June travels.

 In June, we took a trip to Chicago for my 20th college reunion.  I hadn't been back since Dani was 6 months old...so it had sure been a while.  It was so awesome to be back in a big city and to see great old friends, and enjoy all of the cool things Chicago has to offer.

Navy Pier and the Chicago skyline.

 One of my best friends from college, Chang, spent tons of time with us.

 The kids had a blast with Uncle Chang!

 We rode a trolley.

 Enjoyed some Mexican food in the sun.

 Rode the rides.

 And enjoyed a wonderful reunion with my old besties!

 I'm sure not going to wait another 6 years to go back!

Tori turns five!

Some little superstar turned 5 this weekend!  It was literally an all-weekend celebration.

On Friday, a big box from Grandma and Grandpa arrived--we decided to let her open it while Skyping with them.

 Daddy baked the cake on Saturday.  Tori told him she wanted a Hot Wheels cake and he did not disappoint.  We enjoyed it on Saturday night.

 Sunday was the official birthday party.  Our first, but certainly not our last Chuck E Cheese birthday party.  (Also known as the longest two hours of your life.)  It was Daddy's first time, so I decided to let him man the floor with the kids while I set up for the party.

 Look at this picture quickly--if I said she just got her learner's permit, you'd believe me, right?  She looks pretty at ease in the driver's seat at age 6.

 Watching the Chuck E birthday wish.

 Cake!

 Her presents.

 She looks like a birthday Avenger!

Happy birthday, Tori!  We love you!

December!

We, of course, had a home celebration for Dani's 6th birthday.  So much fun.

 School Christmas concert...our fearless Tori had a case of stage fright!

 Not Dani!  She had a blast!

 For the first time we went to the Schenectady PBA Breakfast with Santa.  (Wes never mentioned it before this year, but it is, apparently an annual event.)  Dani meets an elf.

 Tommy was in awe of Santa!

 Another Tori oddity...she wanted no part of Santa.

 Until she got a present, then he got a hug.

 Celebrating Great-Aunt Virginia's 99th birthday at Teresian House.

 Tori had a haircut and asked for a blowout.  She loved it!

 And CHRISTMAS!

Of course, Grandma and Grandpa came!

We hosted a Christmas Eve party and the kids wanted to dress up!

 Posing with Grandma.

 Christmas morning! 

What a smart Santa!  He wrapped each kid's present in different wrapping paper!  Way to go Santa!

 Santa is apparently unfazed by the term "some assembly required".  It took Grandpa and Mommy about 45 minutes to put the trampoline together!  (So worth it, though!)

 No, it's  not KISS or the Insane Clown Posse, Grandma bought facepaints for the kids.  All Grandpa needs is a black star on his eye, and we'd have KISS.

 A balloon animal kit from Grandma.  (She didn't realize we were already pros at these types of balloons!  She tried to get Grandpa to blow them up, and then I broke out the pump!)

 New Years!  We rang the new year in at 8:00pm so the kiddos could participate!  (We also did it at midnight too!)

What a super fun December!

Skating!

 We went to an ice skating birthday party last weekend!

Back in the day, I was a darn good skater.  Fast forward 25 years and all I can say is, it's not like riding a bike.  It was HARD!

The kids had a blast.

Dani, to no one's surprise, was cautious, Tori, fearless.

Tommy was deemed too little to skate.  So he just made faces from the sidelines.

 Daddy was the official photographer of the day.

 Down goes Tori!

 I think I can do this...

 And afterwards, cake and pizza!

Good times with good friends.  Happy birthday, Liam!

Ringing in the new year with the folks.

 A few days after Christmas, my parents flew in for a visit.

So the kids had a second round of presents and holiday cheer!

The kids were so excited!

My parents are in their mid 60s, but you'd never know it by their boundless energy.  They are the most attentive and fun grandparents you can imagine.

 They wanted Grandma and Grandpa to watch Despicable Me.

 Tommy and Grandma doing a New Year's Eve conga.

 New Year's Eve wouldn't be complete without noisemakers!

 Wes had to go to work but I managed to sneak in a quick photo before he left.

 

As we start this new year, I resolve to take nothing for granted, to appreciate every moment, at home, at work, with my family and friends.

Cheers!