Waiting for Baby Witko

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!)

Photobucket

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....

Ho! Ho! Ho!

When we got home Christmas Eve night we found that Santa had done a quick drive-by and dropped off a few gifts....

He left me & Brian a scarf and he left this for McKenna and Ben...

yep! Santa dropped off an aquarium with 4 fish! How did he know that Kenna loooovvveeessss to look at the fish at Meijer???

After we went to bed, Santa came again! This time he filled our stockings and left presents under our Christmas tree. What a guy! He's just so thoughtful!

SANTA came!

On Christmas Day we were having my family over at our house. They were coming for breakfast and then staying for the day. We just couldn't wait to get our day started. Brian made his Wit-skillet casserole and Benny played while we waited for our late riser, McKenna. We were going to open Santa gifts before my family came over.

Chef Witko

Benny's excited that Santa came!

Come on, Sister! Get up!

Yay! She's finally awake!

She LOVED the kitchen!

Little Chef Witko

Benny couldn't wait to climb all over his new chair!

Trip wanted in on the action

FOOD!

this kid doesn't take a bad picture

starting to get her kitchen organized

you open it Mom, I'm busy holding a knife and a tomato

Big Ben playing with his garbage truck from Santa and his dump truck from the Strasser's. Yay! We finally have boy toys!

not to be left out...Trippy and her candy cane bone

this needs more salt...Top Chef Cheftestant in training

Mom: Kenna! Look at your fish! Santa brought you & Benny fishys! What are you going to name them?
Kenna: Pep.
Mom: You have four fish, so what are you going to name the other one?
Kenna: Rick.
Mom: (laughing) Rick? That's a nice name and Uncle Rick will love it. What about the other one?
Kenna: Pep.
Mom: ...and the other one?
Kenna: Pep.

There you have it. We have Pep, Rick, Pep, and Pep! Pep1 & Rick are blue and Pep2 & Pep3 are orange. We already had one of the orange fish die. We're not sure if it was Pep2 or Pep3, they were twins.

Christmas Eve

The Christmas holiday weekend began with Christmas Eve with the Witkowski's. We headed over there when Ben got up from his nap and spent the day. We had a really nice time and of course the kids were absolutely spoiled!