Go Bears?

Ok, so I know the Bears are done this season, but this was such a cute picture of Tyler that I had to post it. :)

Look who's walking!

Tyler's been taking a few steps that past couple of days and we finally caught it on film. Now that he has it figured out, he is walking everywhere. He's sure to have it mastered soon. Not bad for an 11 month old! We're proud of you, little guy!

Work first, play second

More snow came Friday night, so Jeff woke up Saturday and went out to shovel. The kids had so much fun the day before that I got them all dressed and took them out, too. Immediately, Aubrey wanted to "help" Daddy shovel. She got her little play shovel out and went to work. After not seeing the results she wanted, she decided she would just help Daddy push his shovel. Tyler just sat and watched, smiling away. Once the shoveling was done, Aubrey climbed in the snow and made a snow angel. It was too deep for her to really enjoy so we headed back in the house to warm up!

Aubrey's Night

Friday night was our night out with Aubrey. Tyler spent the evening with Grandma and Grandpa while we spent some quality time with our little girl. First we took her to McDonald's. She loves to get the Happy Meals with her cheeseburger. While there, her and I played on the Playland. She had a blast. But, climbing the maze-like stairs got a little cramped for me at times. She was too timid to do it alone so I joined her.

After McDonald's, we headed to the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet to see Sesame Street Live - When Elmo Grows Up. She was so excited! I was very excited, too! As soon as we walked into the theater, you could see the anticipation and excitement building. She was full of smiles sitting on Daddy's lap in the theater. The first few acts included Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, etc. and Aubrey was happy to see each one. During intermission, a man brought out $10 Elmo balloons for the parents to buy. Are you kidding me? Aubrey really wanted one but we promised her that she could get a better souvenir after the show. The second half started and you could tell it was getting closer to bedtime. All of the kids started getting a little louder and Aubrey starting snuggling in to Daddy as if to fall asleep. Luckily, the show ended before she was out.

It was so nice to be able to spend quality time with our princess. She is so special to us and it's rare for it to be 'her' time anymore. You could just tell how special she felt all night long and she loved being with us. Seeing her smile makes me so happy, too. I love my little girl! I look forward to many more special nights out!

Love to sled

Snow is a plenty and the weather is cold but we couldn't pass up an invitation for a sledding playdate. I loaded up the kids and headed to the Fasshauers' house for a morning of fun. Aubrey had never been sledding before and Tyler had never been in the snow so it was a treat for all. Plus, the Fasshauers' have the perfect hill for sledding! Tyler sat so nicely in the snow and just loved watching Aubrey play. Aubrey had a blast sledding down the hill with Ava. She even took a couple of turns with Mommy when Ava when in the house to warm up. After playing in the cold, we headed in the house for some yummy pizza and hot chocolate. What a great morning!

Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe 2010 is already here. I remember 2000 like it was yesterday. Just shows how quickly time flies. In the past 10 years, my life has changed drastically. I married the love of my life almost 5 years ago and have 2 beautiful children. I also went from working full-time as an accountant to working full-time as a Mommy. I must admit my accounting job was much less demanding but not nearly as rewarding. My family is my life and for this I am truly happy.

On the 1st, the Fastners' stopped by for an overnight visit. They were in Illinois to visit Jenn's family for the holidays and stopped by our house on the way to the airport. It was great to see them although the trip was way too short. Aubrey and Tanner had a great time together, too. They loved playing Ring Around the Rosie (although they were crazy) and making snow angels. In another month, Jenn will be having her second baby. So, Tyler will have a friend next time they come to visit.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2010!