Winter Wonderfest - Navy Pier

We continued our annual tradition by taking a trip to Navy Pier in Chicago for the Winter Wonderfest. Unfortunately, Grandpa (Nate's dad) was unable to join us this year. We had a blast, but definitely missed having him along! 

Highlights for the girls included the carousel, snowballs, bounce houses, train, cookie making and spending time with Grandma!

This year, you received a free pass to ride the big Ferris Wheel with your admission to the Winter Wonderfest! This was my first time ever riding it, we all loved it!

Thanks for a fun day, Grandma!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had our annual Christmas Tree putting up and decorating day! The girls were the most involved this year, which made it even more special!

Annual picture in the empty tree box!

Nate did a great job straightening branches, while Jade and Jemma played with the Nativity set and I prepared the snacks!

Our feast! The tradition has always been a grazing style meal. This was the first year that Jade participated in that way, and she loved it! This was always my favorite part about putting up the Christmas Tree up when I was a kid. 

The girls were very helpful with the ornament putting up this year, and did a great job with all the non-breakable ;) ones!

Putting the star on top with Daddy's help!

The finished tree!!

Thanksgiving

We had super busy, but very fun and special Thanksgiving Day!



We headed out bright and early for my parent's house in Crystal Lake for our first celebration. We were joined by my Aunt Marianne and my Grandma (GeeGee).

Grammy made a delicious Turkey!

Nate & the girls were ready to eat!

Family shot!

Around 2 o'clock we headed home to feed and let out Charcoal, and then headed right out to Nate's parents house for celebration number two! Some of us were able to catch a catnap in the car!

Nate's mom prepared another delicious feast! The girls were super thrilled to visit with their Uncle Mark's and Nana, too!

Jade and Jemma with their Nana (Nate's Grandma)

We were so blessed to be able to share the day with so many of our loved ones! Happy Thanksgiving!