Michael's Solemn Vows

Last weekend we travelled to St. Louis. My cousin Michael took his solemn vows to be a Benedictine monk at the Abbey of St. Louis. There ceremony was 1 hr 45 min (sans Lily and Bridget :)) and was absolutely gorgeous. There was lots of Latin and chanting...definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Michael (Brother John now) will be continuting his studies in Washington D.C. this fall, so keep him in your prayers. Below is a picture he painted...absolutely amazing and definitely a talent I didn't know about him!!!!!

Recent Randoms

At the museum with her Buddy Norah.

Riding the motorcycle from Maureen.

ha! She rides is all by herself.

Showing off her Mickey towel from Santa!

Bridget Update: She finally just got her second tooth. So now she has one on top and one on bottom. She can most definitely walk, but she's not fast enough to keep up with her sister. Therefore, she usually crawls. Our petite little lady is 15 months and still under 20 pounds.

Winter Wonderland

All you Chicago people...Winter Wonderland at Navy Pier is a must. It is decorated so cute and they have tons of stuff to do. Lily had a blast! Riding rides with Daddy...hands up of course!

Lily also took her first skating lessons from Bamma and Auntie Emily. She was getting the hang of it by the end.

Bridget hanging out while everyone is skating.

Lacing up!

Christmas Morning in Chicago

After we played with our presents for a while, we headed up to Chicago. After about 3 1/2 minutes of being in the car Lily asked, "Are we there yet?"

Opening presents with Auntie Em!

Laughing with Aunt CC!

ha!

Christmas was amazing this year! I was also finally starting to get my appetite back. Bamma's meals were delicious. The next morning I even snuck some leftovers while everyone was still sleeping...shhh!

Christmas Morning

Believe it or not, Bridget was awake before Lily. I think Lily was worn out from all the festivities. Lily could not believe Santa had left a half eaten cookie in her room.

Modeling some princess clothes from Santa.

Bridget opening one of her presents.

Bridget playing with the doll house before Lil was awake.

Opening presents! Lily couldn't believe it when we told her Christmas will come again next year. She thought it was a one time thing! ha! Seriously, three-year-olds are the best!

Christmas Eve

We were with my family for Christmas Eve. We went to church at St. Monica and had dinner and presents at our house. We had a blast! I almost forgot one of my favorite Christmas stories. Every morning, Bridget would want to go around to all the Santa decorations in the house and say "hi" and wave.

Bridg excited about opening gifts.

Thanking Uncle Bubba for his awesome presents!

All dressed up!

Bridgey in her dress.

Love this!

So it's off-center and Lil's face is a mess, but for some reason I just love this picture!

Breakfast with Santa

No one actually wanted to sit on Santa's lap. But Lily got close enough to tell him what she wanted.

Giving her detailed list to Santa and Bridg just chillin.

I love the look on Lil's face...

eh...best one we could get of the four of us.

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Christmas was magic this year! Partly, because Tyler adds a little magic every year. His enthusiasm for Christmas makes it exciting. He loves the lights (he puts up about a million on the house and the tree), the music (it's constantly playing), the movies (Christmas Vacation, Elf, and It's a Wonderful Life are our favorites), and gift giving (amazing gift giver). He puts me in the spirit every year. The other party is definitely the girls. Lily was so into everything this year. Some of my favorite moments...
1. When Lily thought no one was listening I hear her singing, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"
2. One night Lily woke up crying, so I went in her room. She fell back asleep and I fell asleep next to her. In her sleep she says, "It's the North Pole! Let's see the reindeer!" ha!
3. Bridget really enjoyed opening presents. It was so cute to see her crawling around on all the boxes and paper.
4. Christmas shopping for the girls with Tyler. You would have thought he was the 3 year old girls at Target. He wanted to get everything for the girls!

We went to Christmas on the Farm! Do you see that tiny little Bridget face?

Lily looks a little skeptical of the big guy!

But then he said the word "princess" and she knew everything was ok.

Taking a sleigh ride!

Hide and Seek

Tyler and Lily were playing Hide and Go Seek one night. This was one of Lily's hiding spots. Smooth Lil...NO ONE will find you. Tyler was laughing so hard!

It's a Boy and a Girl!!!!

We are thrilled! The little boy was pretty obvious, but our little girl was moving around a lot, so the ultrasound lady was having a little bit of trouble. Honestly, I'm only about 80% sure she's a girl. I get lots of other ultrasounds since they are twins, so I'm sure I will eventually be 100% sure. They both look healthy!

Trimming the tree

Bridget was getting the beads ready and Lily was twirling in the tree skirt, but I have no actual pics of the tree.

Ballet and First Snow

Lily took her first ballet lessons! Below are a few pictures of her ballet recital. I couldn't believe how much she learned! Her teacher does a really great job. It was funny to see ten little bodies running around in their leotards.

The first snow! We had our first snow in the beginning of December. Yes, I'm catching up on my postings again. Lil loved being outside and Bridget loved cuddling inside with me.

Tomorrow we go for our ultrasound. If the twins cooperate, we will find out if they are boys are girls! I can't believe how anxious I am. Take the poll on our blog and make a guess at what they are. Tyler swears it will be two girls and I change my mind about every hour. Lily thinks it's a boy and a girl, but also comments that "Boys have stinky feet."