Christmas in Chicago

We had Christmas in Chicago this year, and wouldn't you know it wasn't a white Christmas. That disappointment aside we had a lovely time. My mom, Nana, was able to come out for two weeks and be here for Christmas with us. We all had a great time visiting and getting into the Christmas spirit, Mya has loved all the carols and likes to sing along. Mya was even more fun this year and would continually tell us exactly what was going to happen with Santa and what he was going to bring, a Doll house of the Castle variety (a specific one) and then a week before the 25th she also decided Santa was going to bring her a jump rope as well; Still can't figure out where that came from, thanks to Nana for helping us prepare for the big day.

On Christmas Eve we had a delicious meal, relaxed all together and in the evening we were able to read the story of Jesus (or baby Jesus as Mya always calls him) from the scriptures and watched one of the church videos. She enjoyed it and knew the story pretty well as she had been acting it out with her nativity set all season. Later that night we set out treats for Santa, she wanted carrots for the reindeer, milk and chocolate cake for Santa instead of cookies so he wouldn't get sick of cookies. She also wrote Santa a note to thank him. She was amped about Santa coming and even though she said it was bed time around 7 she continued to come down stairs to discuss the finer points with us for the next hour before falling to sleep.

The next morning the first thing she did was look to see if he ate the cake etc, and read the note he wrote back to her. Then the opening began, Mya was a little hesitant at first but that quickly faded. Tessa was so good that morning and really just let us enjoy the moment. We had a wonderful morning and Mya loved playing with her toys. Being Sunday we went to church and afterwards made sure to Skype/call all the family. That evening we had desert with some friends and let the girls play (they have two girls as well) and get out some of that pent up energy. Our family had a great holiday season and I was grateful that Nana was able to enjoy it with us!

Nana and the girls

Nana and Mya

Tessa reaching for her gift from Mya

All the girls

Mya opening her gift from Santa

Mya jumping on her trampoline from Nana! Thanks to Daddy who spent

a cold Christmas Eve putting it together.

Mya bowling with Daddy's giant bowling set

Tessa giggling with Nana, she loved having

someone new to play with

Mya and Tessa in their new PJs Christmas Eve

Mya and Tessa in their Christmas dresses