Our First Christmas in our own home

The first few Chicago snows were beautiful, then Christmas rolled around surprisingly quick. We spent Grant's Christmas break at home in Chicago. Although we missed celebrating with family, it was a relief not traveling during the busy travel season, and not having to be caught up in delay after delay we heard about at the Chicago airport. It was also a fun time for us to explore the city and all the events going on, as well as for Grant to relax and not worry about anything. It was such a refreshing break. The pictures show some of the things we did together!

Our first full-size Christmas tree loaded on our car behind us. Besides the fact that we are freezing
our tails off, Jackson and the rest of us were so thrilled!

I've never seen a kid so excited to put up a tree!

We celebrated Grant's birthday at Texas Roadhouse. It was so wonderful that
 he was finished with finals and completely relaxed on his birthday!

The requested birthday dessert: oreo truffles.

The first snow

We went to Winter Wonderland inside at Navy Pier, and what a winter wonderland it was! Jackson
was beside himself with all the rides, decorations, trains, North Pole houses. It was magical!

Santa & Mrs. Claus. Jackson was terrified. We barely got this picture.

Gingerbread house decorating!

I'm pretty sure I had the most fun decorating this thing. If my kids end
up not liking doing this tradition, I will do it by myself. :)

Christmas Pez!

Christmas morning. I think this is the first time that he really understood Christmas completely! Pure happiness.

Grant's parents gave Grant tickets to see Wicked for his birthday
at Oriental Theatre. At was absolutely incredible.

We got to have a wonderful early Christmas get together with all my family in
Wisconsin. Jackson loved playing with his second cousins.

Of course, we had some time to visit some awesome
museums together (Peggy Nortbaert Nature museum)

Zoo lights. The Zoo was decorated with thousands of lights!

Jackson the conductor, playing with his new train set he got for Christmas!