Three Men and a Lady

Christmas in a bullet-point nutshell:

December 22nd-We went to church for the Carols by Candlelight. You boys had a serious case of "ants in your pants-itis". We were scheduled to open gifts that night after church, so I think the anticipation was too much for you. When we arrived home, we opened up a bottle of sparkling cider, and we paired that with a dessert of delicious brownies. We toasted to a great Christmas Season. Daddy read the Christmas story, and then we visited each of your trees where you handed out the gifts you had purchased and made for everyone. Kent, you couldn't hold yourself back. You were jumping in circles, clapping your hands, and helping everyone open the gifts you wrapped for them. Parker, you were a bit more reserved..except when it came time for Daddy to open up his gift from you. You were giddy, joyous, and absolutely giggly. You kept laughing and hugging Daddy after he opened up his bags of Skittles from you. I truly loved watching you give..it was one of the highlights of my season. We then exchanged a few gifts from Daddy and I, and then we gave you your "big" gift. You boys were ecstatic to receive your Foosball Table. Much fun was had by all that evening.

12/23 We left Bethalto and drove to Chicago to celebrate with the Mangialardi side. Santa came to visit, and you enjoyed time with your cousins.

12/24 We celebrated at Grandma Joan's with Daddy's side. We went to church at Calvary in Naperville (where Daddy and I grew up going), and then we went back to Grandma's to open presents.

12/25 Santa came to Mimi and Pop Pop's house in the morning and you thoroughly enjoyed the morning. Parker puked during the opening of gifts, but that didn't put a damper on things at all. Parker puked again during brunch, but we all just laughed it of. After brunch, you boys went sledding with Daddy, Pop Pop, Uncle J and Uncle Rich. You loved every minute of it. That afternoon Papa and the Orcutts came over, and you played Minute to Win It and watched the big boys play Call of Duty.

12/26 We spent the day at Grandmas.

12/27 We spent the afternoon with our missionary friends to Indonesia, Jamie and Tasha Kemp and their almost 2 year old Phoebe. That evening we went to the Hongs house in Tinley Park to visit with them, the Konraths, and the Harris'. They are great friends who encourage us every time we are together.


12/28 We went to a hotel in Naperville with the Mangialardi crew. You got to hang out with your cousins and pals, Ncio and Gigi. Kent, this is all you have talked about.

12/29 We spent this day recovering from the hotel and relaxing at Auntie Shar Shar's house.

12/30 You spent the afternoon and night at Grandma's house. She took you to the Children's Musuem in Naperville, and to see Yogi Bear the movie.

12/31 We rang in the New Year at Mimi and Pop Pop's house with an indoor picnic. We were with Mimi, Pop Pop, Aunite J, and Uncle J, and Blake. You boys stayed up until 9:30.

1/1 We slept in a little, packed our car, and said our "good-byes". You boys fell right asleep, and I cried all the way from I-88 until I-355 hit I-55.

It was a whilrwind of a "vacation", but you were so blessed to see those we love, and to make new memories with them.

*coordinating pics to come. I just had to jot this all down before I forgot!