Thurs. Jan 3, 2013 - Celebrating Christmas in Illinois

 Sitting at the kids table at the Burdzilauskas house

 Uncle Kirk gave Riley organ lessons (I don't think he actually plays the organ but she still learned a lot)

 New sticker and coloring books!

 Jen and Mom

 Micaela cuddling with Grandma Cathy

 Micaela reading her book to Great Grandma Charlotte

 And Riley reading hers

 Riley and Grandma Cathy

Micaela and Cousin Sophie are all smiles

 Riley has a blast with her energetic cousins; first she rolled around with Katie

Then bounced on Tyler

 And wrestled with Derek

 Aunt Peg helping Riley with a present

 Micaela didn't need any help, she was a blur as she opened her gift

 All ready for our cold Wisconsin winter

 Apparently Dad doesn't think I should try to puree fresh pumpkin anymore

 Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Shelley

 Great Grandma Annetta, Micaela, Mommy, Riley and Daddy

 The girls with Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Leon

 A nice breakfast with family

 On many days Riley will only answer when addressed as "Strawberry Shortcake" (or Rasberry Tart or whatever girl she has chosen for that day)

All these new toys and this is what Micaela chooses to play with

The day after Christmas we drove down to Illinois to spend some time with our family. Our first stop was my Grandparent's house in Springfield. While we missed the big celebration the day before most of our aunts, uncles and cousins were still there so we had some quality time with them all. The girls had a hard time sleeping in a new place so it was nice to have so many extra hands to help out. We played games, told stories (how are there still new stories?) and had a lot of fun. With all the cousins there to entertain her and act as her own personal bouncy house, Riley was in heaven. Micaela loved all the extra arms to hold her and I'm thankful that we all come together this time of year. 

We detoured into Normal to visit with Joe Fristch and his family. Joe was visiting from CA and it was great to catch up with him. We really missed hosting him and Aza at Thanksgiving so I'm glad we had this time to hang out. 

Our next stop was in McLean, IL for some time with Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Shelley. Great Grandma Jean, Great Aunt Peg and Great Uncle Dan came for the afternoon so we could wish them a Merry Christmas. Daddy and Riley took a long, cold hike outside, I had time to read, it was very relaxing on the farm.

Our final stop was breakfast with Grandma Cheryl, Grandpa Leon and Great Grandma Annetta. Cheryl and Leon had just returned from Florida and their stories of 75 degree weather sounded soooo nice. Riley talked nonstop and Micaela smiled at her grandparents, we all had a very nice time.

Florida weather sounded even more appealing when we returned to Wisconsin to find it had snowed another 6-8 inches the day before. We are lucky to have the best neighbors ever, someone had cleared our driveway so we didn't have to shovel to get the car into the garage after that long drive. Guess they liked our cookies!