kids. There were about 20 in total...enough for Aubrey to blend in with the group. She played "Ring around the Rosey" with Cecilia and couldn't stop giggling. Too bad she didn't understand the "we all fall down" part of the song. Maybe next year... Santa came to visit the house as well. Aubrey was more than willing to greet him when he arrived, but wanted nothing to do with sitting on his lap. Who could blame her? Some day she'll find out it was really cousin Eric.


Christmas morning we woke up and drove back to Grandma and Grandpa Kunert's house in Orion. We arrived just in time to feast on the yummy turkey and stuffing (Mommy's favorite). As usual, Aubrey was so excited with all of the people there that she chose to eat very little. She'll get over that in a few years...hopefully. :) We had a great time playing with all of the cousins. Sarah, Evan and Jared are all so good with Aubrey and Lainey. It's nice to know they are loved by the older ones and feel comfortable playing with them.


The following day, we celebrated the Kunert immediate Christmas. Good thing this was the last one as I'm not sure we could house any more gifts. Once again, Aubrey received some great toys and clothes...including her first "Charger" hoodie.


Saturday we drove back home again. What a whirlwind! It was so nice to be able to spend the Christmas holiday with all of our family. We are very thankful to have them in our lives. We are even more grateful for their thoughtfulness with all of our gifts. Everyone is so generous.

We look forward to what 2009 has to bring us...including the new baby in late February. We are truly blessed!

First snow of 2008-2009

We just had our first big snow so it was time to get out and play some. After 10 minutes of getting Aubrey completely bundled (the boots were the worst!), we headed out. Jeff was already outside shoveling at the time so Aubrey decided she would help him before playing. First she grabbed the chipper, then went to town with the spade. She's such a helper! After her work was done, she came to play with me on the snow. Unfortunately, the weather had changed the day before we got out so there was a layer of ice on top making it no fun to play in. We'll try again another time!

Turkey Day

Back to Orion again for Thanksgiving. We had some delicious food...including turkey (Jeff's favorite) and stuffing (my favorite)! Aubrey and Lainey had a ball together running around, giggling nonstop. They don't miss a beat with each other.

The day after Thanksgiving, I was up and out early to go shopping with my sisters and Mom. I found a lot of great bargains. I can't wait for Christmas to come!



Another blessed holiday has come and gone to remind us how lucky we are to be healthy and loved. :)

Sunny Florida

This past weekend we went to Florida. We had a great time there with lovely weather. We left on Thursday afternoon. After a painful time through check in and security, we finally boarded the airplane. Aubrey was a little feisty the first 15 minutes, but then settled in and slept the majority of the way there. By the time we got to the hotel in Venice, it was after 9pm and time to get Aubrey down for bed. This was definitely a challenge. It took about 2 hours to get her to sleep only to have her awake for 4 more through the night. Thankfully, she did sleep in late on Friday morning.

Once we were all up and moving, we met up with Jenn, Jeff and Tanner Fastner. That was not too difficult as we had adjoining rooms. :) We all went to lunch together and then hit Venice Beach. Aubrey absolutely loved it. We couldn't keep her out the water. She loved the waves but we had to keep a tight grip on her so she didn't get pulled out into the water. She played in the sand some, too. By the time we left, she was so upset and full of sand. But, within 5 minutes in the car, she was sound asleep.

Saturday morning we all went to Mote Aquarium in Sarasota. Aubrey enjoying looking at the fish but preferred just running around. She is so crazy these days. It's a challenge just to keep her within arm's reach. She had a good time there as well.

Saturday evening, Jenn and I went to the wedding reception for Sara Hovsepian. Jeff and Jeff were to come as well but our babysitter fell through last minute. So, Jeff stayed behind at the hotel and was superdad to Aubrey. He watched over Tanner as well. It was just fine until both kids were awake and crying at the same time. Luckily, I was able to get home and help him out before he completely lost it. He did a great job though and I'm thankful he was willing to take on the feat of the two little ones as I had a great time seeing and catching up with all of my old coworkers from my Summit days.

Sunday's flight home was much smoother. Not only was check in and security much easier...but Aubrey fell asleep 30 minutes before boarding. She didn't wake again until 30 minutes prior to landing.

We had a wonderful time away but are happy to be home, sleeping in our own beds again. In two weeks, we are back to Orion for Thanksgiving. We can't wait! (originally posted on Babysites)