NYE 2012

New Years Eve.  What to do. What to do. 

We didn't really want to do the downtown Chicago thing.  We've done it and we're kind of over it.  Lines to get a drink.  Lines to go to the bathroom.  It feels like you're standing in line all night long.  Not that we didn't have a great time.  We did.  We always did.

My parents offered to spend their New Years with McKenna & Ben, so we decided to have a small party over at our house.  Just 13 people over to ring in 2012. 

We had a delicious appetizers, drinks, laughs, and even a couple of games.  It turned out to be a very late night and lots of fun. 

It really couldn't have been possible without my parents though...starting 2012 by sleeping in was sooooooo nice. 

Here's our night in pictures...


Megan & I


the girls


a nice picture of Jordan


Brian, Kevin, Meredith


thank goodness there wasn't a vote for cutest couple


because we would have won


nice try


Laura & Cale Lucas


Eric & Sabrina


Sabrina & Kristen


these didn't work so good...or maybe they worked too good...hmmm


I <3 party favors


BFF


not quite sure what they're doing...but it's definitely hilarious


gotta love these boys


status update




 













laughy & pretty





Thanks to everyone who came to help us celebrate the New Year.  We had an awesome time. 

Here's to 2012! 

Zoo Lights

Brian took off the week between Christmas and New Years, so as always when Dad is home, we took advantage! 

One of our Christmas presents from my parents was a membership to the Brookfield Zoo and it didn't take us long to begin using it!  Along with my parents, Brad, Megan & Brayden, and Laura, Cale, Ella & Delilah Lucas, we headed out to the zoo to check out their Zoo Lights. 

After being advised from a friend at school, we decided to go a bit early, that way we could see the animals and then check out the lights too.  It turned out to be a perfect decision.  As we were leaving the zoo, there were crowds of people entering.  Our kids didn't really care about the lights, but they were beautiful!


Kenna & Brayden riding in style


Ben's all set to see the lions!  Rrrrooooaaaarrrr!


just a little chilly


checking out the giraffes


Benny & Daddy


she loves the giraffes...doesn't take her eyes off of them


Benny's turn to ride with Brayden!





Miss Independent wanted to walk


Santa's sleigh was being pulled by polar bears!  photo op!


she loves this sweet boy


so do I


check out the only two kids who won't ride...yep...they're mine...Benny being held, McKenna walking


checking out the lights


I just realized I didn't get a single picture of the lights.  Oh well.  What would I do with those anyway???

Christmas Day

My family arrived at our house around 10:00-10:30.  We were all much too excited to see the kids open their gifts so we didn't waste any time!   After presents, we ate a delicious breakfast of Wit-skillet, cinnamon rolls, and of course mimosas!  Then we hung out, relaxed, took naps, played, ate appetizers, and just enjoyed the day together.  We were so excited that everyone was there.  Mackenzie came all the way from Terra Haute, Indiana, where she's opening a new Chili's.  I <3 my family.

a rocking/bouncy horsey from Aunt Krissy!  McKenna wasn't too thrilled with the fact that it talks.   She's a bit scared of it...look at GP trying to get her on it! 


Ben got on the horse...but he doesn't look to thrilled either!  McKenna is slowly warming up to it still, Benny, on the other hand, really likes it now!


Santa Baby!  (thanks Jordan!)


love this


love this even more -- oh how we miss Mackenzie!


Benny loves his Godmother!


Merry Christmas!


McKenna's expression... <3

I made my Grandma & Grandpa Milazzo's spaghetti and meatballs for Christmas dinner.  I put a spin on the meatballs though and stuffed them with mozzarella.  Lizzie made an awesome salad.  It sure was delicious! 



After dinner festivities included more lounging, football on TV, Eclair Cake for dessert, and a nice game of pictionary between me and Mackenzie and my mom and Lizzie. 

I can't believe Christmas is over already....