Festive weekend

We had a great weekend, doing some fun events in our town and in the big city!  Friday night we headed downtown to check out the Christmas walk and tree lighting in our new town.  We had pizza with some friends first and then checked out the parade, live nativity, first candy cane of Christmas to the mayor, and the tree lighting.  The Ellen show featured this event a few years ago.  It was so fun to experience it for the first time ourselves.  Hoping for many more years of celebrations here!  ;)

Justin's dad and stepmom arrived Friday night to check out our new digs.  On Saturday, we packed up the crew and took the train to Chicago for more Christmas festivities.  As soon as we sat down on the train, my mind was flooded with memories.  This was MY family's tradition every year that I can remember.  We would ride the train downtown, see the windows at Marshall Field's, shop, eat at the Walnut Room, and make sure to stock up on Frango mints.  It was pretty exciting to be doing the same thing with my own family many years later.

The girls have been asking to ride the train since we moved here.  So exciting to finally do it!

Our first stop was Macy's Marshall Fields.  

Chicago sign and historic clock!

Chicago at Christmastime is so much fun.  I love that our kids will know that same excitement.   P.S.  When did Claire get so big?!  

The girls loved hearing and seeing the story the windows told!

We headed to Millenium Park after deciding a 3 hour wait at the Walnut Room just wasn't going to cut it.  Maybe next year! :)

Checking out the bean!  Justin's parents had never been to Chicago so it was fun showing them around.

Stop for popcorn!

Sometimes I still can't believe we live in IL again.  There are pretty awesome things about it and also some pretty hard things about it.  But, this weekend definitely did our family good and sharing this tradition with our kids was really special.

Shoe Fam Christmas in October

We spent this past weekend with Justin's parents and brothers' families doing a little early Christmas celebrating.  Instead of gifts this year, Justin's dad and stepmom decided to treat us all to a weekend together at a hotel.  It was so much fun!  The cousins loved being together, the hotel pool and waterslide were big hits, that mamas got to sneak away for a little shopping, and we showcased some serious talent in the first annual Shoe Fam talent show.  

The fun in the pool started early... baby who wakes up at 5:30 in hotel room = entire family up at 5:30!  We embraced it and had fun in the pool.  Okay, I admit, I only embraced after a coffee run to Caribou. ;)

 Emma had some serious moves going during her gymnastics performance... 

Amos couldn't resist joining in... on just about every act.  He's a natural on stage! ;)

Grandma did a little story reading with puppets.

 Participation prizes all around!

Thanks for a great weekend, Grandma and Grandpa!  

Grandparents in town!

Last month, Justin's dad and stepmom made the long trek down to visit us.  It was nice to have them here and to show them around our new home state!  They were here over Valentine's Day weekend, so Justin and I even scored a date night out of the deal!  :)

The girls were so excited to have them here and had all kinds of things planned to play with them.  Dance parties, walks/bike rides around the neighborhood, school, yoga, going to the park.. you name it!

Thankful we have family willing to make the long trip down to see us!  It is always special to have visitors.  Thanks for coming to visit, Grandpa and Grandma!